The Vanguard Economics Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the second cohort of its Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program (YSEP)—a year-long initiative designed to equip with the skills, mentorship, and networks needed to grow sustainable, profitable businesses.
The Vanguard Economics Foundation focuses on youth because their ideas, energy, and ambition are central to Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. We do this to ensure that young people are not just beneficiaries of development, but leaders of it.
Despite their potential, youth entrepreneurs often enter a market where nearly half of new businesses fail within five years, largely due to limited capital, informality, and insufficient planning support. The Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program directly responds to these systemic challenges by equipping young innovators with the mentorship, structure, and networks required to build resilient, market-ready enterprises.
Building on the success of our first cohort, this program provides hands-on learning and ongoing support to MSMEs across Rwanda.
Participating in the program gives you the opportunity to:
Increase profitability and revenues
Learn advanced financial management, marketing strategies, and pricing
models to grow your revenue and reinvest in your business.
Find growth opportunities and stay competitive
Learn how to expand your operations, identify your clients, find investors, and comply in dynamic, African environments.
Attract and retain talented young people
Learn how to manage human resources, build the capacity of your team, and attract talented young people to advance your mission.
Strengthen managerial capacity
Build essential leadership, strategic planning, and operational skills to run your business efficiently and confidently.
Two intensive in-person learning modules
facilitated by an experienced business leader with over 40 years of business management expertise – including on topics such as financial management, tax regulations, sales and marketing, communications and digital marketing.
Biannual business planning and monitoring
Co-develop six-month business plans and receive dedicated guidance from Vanguard Economics to track your progress — keeping you focused, ahead of risks, and able to troubleshoot challenges.
Tailored Mentorship Support and Coaching
Get matched with experienced mentors to guide your business journey.
Networking with Investors, Regulators and Other Business Leaders
Quarterly in-person networking events and roundtables with business leaders, regulators, mentors, and program alumni.
Join our Alumni Network
Join a growing community of youth entrepreneurs for ongoing learning and collaboration.
Program Certification & Final Investment Pitching Ceremony
As part of the program graduation, receive an official certification and showcase your business to potential investors and partners.
Founder or managing director under 35 years
MSME with fewer than 50 employees
At least one year in operation
Formally registered with the Rwanda Development Board
Join a community of young business leaders who are scaling their impact and building sustainable enterprises across Rwanda.
The program will officially begin on Tuesday, February 17, for the first three-day intensive module.
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