Powering Generation Growth: The YBI Bootcamp online phase begins

This week, the YBI Bootcamp begins with over 150 young entrepreneurs from 33 countries joining our online accelerator.

Powering Generation Growth

The Youth Business International (YBI) Bootcamp is launching youth-led enterprises into Generation Growth – the next generation of entrepreneurs growing local and global economies sustainably through innovative solutions to the most pressing issues – through a two-phase accelerator programme that will instil the skills, tools, know-how and connections to grow their business, markets and profits.

The Bootcamp is part of YBI’s commitment to enabling thriving youth-led businesses to make the transition from start-up to scale, building stable economies and future-proofing job markets for generations to come. This is a unique opportunity to learn from impact entrepreneurship experts, collaborate with peers from around the world, and be shortlisted for the Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

A truly global accelerator

The YBI Bootcamp supports young entrepreneurs, including those from underserved backgrounds, with high growth potential, supported by its network of members, making its reach broader than many accelerators.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 cohort:

• 33 countries and five continents represented
• 41% female entrepreneurs
• 30% entrepreneurs from disadvantaged rural backgrounds
• 9% entrepreneurs who are migrants or refugees
• 37 YBI Members represented

Participants have the opportunity to learn how similar business challenges are being tackled in different contexts and gain fresh perspectives that will allow them to scale. The YBI Bootcamp aims to drive sustainable growth across borders and industries and build lifelong relationships with peers, investors, and collaborators.

“We’re proud to be supporting young people from across our global network with this initiative”, says Pat Shelley, CEO of YBI. “Expanding on the success of the previous YBI Bootcamp through our online platform, the EYE Academy, is enabling us to provide many more young entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to meet peers and showcase their business on a global stage, building on the work of the YBI Members who have supported them to bring further sustainability and growth to these high-potential youth-led businesses.”

Ten modules. Eight weeks.

Over the next two months, participants will have the opportunity to sharpen their business by learning alongside other ambitious entrepreneurs. The online course will help supercharge both their business and personal growth. Entrepreneurs will find out: Where is the real opportunity for growth? What is currently holding their business back? And what could they do differently to build a stronger, more future-ready business?

The YBI Bootcamp includes self-paced coursework, live sessions with tutors, networking opportunities, and webinars with subject-matter experts. Learning topics include business model analysis, pitching skills and storytelling, balancing financial, social and environmental sustainability, and supporting founder wellbeing.

The road to Nairobi

In November, when the online phase ends, 21 extraordinary and high-performing young entrepreneurs from the online cohort will be selected to join the in-person phase.

Happening in February 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya, the five-day bootcamp will be an opportunity to learn with experts, develop an entrepreneurial growth mindset, refine pitch skills and master effective leadership, all while networking with peers and business leaders to form lasting supportive relationships.

Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

All participants in the in-person phase will also be shortlisted for one of the three Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award categories:

• AI-driven entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs leading a business that leverages Artificial Intelligence as a core component of their products, services, or operations to drive innovation, efficiency, and impact.
• Social and Green Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs leading a business with the primary goal of addressing and solving societal and environmental challenges, such as poverty, education, healthcare, waste management or sustainable agriculture.
• Smart Growth and Innovation: Entrepreneurs leading a business with highly innovative products, services, or business models that enable significant growth and drive change within their sector or market.

An award ceremony will be held at the end of the YBI Bootcamp, where the three category winners and overall Global Young Entrepreneurs of the Year will be announced. A public vote will be held between the two YBI Bootcamp phases, and the final decision will be made after a pitch day during the week in Nairobi.

Keep an eye on YBI’s website and socials for an opportunity to meet the award finalists and cast your votes before the end of this year.