YBI and Standard Chartered Foundation extend BEST by Futuremakers project to support displaced Ukrainians in Poland

YBI and Standard Chartered Foundation announce the extension of the BEST (Business EmployabilitySkills Training) by Futuremakers project, implemented by Youth Business Poland, with funding from Standard Chartered Foundation, to support displaced Ukrainians in Poland into employment and entrepreneurship. The project provides professional and business development support through incubation programmes, advanced webinars, and advisory services and aims to reach 4700 participants by the end of June 2024.

The BEST by Futuremakers project launched in June 2022 and has reached 11 000 participants to date. Building on the emergency support provided in the first phase of the project, the second phase will provide more tailored, targeted solutions for young entrepreneurs who have established their business in Poland and are looking to continue its sustainable growth.

As part of the extension, we are introducing an incubator programme for existing businesses into the project. It will support participants with creating and managing stable enterprises that can generate employment opportunities and grow dynamically. Upon completing the programme, participants will have the confidence and tools they need to turn their ideas into a thriving business, leaving them well-positioned for long-term success. Participants will receive intensive training on business management, followed by mentoring opportunities, enabling them to effectively implement the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme’s duration.

Anita Tiessen, CEO of Youth Business Intenrationl (YBI), says:

“It has been inspiring to see the impact of the BEST by Futuremakers project to date. We’re delighted to be able to continue our support for displaced Ukrainians and other communities based in Poland with a new focus on empowering young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and create employment for others. YBI is grateful to Standard Chartered Foundation for their ongoing support and to our member Youth Business Poland for their commitment to driving inclusive entrepreneurship and increasing access to employment for displaced people in Poland.”

Anna Urbanska, CEO of Standard Chartered Poland, says:

“I’m extremely proud to see the results of BEST by Futuremakers project so far and the impact that it has on young people’s lives here in Poland. I’m thrilled that we will be able to continue delivering the project in cooperation with YBI and YBP, proactively responding to the changing needs of beneficiary groups. I’d also like to thank all Standard Chartered colleagues who have been involved in the project as mentors, advisors and trainers and I’m looking forward to seeing even more volunteering activities connected to the project.”

Adrian Migoń, CEO of Youth Business Poland, says:

“We are looking forward to the second edition of the BEST by Futuremakers program. Thanks to our cooperation with Standard Chartered Foundation, we can continue this program in a new format. In the first edition, we focused on helping as many people as possible to grow and relocate their businesses, and to help them find jobs when the demand after the war was huge. Now, we are focusing on individual development and long-term cooperation with beginner entrepreneurs. Our aim is to stimulate the development of new companies and creation of jobs which positively impacts our country’s GDP, as well as its competitive advantage.”

Read the full press release here.