Project Outputs and Details:

The ‘Accelerating Youth-led Businesses in the Digital Era’ program, launched in 2019, was a collaborative effort between Youth Business International (YBI), IKEA Foundation, and the Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Advice & Helpcentre (BYEAH). The project aimed to support young entrepreneurs in Dhaka City Corporation and Shirajdikhan Upazila, Bangladesh, by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to start and grow their businesses. Here’s an overview of how the project was implemented and how the community was involved:

1. Project Launch and Duration (August 2019 – July 2022): The project was initiated in August 2019 and continued for nearly three years, concluding in July 2022. This timeline allowed for comprehensive support and training for young entrepreneurs.
2. Project Name and Objectives: The project was named “Accelerating Youth-Led Business in the Digital Era.” Its primary objectives were to empower young entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved urban and rural areas, with the following:

• Entrepreneurship Development Training
• E-commerce Training
• Basic and Advanced Digital Skill Training
• Decent Work Training Courses
• Business Development Counseling
• Business Mentoring
• Access to Markets (both online and offline)

3. Collaborative Partnerships: The project involved collaboration between several key stakeholders, including YBI, IKEA Foundation, and BYEAH. These partnerships likely played a crucial role in pooling resources, expertise, and support for the initiative.

1. Entrepreneurship Initiated: The program successfully supported 601 young entrepreneurs in launching their businesses. This achievement indicates a tangible impact on providing economic opportunities and a pathway out of poverty for these individuals.
2. Business Strengthening: The project also provided support to 169 existing young entrepreneurs, helping them strengthen and grow their businesses. This focus on sustainable growth ensures that the impact of the program extends beyond just business initiation.
3. Digital Skills Adoption: A significant achievement was the adoption of digital tools and technologies by 93% of participating young entrepreneurs after receiving training. This is essential for modern business operations and competitiveness in the digital era.
4. Decent Work Principles Implementation: An impressive 99% of young entrepreneurs who received training in decent work principles expressed their intention to implement these principles in their businesses. This demonstrates a commitment to promoting fair and ethical labor practices among youth-led businesses.
5. Job Creation: The program’s success in empowering young entrepreneurs and strengthening businesses contributed to job creation within the targeted regions. This is a positive outcome as it potentially led to a significant increase in employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
6. Community Impact: The project not only equipped young entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills but also had a broader impact on the community. By fostering economic growth, job creation, and a commitment to ethical business practices, the program positively influenced the communities in Dhaka City Corporation and Shirajdikhan Upazila.

The ‘Accelerating Youth-led Businesses in the Digital Era’ program was implemented through strategic partnerships, comprehensive training, and support for young entrepreneurs, and a commitment to ethical business practices. The project had a significant impact on entrepreneurship initiation, business strengthening, digital skills adoption, and job creation, benefiting both the youth participants and the broader community.