Slisha ServicesSlisha ServicesStrong beginning, best resultFor donations, contactSangeeta Shrestha
Youth Entrepreneurship Program

A world where youths are no longer idle and are sustained through their own business.

YEP develops young entrepreneurs and gives them business skills that hold up in any industry or career path — capacity building, seed money for an identified business sector, and technical assistance to start a small business or find a relevant job in Nepal.

Apply or refer a young personTraining only? See YET
A young man plating chow mein in the kitchen of his own eatery
12 mo
length of the programme
3 mo
preparation before a group starts
20–30
age range of participants
50%
women participants at every level

Purpose of YEP

The main objective is to promote youth entrepreneurship and self-sustainability, through two distinct initiatives: capacity building of the individual youth, and provision of seed money.

To inspire young people to follow their dreams.
To inform young people about the means of opportunities that surround them.
To involve young people in communities where members and mentors contribute.
Gain from the Youth's Forum experience while fostering national and global awareness, collaboration and leadership.
Activate the youth power in the nation's development.
Need of the hour

Young people must be given the chance to change the cycle of their lives.

Create a forum for youth, discuss their problems and identify solutions.
Analyse the situation of youth and develop an individual vision, mission, key issues, objectives and action plan.
Provide business skills training and start up their own business.
Actively engage youth in identifying their needs, capabilities and talent, so they are empowered to change the cycle of their lives.
A participant reading out her business plan to the group at a YEP session

How we do it

Before a participant formally starts YEP, we run a thorough preparation phase. It takes up to three months and varies from group to group.

1Information sharing meeting
2One-to-one interview with each potential participant
3Home visits and survey
4Meeting with the parents and guardians
5Parents and guardians workshop
6Final selection and group formation
Twelve months

Activities in YEP

During the twelve months of YEP, participating youths receive continuous training, visits and coaching — not a single course, but a year of company.

A YEP group working together on their business plans

They receive

Initial business skills training
Monthly business and soft skills training
Regular business visits
Regular mentoring and career coaching
Regular follow-up and progress monitoring

They gain

Meet professionals in various industries
Strengthen their communication skills
Gain business operation experience
“An empowered and skilled youth operates profitable business.”

Selection criteria

Age 20–30 years, exceptions are made only in special cases.
Minimum SLC / SEE cleared.
Strong commitment to create a future for herself or himself.
Agree to pay YEP fees and repay the YEP seed money with interest.
Parents or guardians willing to act as guarantor for the YEP seed money.

Identifying youths with the right commitment is critical — it is what maximises the impact of YEP and the success of each young person individually.

Our principles

The personal growth of an individual in a team environment is integral to creating positive change.
The ideas and beliefs of all people are equally valuable in that process, and are to be respected.
The potential for youth to affect positive change is enormous.
The best time to take initiative is now.
Social inclusion and gender equity: 50% women participants at all levels, with women and disadvantaged groups encouraged to take part.
Transparency.
Shared vision.
Sharmila Sunuwar in the beauty parlour she owns
In their words

“I own a beauty parlor. I had skills as a beautician but no money. From YEP, I received not only the investment as seed money, but also business skills without which I would not be able to operate my business with this success.”

“I was so inspired by the program that I insisted my sister also join in the program. We also benefit from regular business follow-up by the Trainer, providing us with much important input. We now manage all household expenses from this business and plan to expand.”

Sharmila Sunuwar

Why choose Slisha Services

Many years' experience in social entrepreneurship development and mobilisation in needy areas.
Our training and workshops always create an open environment where participants and facilitator learn by having fun. When you are enjoying yourself, you learn a great deal without stress.
We believe youths are the change agents of the country, and that youths have the power to change it.
We provide practical and theoretical training that motivates youth to start up their businesses.
We make regular follow-up after the training, so each youth stays focused on their vision and plan.
We are part of the youth's journey, supporting every step to overcome the problems.
Participants on their feet during a group energiser at a YEP training
A young woman sealing packets of furandana in her food processing workshop

YEP offers young people the possibility of building a better future for themselves and their families.

Applications, referrals and partnerships all start the same way — tell us who you are and what you want to build.

Get in touch