Reflecting on the first Youth Business International Bootcamp 

In June 2024, Youth Business International (YBI) held our first Bootcamp for young entrepreneurs supported by our international network of over 60 enterprise support organisations. The Bootcamp, held in London, UK, focused on impact businesses with a climate, sustainability or social aim.

After a week of 16+ learning and collaboration sessions – as well as a visit to the Houses of Parliament for YBI and The Entrepreneurs Network’s policy recommendations launch – participants reported an increased confidence in running a business. They also strengthened their skills in engaging stakeholders, investors and corporates. Importantly, the participants have formed connections with like-minded peers from around the world who are going through the same business stage and working to balance both profit and purpose. 

A highlight of the week was the pitch day, where the participants used what they learned during the week to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges in the hopes of being chosen as finalists in the 2024 Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. The public vote to decide the three category winners from the nine finalists selected by the Bootcamp judges closes on 16 August. See the finalists and cast your votes here.

The nine Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards finalists will join the YBI network at this year’s Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit taking place 8-10 October in Nairobi, Kenya. During an awards ceremony, the three category winners as well as the overall Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner will be announced. Find out more and register to join us here. 

Special thanks to Standard Chartered for your support with this event. Thanks also to our UK member Launch It for our main event venue, and to our member Hatch Enterprise UK for connecting us with Pizza Hut Foundation where we hosted our inspiration day.