Empowering Youth: Fantastic Authentic Ways For Bangladeshi Youth Entrepreneurs

Supporting Young Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh: A Guide to Key Initiatives:

Learn about the various programs and organizations empowering the next generation of Bangladeshi business owners.

Explore the government, NGO, and private sector initiatives that are fostering innovation and economic growth through youth entrepreneurship.

Photo Courtesy: Positive Bangladesh Newsletter - Youth Empowerment Edition - May 2024

Government Initiatives:

• Startup Bangladesh Limited: This is the flagship venture capital company of the Bangladesh government. It invests in early-stage startups and provides them with mentorship and resources. Their "Shotoborshe, Shoto Asha" initiative aims to invest in 50 startups by 2021.  
• Youth and Sports Ministry Programs: The Ministry offers various programs focused on skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development for young people. These programs often include seed funding and business plan competitions.
• Bangladesh Bank Initiatives: The central bank has introduced several policies to facilitate access to finance for SMEs and startups, including refinancing schemes and credit guarantee schemes.  

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Development Agencies:

• BRAC: BRAC, one of the world's largest NGOs, has a strong focus on youth development and entrepreneurship. They offer various programs, including skills training, microfinance, and business development services.  
• ActionAid Bangladesh: This organization supports entrepreneurs through various initiatives, such as providing business development training, facilitating market access, and offering financial assistance. They have specific programs targeting women and marginalized communities.  
• UNDP Bangladesh: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works with the government and other partners to promote youth entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Youth Co: Lab, which fosters social innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.  

Private Sector Initiatives:

• Incubators and Accelerators: Several incubators and accelerators have emerged in Bangladesh, providing startups with mentorship, workspace, and access to funding. Some notable ones include BD Venture, iDEA Project, and Gaze Technology.  
• Venture Capital Firms: The venture capital ecosystem in Bangladesh is growing, with firms like Startup Bangladesh Limited, Fenox Venture Capital, and আইডিয়া Project investing in promising startups.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs: Many companies in Bangladesh have CSR programs that support entrepreneurship development through funding, mentorship, and training.

Examples of Specific Programs:

• BRAC's " দক্ষতা " (Dakkhat) program provides skills training and entrepreneurship development for underprivileged youth.
• ActionAid's support for acid survivors to start their own businesses, helping them rebuild their lives.  
• UNDP's Youth Co: Lab, which organizes workshops, hackathons, and competitions to promote youth-led social enterprises.  

These are just a few examples of the many initiatives supporting young entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The ecosystem is constantly evolving, with new programs and organizations emerging to support the next generation of business leaders.

Would you like to hear more about a specific type of initiative, such as government programs or NGO initiatives? 

Or perhaps you'd like to hear more inspiring stories of young entrepreneurs who have benefited from these programs?