Apply for Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme: Seeking Young Basotho Entrepreneurs for the Programme that inspires action on global challenges through social entrepreneurship and the power of skills.
Background
Lesotho is faced with a myriad of challenges facing the youth, which were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the number of university and college graduates in Lesotho increases from year to year, it is estimated that of the 7,500 graduates who enter the labour market each year, half do not get jobs. [1]This presents several economic and development challenges. The high number of unemployed graduates implies that resources that should be engaged in the production of goods and services are lying idle; results in a waste of scarce resources and dampens the long run growth potential of an economy as earlier highlighted.
High youth unemployment is further associated with high levels of poverty and income inequality. When young people are left with no alternative but unemployment and poverty, they are more likely to join a rebellion as an alternative way of generating an income. As such, unemployment among the youth is associated with an increase in crimes such as robbery, drug related offences and murder.
The Audacious Leaders Network (ALN) is currently inviting applicants from Basotho for its Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme, which focus on young aspiring entrepreneurs within the age bracket of 18 – 35 years that have viable business ideas and those who wish to improve and enhance their businesses. ALN provides access to high quality learning content on entrepreneur, tools and technology for startup acceleration, dedicated coaching, mentoring and customized support, as well as the opportunity to tap into a diverse global network of potential supporters and investors.
Objectives
The YES Programme has the following broad objectives:
- To create an interactive learning platform to train young aspiring entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship and business management that will ultimately translate into improved efficiency and productivity.
- To kindle the entrepreneurial spirit of the youths.
- To act as an incubation center where business ideas are nurtured to their full potential as well as entrenching global best practices by inculcating a culture of innovation-driven entrepreneurship and ethics in the programme participants.
- Promotion of self-employment among graduates of institutions of higher learning, thereby changing their job-seeking mindset.
- To deepen financial inclusion by de-risking the young aspiring entrepreneurs and making them eligible for small business loans to be provided by ALN.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must
- Be a Mosotho based in Maseru, Berea or Leribe.
- New entrepreneurs, firmly planning to set up their own business or have already started one within the last three years
- Experienced entrepreneurs who own or manage a Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise in Lesotho
- Must have a viable business idea/business that is operated or will be operate in Lesotho.
- Must be within the age limits of 18 and 35. (proof of identity: Passport/driver’s License/National ID required).
- Must possess a minimum educational qualification of COSC/LGCSE.
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Hence, do not wait for the deadline to apply as space may be limited. Applications are open now, so what are you waiting for?
Applicants must apply online via given link below:
https://forms.gle/CYVPNwBb6hBRjuPF7
Or request an application form from:
Deadline for applications: 31st August 2022
For more information, please visit YES Programme on our Social Media Platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn:
FB page: audaciousleadersnetwork
Twitter: @leadaudaciously
Instagram: audaciousleadersnetworkLinkedIn: audaciousleadersnetwork
[1] UN Lesotho, Impact of COVID-19 on youth and adolescents in Lesotho