The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is pleased to announce that the 2025 ‘Teenternship Programme’—which is a key component of Chamber’s National Small Business Week (NSBW)—was launched on Friday, July 25 at the GCCI’s Waterloo Street, Georgetown Secretariat.
This two-week programme will see 15 Grades 10 and 11 students from School of the Nations and Camille’s Academy benefiting from practical work experience, with keen focus on leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and management during their attachment at 14 member companies of the GCCI.
In a message conveyed to the students at the launch, Councillor and Chairperson of the GCCI’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee, Mr. Orson Ferguson stated that this initiative offers an immersive experience for the next batch of young entrepreneurs. He noted that the programme is also aimed at creating opportunities and nurturing innovation, while investing in the future of entrepreneurship in Guyana. “The Teenternship Programme is not just any internship, it is a chance for you—our bright young minds—to step into the world of business, to learn, to contribute, and to be inspired,” he stated.
Secretary of the GCCI, Mrs. Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott in addressing the interns also urged them to fully utilise the opportunity that they are benefiting from. “I am happy that this is coming to fruition this year. I charge you to make memories and build relationships. Soak in everything that you learn, we are eager to hear your testimonials and success stories in the next two weeks.”
Meanwhile, President of the GCCI, Mrs. Kathy Smith, in addressing the students, encouraged them to use the internship to explore their potential and identity. “As you explore, figure out your gifts, figure out your talents, this is the right time for you to do that. And it’s easy to do that—ask yourself what is it that you love to do,” she stated.
Furthermore, she also advised the companies hosting the students to capitalise on the opportunity to nurture the future members of the workforce. “Don’t just see them as interns who require instructions, see them as someone who can, in the next five years, be entrusted with the task of negotiating on behalf of your company. They are coming to you with the perspective that you are an expert in what you do— show them that you are genuine in what you are teaching them,” she implored.
This programme is the first of a series of events and activities for National Small Business Week 2025, which will feature seminars, workshops and an exposition. NSBW is an annual event that is geared towards building the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in order to improve their operations and optimise their performance, while providing the skills and developing the networks needed to meet the demands of the evolving business landscape in Guyana.
This year’s National Small Business Week is being sponsored by Brava Business Solutions, Century Tamara Logistic Services Incorporated, Assuria Incorporated, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, KOJAC, Dynotech Construction Chemicals Incorporated, ACE Consulting Group, Vista Services Incorporated, Green State Oil and Gas Services Incorporated, Lodestar Incorporated, and Fine Arts GY.
