Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment:

IVI empowers young people to become change-makers in their communities through trainings, mentorships, and community-based projects. This is achieved through the process of enabling survivors and their families improve their economic statuses and well-being. It involves increasing access to resources, opportunities, and skills, allowing people to make informed choices and participate fully in the economy.

These two are closely related concepts that promote financial independence, innovation and economic growth. IVI’s Entrepreneurship process involves designing, launching and overseeing a new business venture for our most vulnerable youth often with a focus on innovation, risk taking and scalability. Youth who have been enrolled into IVI’s programs together with its staff identifies business opportunities on an individual basis, mobilize resources, and create value through the sale of products and services, contributing to economic development and job creation.

IVI economically empowers its youth through:

• Entrepreneurship Training by providing workshops, mentorship, and resources to teach business planning, financial management and marketing skills.
• Business incubation through shared workspaces, networking opportunities, and access to funding sources to support startup ideas.
• Access to capital by facilitating connections, to microfinance institutions, grants, or investors for youth-led businesses.
• Mentorship and coaching through pairing youth with experienced entrepreneurship and professionals for guidance and support.
• Skills development by offering trainings in areas like technology, agriculture, or creative industries to enhance employability and entrepreneurial protentional.

“Economic empowerment of youth is the key to unlocking their potential, and the future of our world.” Kofi Annan