Young people across many parts of the continent are turning to entrepreneurship out of necessity. Yet, many small businesses fail early due to limited access to business knowledge, professional support, and affordable workspaces. Without guidance on business formalisation processes such as business registration, statutory compliance, budgeting, and day-to-day operations, promising ideas struggle to become viable enterprises.

The Business Development Support for Youthpreneurs addresses this gap by equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and environment they need to run their businesses with confidence.

This initiative provides hands-on business development support for youth-led small and growing businesses through YOTA’s Skills Hub. Participants receive practical training, mentorship, and access to a professional co-working environment to strengthen their operations and decision-making.

Youth entrepreneurs are supported through a structured programme that combines learning, application, and personalised guidance.

Participants will receive support in:

• • Business fundamentals and planning
  • Budgeting, financial management, and record-keeping
  • Business registration and formalisation processes
  • Day-to-day business operations and growth strategies
  • Understanding compliance, basic taxation, and regulatory requirements

What your donation supports

Your contribution helps remove these cost barriers, so that young entrepreneurs can focus on building sustainable businesses rather than struggling alone:

• • 30-day business skills training
  • Business registration starter-kit
  • Business advisory support
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Post-training access to YOTA’s Skills Hub co-working space

Why this initiative matters

Youth-led SMEs are critical to job creation and economic growth, yet many young entrepreneurs are forced to operate informally and without support. Providing structured business development assistance improves survival rates, strengthens income stability, and enables businesses to grow responsibly. The Youthpreneurs Lab helps young people move from hustle to structure, from survival to sustainability.

Other causes to support

• Digital Skills for SHE Entrepreneur – Raising USD $27,000 to build the capacity of 15 young women entrepreneurs in a 12-week Digital Marketing bootcamp
• Youth Job Search Clinic – Raising USD $12,000 to give a second chance opportunity to the youth who are out of a job