Be Your Own Boss Progress Report January to April 2016

December 11, 2015 EDC through the USAID funded Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment Project signed a MoU with the Ministry of Communities governing the funding of the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) initiative. This funding of GYD 20,000,000.00 was awarded to oversee the implementation of the business ideas amongst disadvantaged youths in an effort to boost and sustain growth and development in Guyana.

EDC through SKYE has been able with the funding through SLED ensured the funding of startup businesses for 44 youth in regions 3, 4, 6, and 10 (See Appendix 1). Further 58 additional disadvantaged youth accessed training through SLED funding. However, fifty six (56) youth (See Appendix 2 & 3) have completed their business plan presentations in the month of April and have expressed interest in starting up businesses to empower themselves and develop their communities. SLED funding is realizing the opportunity for communities to benefit from increased economic activity thereby allowing youth and their families to enjoy the ‘good life for all’.