YBI welcomes new member in Japan, ETIC. to our global network

YBI is delighted to welcome a new member in Japan, ETIC. (Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities.) to our global network of youth entrepreneurship support organisations.

Founded in 1993 in Japan as a non-profit organisation, ETIC. is one of the largest networks of social change leaders in the country. ETIC.’s ultimate goal is to create ecosystems where everyone can unleash their entrepreneurial potential. They currently support over 1,800 young entrepreneurs through core incubation programmes and peer-support communities.

ETIC.’s flagship programmes, focused on building entrepreneurial ecosystems in Japan, include:

• Social Entrepreneurship School Initiative: ETIC.’s longest running programme trains and nurtures participants to tackle a diverse range of social issues through business and strengthens their entrepreneurial capacity. To date, 140 young people have completed the programme.
• Local Venture Lab: This regionally implemented business development programme gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to tap into ETIC.’s nationwide network of mentors and experts to strengthen their business ideas and plans.
• Makers University: The university offers state-of-the-art programmes that help students evolve the way they learn and tackle the issues they want to solve. Established in 2015, it is the largest community of Japanese undergraduate and graduate student entrepreneurs and is a place where they can meet like-minded peers and experienced mentors.

Naho Kawashima, Social Innovation Coordinator at ETIC., says:

“Becoming a YBI member gives us confidence that our work is globally relevant and recognized. Together with YBI and its members we hope to co-create many inspirational opportunities, and to mobilize untapped resources that enable sustainable and inclusive youth entrepreneurship worldwide.”

ETIC. will add a wealth of expertise and experience to our global network and we look forward to working together to support young entrepreneurs in Japan, and around the world, to thrive.

Explore more of our global network here.