The HerVenture Summit & Expo 2025, held at the Theatre Guild of Georgetown, was a resounding success, convening a distinguished assembly of women entrepreneurs, industry pioneers, and national thought leaders. Under the theme “Future-Proofing Women Entrepreneurs: Innovation, Finance & Digital Transformation,” the Summit underscored the critical role of women in shaping the business landscape through cutting-edge technology, financial empowerment, and transformative leadership.
Powered by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. (ACI) in collaboration with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (CBFW), and generously sponsored by Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Republic Bank Limited (RBL), the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG), and the Small Business Bureau (SBB), the event provided an unrivaled platform for high-level discourse, strategic mentorship, and investment opportunities—reinforcing the profound impact of female entrepreneurs in Guyana and across the region. The Summit also featured key partners including the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, ActionCOACH Guyana, and NSBOmega Guyana Inc.
Trailblazing Speakers and Thought Leadership
The Summit was expertly guided by Ms. Amrita Naraine, Chief Projects Officer of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., who served as Master of Ceremonies. The event commenced with an official welcome, setting the tone for an afternoon of insightful discussions and powerful exchanges.
Ms. Leanne Baker, Senior Programme Manager at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to fostering female-led enterprises. She also conducted a live demonstration of the HerVenture app, showcasing its capabilities as a business education tool for women entrepreneurs.
A landmark keynote address, “Investing in Women, Igniting Economies,” was delivered by Ms. Mandie Mickle of ExxonMobil Guyana Inc., reinforcing the indispensable role of women in economic development. Her Excellency Ambassador Liselle Blankendal of the Embassy of Suriname to Guyana followed with a compelling address on “Women Shaping the Future of Business and Nation-Building.”
Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, delivered a thought-provoking address on “Women in Academia: Pioneering the Future of Education.” Her insights illuminated the indispensable role of women in shaping the academic landscape, fostering innovation, and championing inclusive education systems that empower future generations of female leaders.
Additional keynote speakers included:
- Mr. Jewsuan Edmondson, Senior Manager, Corporate & Commercial Banking at GBTI, presenting “Vision to Reality with the GBTI Grow Loan.”
- Mr. Dennis Heywood, Communications & Marketing Coordinator at the Small Business Bureau, addressing “Breaking Barriers and Creating Sustainable Growth.” ● Ms. Jasmin Harris, Committee Member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussing “How Women Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Networks and Resources.”
Live Business Pitching Session – A Gateway to Funding and Growth
A defining highlight of the Summit was the Live Business Pitching Session, where select female entrepreneurs presented their ventures before an elite panel of industry leaders, investors, and mentors. This high-stakes session unlocked access to funding, strategic mentorship, and invaluable business development resources, providing a launchpad for some of Guyana’s most promising women-led enterprises.
The panel of esteemed judges included:
- Mr. Altaf Hamid, Credit Analyst, SME Corporate Business Centre, Republic Bank Limited (RBL).
- Ms. Shevion Sears, Representative of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI).
- Ms. Denise Beepat, Senior Accountant, Mobile Money Guyana Inc.
- Ms. Rawattie Mahadeo, Chief Commercial Officer of GBTI.
The six women entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses were:
- Salima Dos Santos – Salogistics Consultancy & Training
- Raynuka Shecarie Tulsiram – Itika Social Media Marketing
- Alexis Stacy Reece – East Gate Products (Overall Winner)
- Menawattie Aray – Country Side Kitchen
- Shondelle Gray – Nail Room and Spa International
- Charlyn Miller – Impact Business Solutions
All women who pitched were awarded laptop bags by the Small Business Bureau (SBB), and the overall winner, Alexis Stacy Reece, received a grand prize of $100,000 from GBTI.
The Summit also featured two power-packed panel discussions, where accomplished women shared their expertise on global expansion, leadership, and financial inclusion:
- Panel 1: “Leading the Change: Pioneering Women in Business and Their Path to Global Impact” showcased visionary women who have transcended barriers and redefined the business landscape. This panel was moderated by Ms. Deborah Austin, Business Support Specialist of the Bankability Fund for Women, and featured:
○ Ms. Cassandra Crawford – Owner of Kaiso Fiesta Organic Juices
○ Ms. Wanda Campbell – Owner of Wonderfully Made Products
○ Ms. Alana Bunbury-Walton – Owner of Jars Zero Waste Store
○ Ms. Michelle Mohammed – Owner of M’s Medical Spa
○ Ms. Annabelle Carter-Sharma – Operations Manager of Total Property Management Services Inc.
Exhibition Hall Showcased Women-Led Enterprises
The Summit also featured a vibrant Exhibition Hall with 22 women entrepreneurs, all graduates of the Road to Growth Programme. These dynamic business owners showcased their innovative products and services, connecting with potential investors, customers, and industry leaders.
Her Excellency Jane Miller OBE, British High Commissioner to Guyana, delivered closing remarks, championing the role of women entrepreneurs as catalysts for national development.
A Prize-Giving Ceremony concluded the Summit, recognizing outstanding participants in the Live Business Pitching Session. Prestigious awards were presented by GBTI, the Small Business Bureau, and the Office of the First Lady, underscoring the unwavering support for female entrepreneurship in Guyana.
HerVenture’s Lasting Impact on Women Entrepreneurs
Through the visionary partnership of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the ExxonMobil Foundation, the HerVenture business education app has emerged as a transformative tool for women entrepreneurs in Guyana. To date, one in every fifteen women across the nation has leveraged its digital learning resources, with an impressive 27,800 users utilizing the platform to scale their businesses.
The HerVenture Summit & Expo 2025 marked not only a celebration of these achievements but also a launchpad for new opportunities, ensuring that women continue to lead, innovate, and drive economic change.
For more information about future initiatives or partnership opportunities, please visit ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. at https://actioninvest.org/.
