Join us for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2019

Anita Tiessen Chief Executive Officer Youth Business International

Every year Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) brings together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policymakers, to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit, foster collaboration and develop a thriving community. Next week GEW will reach and inspire ten million people with a calendar of over 35,000 events across 170 countries: everyone is welcome.

Youth Business International (YBI) is a global network of expert organisations supporting underserved young people to turn their ideas into successful businesses, create jobs and shape local economies. Active in over 50 countries, we have seen first-hand the impact young entrepreneurs can have – transforming their lives, their families and communities.

I am continually inspired by the young entrepreneurs I meet and the innovative solutions they are developing to tackle the challenges of today’s world – from Abhishek from Sweden, who sought to remove language barriers by developing a digital translation tool for the healthcare system, to Buram from Mongolia, who set up a small manufacturing business to support herder women. However, running a business isn’t easy and young people need tailored support and a conducive broader ecosystem to thrive. This is why initiatives like GEW – that bring all of us working in this sector together – are so important.

This year GEW focuses on the themes of inclusion and education, among others. At YBI we are committed to equipping underserved young entrepreneurs with the skills, resources and networks to start and grow a sustainable business. Our recent report Entrepreneurial soft skills for the future highlights the importance of developing ‘soft skills’ in addition to business and sector specific technical skills to thrive in today’s ever changing job market. 

Our global network works hard to remove the barriers young entrepreneurs face when trying to set up and grow their business. By engaging those who are often left behind in society, such as young women and young people living with a disability, our members are developing accessible services that benefit the whole community.

Throughout next week, we’ll be showcasing the diverse activities and events that our members have planned. From Trinidad and Tobago to Kyrgyzstan, we’ll celebrate our members and the entrepreneurs they support. We are also excited to launch two new partnerships, so watch this space for more information.

We wish good luck to all those involved in GEW 2019. I encourage you to join us – whether through attending an event where you live or engaging in the conversation online. It promises to be an inspiring and invigorating week ahead!