YBI renews Futuremakers programme to support young entrepreneurs hit by the economic impact of COVID-19

YBI and its global network are thrilled to announce the renewal of the Futuremakers’ MSME Development Programme. Over the next two years, the programme aims to support economic inclusion for micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners across eight countries.

The programme is delivered by YBI members and is funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, the lead delivery partner for Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative to tackle economic inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people in our communities. 

The Futuremakers initiative was first launched with YBI in 2020 in response to COVID-19 to support economic inclusion of MSME-owners across Africa, Asia and Europe. By the end of the first programme, 15,595 entrepreneurs (88% female, 12% male) had accessed in-depth support, such as webinars, mentoring and business clinics, coaching and advisory support.

For the new programme, YBI and Standard Chartered Foundation are working together and hope to provide in-depth support to 14,155 young entrepreneurs and crucial support to 30,000 young people wanting to start or strengthen their business. Priority will be given to traditionally disadvantaged business owners including rural, female entrepreneurs, business owners with disabilities and visual impairments and those excluded from formal financial support.

The programme will continue with the key objective of sustaining the growth of youth-led, women-led and inclusive MSMEs. Support services range from business development, mentoring, digital skills and soft skills, peer coaching, online learning platforms, pitch competitions and awards as well as webinars, workshops, business clinics and thematic seminars.

We look forward to another two years of our Futuremakers programme funded by Standard Chartered Foundation providing crucial support to young entrepreneurs to enable them to thrive post-pandemic.

Image: Entrepreneur Naoya Seki and partners, supported by ETIC in Japan through the Futuremakers intiative.