Entri-Forum is a 3-month youth entrepreneurship program designed to empower the young people of Eswatini by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to create sustainable job opportunities. The program will equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills, foster innovation, and support the launch of potential businesses, thus contributing to job creation and economic growth in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Program Objectives

1. Skill Development: Equip participants with essential business skills, including finance, marketing, and operational management.
2. Idea Incubation: Support participants in developing, refining, and validating their business ideas.
3. Networking Opportunities: Connect youth with local entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors.
4. Sustainable Practices: Emphasize the importance of sustainability and social impact in business practices.
5. Access to Resources: Provide access to tools, resources, and information to facilitate business development.

Target Audience

– Youth aged 18-35 in Eswatini.
– Aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals with innovative business ideas.
– Individuals interested in developing skills for self-employment.

Program Structure

Duration: 3 Months
Format: Combination of workshops, mentorship, and hands-on projects.

Month 1: Foundation of Entrepreneurship

– Week 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
– Overview of the entrepreneurial journey.
– Understanding entrepreneurship and its impact on community development.

– Week 2: Business Idea Generation
– Techniques for brainstorming and identifying viable business ideas.
– Researching market needs and identifying gaps.

– Week 3: Business Planning Workshop
– Crafting a business plan (mission, vision, objectives, strategies).
– Understanding the functions of a business.

– Week 4: Financial Literacy
– Basics of financial management (budgeting, funding sources).
– Understanding how to read and interpret financial statements.

Month 2: Business Development

– Week 5: Marketing Principles
– Basics of digital marketing, branding, and market research.
– Building a strong value proposition.

– Week 6: Legal Framework & Compliance
– Understanding business registration and legal requirements in Eswatini.
– Introduction to taxation and other financial obligations.

– Week 7: Pitching & Communication Skills
– Crafting an effective business pitch.
– Techniques for presenting ideas confidently.

– Week 8: Sustainability in Business
– Importance of sustainable practices in entrepreneurship.
– Social entrepreneurship and its role in community development.

Month 3: Implementation & Support

– Week 9: Hands-On Business Projects
– Participants will form teams to develop their business ideas into actionable projects.
– Facilitated workshops for troubleshooting and feedback.

– Week 10: Mentorship Program
– Pairing participants with local entrepreneurs and business mentors for guidance.
– Individual mentorship sessions focusing on specific business needs.

– Week 11: Community Engagement
– Encouraging participants to present their business ideas to the community.
– Feedback sessions to refine business plans.

– Week 12: Graduation & Pitch Day
– Final business pitches presented to a panel of judges, investors, and community members.
– Awarding certificates to participants and offering opportunities for seed funding or further mentoring.

Support & Resources

– Mentorship: Partnering with local entrepreneurs and business experts to guide participants throughout the program.
– Networking Events: Organizing bi-weekly networking opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders.
– Access to Funding: Collaborating with local banks and microfinance institutions to facilitate potential funding for viable business ideas.

Evaluation & Feedback

– Continuous assessment through participant feedback and evaluation of business projects.
– Post-program follow-up to track the progress and sustainability of launched businesses.

Conclusion

The Entri-Forum program aims to empower the youth of Eswatini with the tools and confidence to become successful entrepreneurs. With a focus on skill development, innovation, and sustainability, Entri-Forum will play a crucial role in shaping a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Eswatini, ultimately leading to job creation and economic growth.