Self-paced learning content on our Learning Portal

Launched in March 2024, the YBI Learning Portal is the go-to place for members to access all YBI services (excluding: Global Summit, Bootcamp and Member Learning Exchange). 

The YBI Learning Portal hosts a list of Interactive self-paced Learning Material, by providing a wide range of multimedia resources, including videos, interactive presentations and quizzes. In addition to this, the portal also hosts virtual classrooms and webinars which enhance the learning experience. Through dedicated spaces, the portal promotes collaborative learning where learners can connect, share and collaborate with other members. 

Listed below are the self-paced materials that are currently accessible via the YBI Learning Portal: 

Module one: Disability Inclusivity Toolkit 

Designed in collaboration with Sightsavers, this toolkit provides a comprehensive set of resources designed to remove barriers faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities during their business journeys.​ The toolkit aims to equip YBI members with the necessary tools and resources to better support entrepreneurs with disabilities. 

These tools cover a range of topics such as defining disability, common barriers to inclusion, language considerations, accessibility and reasonable accommodation, meaningful participation, the influence of cultural stigma and discrimination, safeguarding, budgeting for inclusion, and practical steps for starting.  

Module two: Inclusivity Toolkit 

The YBI Inclusivity Toolkit is a guide that supports organizations in becoming more inclusive, no matter where they are beginning from. The toolkit has been designed by and for YBI members across the world, but may be relevant to any medium-sized organization that is curious about how to practice inclusivity.  

It is a powerful resource for the network to put inclusivity into practice. Through the extensive co-creation and piloting process that we used to develop the toolkit, YBI members have not only started critical conversations about inclusivity, but have taken action with transformative results for their own organizations and for the entrepreneurs that they serve across the world. 

These tools allow you to identify, analyse and reflect on complex subjects and challenges. 

Module three: Social & Green Toolkit 

The YBI Social and Green Toolkit is aimed at organisations wanting to start or to improve their work with social and green entrepreneurs and can be used by trainers, coaches, and mentors to adapt their existing content and activities to the special needs that social and green entrepreneurs have. Members can use as many tools from the toolkit as they want: from picking just one of them to use sporadically, to combining various tools into a training, mentoring or coaching programme. Most tools are valid for both start-ups and existing businesses, but some may be more relevant than others depending on the entrepreneur’s stage. 

It builds on YBI’s and members’ knowledge and experience on what works and what doesn’t work when working with social and green entrepreneurs, who address social and environmental problems through their businesses. 

Module four: YBI Gender Inclusivity Toolkit 

The YBI Gender Inclusivity Toolkit was developed with and for YBI members to promote gender inclusivity within their organisation and their programming. 

This toolkit contains sets of questions to guide members thinking on gender inclusivity, tips that they can apply directly to their organisation, and checklists that ensure they do not forget anything. In this way, the resource aims to support members in their efforts to create a gender-inclusive organisation, cultivate an atmosphere of equality and support, and ultimately contribute to inclusive entrepreneurship support programmes for individuals of all genders. 

We understand that YBI is a diverse network of organisations working in different contexts and with different experiences. We are aware that it is not possible to provide a universal methodology for the promotion of gender inclusion across this diverse membership. That is precisely why this resource has been created with a variety of members, and it can be utilised by anyone in their own unique learning journey. Through thought-provoking questions, we encourage members and their organisation to reflect deeply on questions of gender inclusion – and in doing so, define their priorities and actions accordingly. 

Module five: Hello Design Thinking 

Developed by IDEO founder David Kelley, design thinking is defined as “a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer’s toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.” 

In this foundation course, members can learn about Design Thinking and get familiar with different tools and techniques that they can use in their day-to-day work and projects! 

The training is comprised of 5 modules: 

• Introduction 
• Engaging in meaningful empathy
• Creating actionable insights 
• Explore new solutions 
• Create new solutions 

Module six: Entrepreneur Innovation support (EIS) 

YBI’s EIS training is a self-paced online curriculum aimed at promoting and improving an entrepreneur’s ability to innovate, so that they can achieve their important business goals. The training introduces tools that entrepreneurs can apply to a business idea or an existing business in order to innovate, resulting in business grow, expansion and efficiency, as well as supporting the entrepreneur to save money and time, stay relevant, and stand out from competitors. 

The training of trainers (ToT) is delivered directly to trainers, facilitators, and mentors from YBI members, who have a direct impact on the establishment and growth of a young entrepreneur’s business. Once they complete the ToT, they are equipped to teach innovation to the entrepreneurs they support through mentoring, training and coaching. 

The training has 5 modules: 

• Defining Innovation 
• Applying Innovation To Business Ideas 
• Innovation For Transforming Businesses 
• Prototyping & Testing 
• Pitching