The basics for entrepreneurs in West Africa in one interactive program.
West African governments have recognized the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fuel economic development and combat unemployment.
In Guinea, where Dare to Innovate is headquartered, the YETP program progresses numerous priorities cited in the government's Socio-Economic Development Plan:
- Small enterprise development—vital in an economy where 90% of businesses are classified as small or medium.
- Lack of technical support—a significant factor impeding SME growth.
- Formalizing informal sector—Guinea's informal sector is estimated to employ 86% of the working population and constitutes nearly 50% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Youth employment, professional development, entrepreneurship and civic engagement—salient where 74% of the population is youth (15-35 years old, as defined by the Guinean Government) and 55% under the age of 20.
- Education, training and decent employment—with an overarching aim to assist youth in becoming responsible, engaged and well-rounded citizens in order to participate in national development and regional integration.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Training Program (YETP) is an introductory training course designed for youth interested in learning the basics of entrepreneurship. Originally designed for the Guinean context, YETP has been used to train thousands.
Candidates of the Dare to Innovate Conference can use a YETP diploma to satisfy the Conference’s business skills prerequisite.
Visit the Peace Corp's YETP site to learn more.