Do you belong to an organization or social enterprise that is passionate about empowering young people to take charge of their future? If yes, the AU-EU Youth Lab’s Entrepreneurship Grants Program is here to help you make a difference.

This program provides financial and capacity-building support to initiatives that strengthen economic opportunities for young people, focusing on skills development, enterprise growth, and creating supportive environments for entrepreneurship.

What Does This Program Focus On?

The Entrepreneurship Grants Program is designed to address three key areas where young people face challenges in achieving economic independence:

1. Skill Development Opportunities:
   • Offering skills aligned with the needs of young people and the local economy.
   • Supporting new youth-led enterprises to get off the ground.
2. Sustainable Growth of Enterprises:
   • Encouraging youth-led businesses to grow responsibly while respecting social and environmental limits.
3. Creating Supportive Ecosystems for Entrepreneurs:
   • Improving conditions that allow young people to establish and expand their businesses.

What Are the Benefits?

Participating in this program comes with several advantages designed to boost the impact of your organization:

1. Financial Support:
   • Receive grants ranging from €30,000 to €50,000 to implement your project within your community or beyond.
2. Networking and Exposure:
   • Become part of a platform that connects you with peers, decision-makers, and stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
3. Capacity Building:
   • Access tailored mentorship and training opportunities to address your organization’s unique needs.

These benefits ensure that participating organizations not only receive funding but also gain valuable support to grow their impact.

Funding Details

• Grant amounts: Between €30,000 and €50,000.
• Eligible applicants: Individual youth organizations or consortiums of youth organizations.

This funding can help you implement innovative projects, expand current initiatives, and create sustainable systems for youth empowerment.

What Activities Can You Include?

Your proposal should outline activities that contribute to improving economic opportunities for young people. Below are examples of the types of activities you can include:

1. Developing New Skill Development Programs:
   • Example: Creating a curriculum module that addresses specific gaps in economic participation skills.
2. Scaling Existing Programs:
   • Example: Expanding current skill development projects to include young people in remote or underserved areas.
3. Promoting Collaboration:
   • Example: Establishing learning exchanges between youth-led organizations, businesses, and government agencies.

Proposals can include a mix of these activities or unique ideas that align with the program’s goals. The focus is on creativity and impact.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the AU-EU Youth Lab Entrepreneurship Grants Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Youth Leadership:
   • Your organization or enterprise must be youth-led, with decision-makers aged 18 to 35.
2. Social or Economic Impact:
   • If registered as a business, you must demonstrate a clear social mission alongside economic goals.
3. Legal Registration:
   • The organization or enterprise must be formally registered in one of the eligible countries and have a bank account and governance structure.
4. Geographic Focus:
   • Eligible countries include:
     • Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
   • The proposed activities must take place in one or more of these countries.
5. Financial Experience:
   • Organizations must have an annual budget or previous grants of at least €10,000.

These criteria ensure that the funding reaches capable organizations that are ready to make an impact.

Why Should You Apply?

This program isn’t just about financial support; it’s about empowering youth-led organizations to take their projects to the next level. By joining, you’ll gain access to a community of changemakers and receive support that goes beyond funding, including capacity-building, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Prepare a proposal that includes:
   • A detailed outline of your project’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
   • A description of how your project aligns with the program’s focus areas.
   • Proof of your organization’s eligibility based on the criteria mentioned above.
2. Submit your proposal before the deadline: 19-Feb-25.
3. Include any additional documents requested by the program to strengthen your application.

Key Information at a Glance

Take this opportunity to amplify your impact and empower young people in your community. Your ideas have the power to create real change. Apply today and be part of a transformative initiative!