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

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

Share on:

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. 

Higher Education Accessibility Projects

These projects may include scholarships, financial aid programs, outreach initiatives, and support services to reduce barriers to entry and promote equitable access to higher education opportunities. By addressing socioeconomic, geographic, and systemic barriers, these policies ensure that all individuals can pursue higher education and lifelong learning, regardless of their circumstances.

Explore Policy Area

Vocational Training & Apprenticeship Programs

These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, allowing participants to develop valuable skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and gain relevant work experience. Integrating vocational training and apprenticeship programs into the higher education landscape, these policies help bridge the gap between education and employment and equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand fields.

Explore Policy Area

Adult Education & Continuing Education Initiatives

These initiatives may include adult education programs, continuing education courses, professional development workshops, and certificate programs designed to meet the needs of adult learners and working professionals. By offering flexible and accessible learning opportunities, these initiatives enable individuals to acquire new skills, enhance their qualifications, and adapt to changing career demands.

Explore Policy Area

Research & Innovation Funding

These policies may include government grants, scholarships, and research funding programs to advance knowledge creation, technological innovation, and scientific discovery. By investing in research and innovation, higher education institutions can contribute to economic growth, drive technological advancements, and provide students with valuable research opportunities and experiences.

Explore Policy Area

Industry & Academic Partnerships

These partnerships may involve joint research projects, internship opportunities, curriculum development initiatives, and industry-sponsored training programs. By engaging with industries, academic institutions can ensure that their programs are relevant and up-to-date and equip students with the skills and knowledge required for success in the workforce.

Explore Policy Area

Mental Health Services and Counselling

These services may include counseling sessions with trained professionals, support groups, and resources for coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Additionally, these policies may prioritize destigmatizing mental health issues, raising awareness, and promoting positive mental health practices throughout the school community.

Explore Policy Area

Safe School Environments

These policies include measures to prevent bullying, harassment, and violence and procedures for responding to safety concerns and emergencies. Additionally, safe school environments may involve initiatives to promote inclusivity, respect, and empathy among students and staff, fostering a sense of belonging and security for all members of the school community.

Explore Policy Area

School Nutrition & Meal Programs

These programs offer balanced meals that meet nutritional guidelines, incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Additionally, these policies may include nutrition education initiatives that teach students the importance of healthy eating and empower them to make nutritious food choices.

Explore Policy Area

Drug Abuse Prevention & Education

These programs provide age-appropriate education on the risks and consequences of substance abuse, teach refusal skills, and promote positive alternatives to drug use. Additionally, these policies may include strategies for early intervention and support services for students at risk of substance abuse.

Explore Policy Area

Physical Education & Activity Initiatives

These initiatives include structured physical education classes, extracurricular sports programs, and opportunities for active play during recess and breaks. By providing ample opportunities for physical activity, these policies aim to improve cardiovascular health, enhance physical fitness, and instill lifelong habits of healthy living.

Explore Policy Area
TOP