Policy Papers

In this paper, Youth Business International (YBI) and Development Solutions, our member in Mongolia, call for a concerted effort to support youth-led green and social enterprises as critical drivers of sustainable economic growth.

With approximately 10 million social enterprises globally generating around $2 trillion annually and creating nearly 200 million jobs, the potential for young green and social entrepreneurs to reshape the economy is immense. These young visionaries are uniquely positioned to tackle challenges like climate change and social inequality, often bringing innovative solutions that reflect their values and community needs. However, they face significant barriers, including limited access to funding, market penetration challenges, and complex regulatory frameworks that can impede growth.

Our policy paper ‘Incentivizing and supporting green and social business models among young entrepreneurs to advance the Sustainable Development Goals’ shines a light on the critical role of youth-led green and social businesses in advancing sustainable development, the barriers they face, and how tailored support can empower them to achieve their goals.

To foster a vibrant ecosystem where young green and social entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to sustainable development, YBI and Development Solutions call for governments, financial institutions, and development agencies to:

• Create dedicated investment funds: Establish government-backed and international funds targeting young entrepreneurs starting green and social enterprises, accompanied by tax incentives for supporting investors.
• Subsidize sustainable production: Introduce financial incentives to help offset the higher costs associated with green production, facilitating access to eco-certifications for small businesses.
• Streamline regulatory frameworks: Develop tailored legal frameworks to create a supportive environment for green and social enterprises.
• Standardize impact measurement: Promote standardized frameworks for measuring and communicating the environmental and social impacts of businesses, alongside training and financial support for entrepreneurs.
• Integrate green and social entrepreneurship into education: Include green and social entrepreneurship skills in school curricula and adopt strategies to regularly collect, analyse and report data on green and social enterprises.