Supporting Youth and Women Entrepreneurship in Georgia’ (YES-Georgia)

Created On November 23, 2023 | Last Modified On June 30, 2024

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Context and Issue

Youth Entrepreneurial Skills for Advancing Employability and Income Generation Program in Georgia” YES-Georgia was structured so Crystal Fund, as the prime implementer, provided training in entrepreneurial and business skills and operate a Youth Micro Equity Fund providing capital to young people to establish and operate small businesses. YES-Georgia is an innovative institutional model for the delivery of entrepreneurial skills and startup financing to youth and women by institutionalizing a network of Young Entrepreneurs’ Schools in seven cities of Georgia (Tbilisi, Gori, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Batumi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi).

Solution

The activity established a viable youth mentorship program that provides continued support to YES-funded start-ups. The activity also established an entrepreneurship curriculum taught in 30 schools, and approximately 3,000 entrepreneurs received training, and about two-thirds were female. The activity mobilized US$230,000 from private and public sector funds to support youth-owned and start-up businesses.

Impact

The activity benefitted about 1,500 youth and women by supporting new businesses and creating jobs. Key informants from a qualitative study highlighted several challenges related to youth entrepreneurship and job creation related to skills, poor infrastructure in rural communities, lack of affordable and accessible financing, and minimal networking opportunities.

Analysis

Innovative strategies to increase female participation in economic activities are being developed. However, implementing these strategies may be challenging in areas with complex social and cultural norms. Based on these intervention elements, whether the intervention will be replicable is uncertain. 

Technology Training for Teachers and Students

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E-Learning Platforms & Digital Classrooms

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Data Analytics for Education Management

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Online Assessment & Credentialing

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Infrastructure for Internet and Device Access

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Quality Childcare Programs

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Play-Based Learning Environments

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Early Development Screening and Support

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Universal Pre-K Initiatives

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Parental Involvement & Education

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