Applications are open for the Yunus&Youth Global Fellowship Program for the social entrepreneurs. The organization is excited to have new fellows join them to become a part of a growing community of young social business leaders that are leveraging their skills, experiences, and the Yunus&Youth ecosystem to further the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. The Y&Y Fellowship Program is a six-month online program that empowers young social entrepreneurs to develop their full potential. They help to strengthen business models, build compelling strategies for social ventures and expand professional networks.

The Yunus&Youth Fellowship Program 2018 supported 34 amazing young people from 20 different nationalities working on innovative solutions on the SDGs. In 2019, they will continue the momentum with talented people like yourself becoming part of the incredible community.

What is the Y&Y Fellowship Program composed of?

• Mentoring: a structured one-to-one relationship with an experienced professional which involves the transmission of knowledge, social capital, and guidance that enhance the fellow’s professional growth.
• Online Platform: a 6-month course in social business development. The step-by-step curriculum ensures that by the end, they will be ready to pitch to potential investors.
• Support Network: a system that facilitates the connection to like-minded professionals worldwide.

Yunus&Youth exists to make the challenge of social entrepreneurship easier. Y&Y was inspired by the work of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and his belief that companies and entrepreneurs can engage in business models that create real sustainable social impact. People around the world struggle with social problems: some lack access to safe drinking water while others struggle with unemployment or insufficient health services (to name a few). Here is where social business comes in. These early-stage start-ups drive social change because their founders are close to the problems they’re solving and the communities they’re helping. Like GreenChar in Kenya, where Y&Y Fellow Yina sells affordable charcoal briquettes that reduce the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses. Or Bella Handmade Jewelry, founded by Y&Y Fellow Walaa, which offers employment opportunities to women in refugee camps in Palestine. What makes social businesses unique is that they are for-profit, but they’re not profit-driven—they’re driven by their vision to improve society.

Eligibility

• Have started a social business and are relentlessly working on solving a social issue in your country;
• Under 35 years old;
• Have excellent English oral and written communication skills;
• Want to receive professional guidance to help your business grow and
  develop.