Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program
Through a strategic blend of mentorship, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities, the Youth Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program (YEMP) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
YEMP is ideal for:
- Aspiring young entrepreneurs (ages 16-30) who want to start or grow their businesses.
- Individuals looking for mentorship, networking, and real-world entrepreneurial skills.
- Anyone passionate about bringing innovative business ideas to life.
Success Stories
“YEMP helped me gain the confidence and knowledge I needed to launch my own business. The mentors were incredibly supportive, and the network I built through the program has been a lifesaver. As exciting as it is to start a business when you are young, there are a lot of things that are really intimidating. It’s been a blessing to have a group of people to go through the highs and the lows together with.”
“The Youth Entrepreneurship and Mentorship Program was a game changer for me. The coaches were kind and caring. They gave supportive feedback, and pushed us hard to develop ourselves. There are a lot of trust in these relationships. I’m was thrilled to win the pitch competition and the prize money made a real difference for my business. I would encourage any young entrepreneurial person to join the next YEMP cohort. I loved it.”
– Olga….. 2024 Pitch Competition Winner
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if you:
- Are driven to create or scale a business.
- Want mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
- Seek hands-on learning in key areas like marketing, operations, and finance.
- Are excited to pitch your business ideas and compete for investment opportunities.
- Want to be part of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Apply today and become part of a community that is shaping the future of business.
- Orientation: A comprehensive overview of the program, expectations, and resources.
- Entrepreneurship Workshops: Hands-on sessions building foundational skills in business planning, marketing, and leadership.
- Mentoring Sessions: One-on-one guidance from seasoned business leaders and entrepreneurs.
- Pitch Competition: Participants pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for prizes and investment opportunities.
- Certification: A certificate of completion awarded to all participants.
- Access to Business Advisory Services and Capital: Guidance on accessing funding options, including loans, grants, and equity.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts to build lasting relationships.
Take the first step toward entrepreneurial success by joining the next YEMP cohort.
- Business registration and licensing
- Writing a business plan
- Accessing start-up capital through loans, grants, and other sources
- Crafting a clear vision, mission, and organizational structure
- Developing a market entry strategy
- Market research and competitive intelligence
- Building a digital marketing strategy (social media, SEO, email marketing)
- Customer acquisition, loyalty, and retention strategies
- Implementing effective processes and systems
- Performance management and employee engagement
- Improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
- Building partnerships and collaborations to scale your business
- Exploring new markets and product development
- Strengthening market share through growth strategies
- Preparing for mergers, acquisitions, and other investment opportunities