Empowering Entrepreneurs in Developing Economies through Social Innovation
In addressing the current innovation gap for developing economies, Global Minds Network is collaborating with local business schools and non-profit organizations to design a unique capacity-building program that empowers and engages high potential youth in social entrepreneurship, from concept to execution.
The ‘Empower’ pilot program was successfully launched in Kathmandu, Nepal in May 2019. The program focused on peer learning and mentoring through interdisciplinary teams with youth who were supported by a local eco system. The two week intensive training program involved two phases, from “Understanding Problems and Creating Solutions” to “Making It Happen: Turning Ideas into Actions”. Teams were organized by community challenges: Air pollution, waste management, job skills training, and education for women and children. The final day and team pitches delivered impressive solutions with awards for ‘Best Social Impact Idea’ (Community hub for clean water) and the ‘Best Social Action Plan’ (Greeting cards with seeds to promote a green environment). Certificates of Completion were awarded to all participants for mastering social entrepreneurship!
We launched a pilot program in Ghana from June 22 – July 1, 2021. We are also developing an online platform and seeking funding for expanding programs in Africa and South Asia in 2023. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to deliver our on-site program to Nepal in 2020-21. However, we delivered an online preparation program for Nepal and an online pilot program for Ghana in preparation for on-site programs in 2023. A dedicated non-profit organization will be launched in May 2023 with a new cross-cultural learning platform that combines online training with on-site delivery. We believe that fundamental challenges of economic disparities, poverty, women’s empowerment, and youth unemployment can be addressed through the power of social entrepreneurship in developing economies in 2023 and beyond.
Let’s create positive change and new opportunities for the next generation of local and global entrepreneurs. We look forward to your continued support for the Empower Social Entrepreneurship program in creating meaningful change for youth and communities in poverty.
