The primary aim of this project is to empower and support LGBTQIA+ youth entrepreneurs by addressing the challenges they face and creating opportunities for their growth. Specifically, the project sought to achieve the following objectives: -Encourage Skill Development: Provide LGBTQ+ youth with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to succeed as entrepreneurs, focusing on business development, financial literacy, and leadership. -Analyse and Share Insights: Understand the opportunities and gaps LGBQTIA+ face in entrepreneurship in partner countries and local comunities. -Strengthen Mentorship: Connect LGBTQ+ youth with experienced entrepreneurs and LGBTQIA+ mentors to provide them with guidance, role models, and supportive mentorship to get support for entrepreneurship and business challenges. -Empower Youth Workers: Equip youth workers with training and resources to better support LGBTQ+ youth in their entrepreneurial journeys, ensuring they can effectively address their unique needs. -Healthier integration of LGBQTIA+ in businesses and workforce. -Dissemination of project ideas and results and expand it to local authorities & organisations. -Design and disseminate an interactive handbook and BUSINESS PRIDE platform.
"To support diversity in business and demonstrate how our identities can drive both societal impact and entrepreneurial success." We applied for this project because we identified significant gaps and pressing needs in empowering LGBTQ+ youth in entrepreneurship. Despite societal progress in recognising diversity, LGBTQ+ youth remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial spaces. Their unique challenges—ranging from societal stigma to limited access to knowledge, and recognition—create barriers to their full participation in the labour market and business opportunities. Needs Addressed by the Project: -Stigma and Stereotyping: LGBTQ+ youth often face discrimination, stereotyping, and marginalisation in their communities, which limits their confidence and ability to start entrepreneurial ventures. -Knowledge and Skills Gap: Many LGBTQ+ youth lack access to business knowledge, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills. -Opportunity gap for LGBTQIA+ youth -Support for Youth Workers: who are often key supporters of LGBTQ+ youth, require better resources and training to address the needs of this marginalised group effectively. -Networking gaps: Lack of trustworthy and supportive role models for LGBTQIA+ learners.