Youth Business Sri Lanka programme is the country wide expansion of the Hambantota Youth Business Trust (HYBT) which has been in operation over last 10 years. Implemented in 32 countries and modeled after the Youth Business International of UK, youth business programmes supports youth to start a business. The objective of YBSL is to address socio-economic exclusion of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds through provision of financial support to “disadvantaged youth” who has a viable business idea, to start up such enterprises and to provide business support through the existing institutional frameworks and specifically through a business mentor.
CCC BuildingSecretariat and Board of Trustees: Led by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC), a national expansion strategy for YBSL was initiated in 2007 after extensive consultations with potential stakeholders, and a national board of trustees was set up. The YBSL National Secretariat is established at Ceylon Chamber of Commerce premises.
Today “ Investing in Youth” has become more important under the present context and YBSL seeks every support from the corporate sector in this regard. YBSL has a programme, a mechanism, administrative structure and responsible custodianship of Board of Trustees backed by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. It also takes the lessons and the experiences of successfully piloted Hambantota Youth Business Programme which has created over 400 youth entrepreneurs to date.
YBSL can support regional youth not only by means of financing but also by providing them guidance through mentoring. YBSL at present are being supported by few donors and we expect more assistance in the future. Your outreach programmes and CSR initiatives may have common interests same as the YBSL. By working together the programme outputs could be delivered better, with effective utilization of resources; which is mutually beneficial.
Small Business owners are largely forgotten. Thats why I only focus on them. I have experience several members of my family file bankruptcy due to small business failures. I also I suffered through 2 destroyed businesses due to failure however, in my failings I have learned some of the secrets to success. (Who can say they know it all?)
What I like about small business owners is that they are not afraid to take huge risks and lay it all on the line. But, I agree they do need a lot of help with their marketing. I think having them go the social media and email route is not only the least expensive but its also the most effective. Thanks for the stats!