Youth Business International and Visa launch programme to help young entrepreneurs build financial confidence for Global Money Week 2026

This Global Money Week, Youth Business International (YBI), in collaboration with proud sponsor Visa, is pleased to announce the launch of a new programme to strengthen the financial skills and confidence of young entrepreneurs across Europe.

Financial skills for scaling businesses

FINESSE: Financial Skills for Scaling Entrepreneurs in Europe, will support 1,000 young entrepreneurs aged 18–35 in Poland, France and the UK, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and grow resilient businesses. 60 growth-stage entrepreneurs will benefit from tailored, in-depth training to better understand their financial position and develop clear strategies to access the right capital for their next stage of growth.

This year’s Global Money Week theme, “Smart Money Talks,” highlights the importance of open conversations, informed choices and financial confidence. The FINESSE programme drives this aim by encouraging young founders to build the language, understanding and confidence to talk about money—whether that means managing cash flow, negotiating with investors, or planning long-term growth.

“We know financial literacy is more than just a technical skill. It’s about confidence, clarity, and the ability to have informed conversations about money,” said Anita Tiessen, CEO of YBI.

“Through this programme, we want young entrepreneurs to not only improve their financial skills, but be able to speak the language of finance, make effective decisions and unlock new opportunities for their businesses to thrive.”

Anita Tiessen, CEO of YBI

The FINESSE Playbook

Entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway to economic independence, social integration and long-term stability. Yet many young entrepreneurs lack the financial knowledge required to scale, particularly when navigating complex funding environments. By building practical financial capability, the programme aims to empower young people to take control of their business journeys and strengthen their role as drivers of inclusive economic growth.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the FINESSE Playbook, a free digital resource designed to make financial learning widely accessible. Available in English, Polish and French, the playbook curates the most impactful content from YBI’s Financing Strategy curriculum alongside bespoke materials from Visa. It introduces key concepts such as milestone-driven growth, identifying funding gaps, choosing right-fit capital and capital stacking. The guide encourages entrepreneurs to engage in “smart money talks” by helping them understand what investors and lenders are looking for and how to present their business effectively.

Download a copy of the FINESSE Playbook here.

FINESSE training

Alongside the playbook, the FINESSE programme will deliver bespoke training through YBI’s EYE Academy. At least 60 growth-stage entrepreneurs will take part in a blended learning experience combining live sessions and self-paced modules. Participants will learn how to assess their current financial situation, identify present and future financing needs, navigate funding options and develop actionable plans to secure investment. The training will be delivered in English, Polish and French to ensure accessibility across the three countries.

The programme will be implemented in partnership with YBI member organisations POSITIV in France, The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) in the UK, and Youth Business Poland in Poland, ensuring local expertise and tailored support.

Young entrepreneurs based in the three countries can now register for the training.

Smart Money Talks

This Global Money Week, YBI and proud sponsor Visa aim to spark a wider conversation about the importance of financial literacy for youth-led businesses. Equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills to make informed financial decisions that not only strengthen individual ventures but also contribute to resilient communities and sustainable economic growth in the long term.

Through FINESSE, more young entrepreneurs across Europe will be equipped with essential skills,  supporting them to thrive – unlocking their potential as resilient, confident contributors to Europe’s inclusive economic growth.

Find out more about the FINESSE programme here.