GEN Suriname was officially launched in early 2024 as the national affiliate of the Global Entrepreneurship Network. Prior to this, many GEN programs were being executed in Suriname. Suriname is a country with a small population (ca 600k), it is, therefore, important to foster relationships and work out a structural model to ensure a sustainable business model.
GEN operates a platform of projects and programs in 200 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. By fostering deeper cross border collaboration and initiatives between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and entrepreneurial support organizations, GEN works to fuel healthier start and scale ecosystems that create more jobs, educate individuals, accelerate innovation and strengthen economic growth.
Moreno Jackson, who is now GEN Suriname’s managing director, participated in a GEN program in Jamaica in 2018 and upon his return he began to implement Startup Huddle Paramaribo. The program received support from several local stakeholders and partners including Leduc Academy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the US Embassy Paramaribo. During the same year, he organized Global Entrepreneurship Week with support from several local counterparts.
In 2020, the GEN coordinating team also started organizing the Entrepreneurs World Cup. This was again a huge success and received recognition from the Minister of Economic Affairs for being a real catalyst in helping entrepreneurs become more successful in pitching their business model to both local and international markets.
GEN Suriname is currently recruiting both volunteers and project team members to support its initiatives.
Programming
- Startup Huddle sessions
- Entrepreneurship World Cup
- Global Entrepreneurship Week
- Innovate Suriname Program in partnership with Innovate Guyana
Team
- Moreno Jackson, Managing Director
- Jalis Eduards
- Eurwin Daans
- Leanda Zeldenrust
- Priscilla Abhilakh Missier
- Rajiv Hieralal