The programme seeks to identify, inspire and empower 30 young social entrepreneurs to recognise opportunities, explore innovative approaches, mobilise resources, manage risks, and build viable social enterprises. The programme will also invest a minimum total of $15,000 in grant funding to top fellows during the programme.

Benefits

• Hands-on training sessions delivered by experienced facilitators tailored to help entrepreneurs become a great leaders equipped with skills that are vital to helping their ventures grow
• Practical and real-world sessions with leading entrepreneurs and facilitators that provide the opportunity to apply what is being learnt while getting feedback vital to helping their ventures grow
• Access funding up to $15,000, during the six months programme, at least three fellows will be selected to receive a minimum of $15,000 in total grants, which is zero equity funding (entrepreneurs will also be connected to other funding opportunities available)
• As part of the programme, connection to other social entrepreneurs, mentors and other entrepreneurship ecosystem players, including exclusive opportunities and workshops
• Participants will enjoy a three-month membership that will give them full access to work from the YES co-working space so as to grow their ventures (teams can enjoy this during the programme)
• Entrepreneurs will have access to startup services such as accounting, legal, sales, talent at a subsidised rate as being part of the programme (teams will also receive follow-up investment)

Eligibility

• The YES Programme is looking for self-starters, leaders, changemakers who are building viable businesses and creating impact in their local communities and beyond
• The venture must be solving a clear problem in the community
• There must be a viable and tested solution already in place, not just an idea
• The social venture should have a viable business model
• The venture should have at least some paying customers or be making revenue in the past six months
• There should be ambition by the founder of the venture to grow to achieve large scale impact
• The applicant can commit to attend weekly sessions (every Saturday) in Nairobi, Kenya, from August to December 2020
• The applicant can commit to do weekly tasks in relation to their venture
• The applicant must be working either full time or at least 30 hours per week in their venture
• The applicant must be below 30 years of age when applying
• The venture is legally registered in Kenya or in the process of registration