Citi Foundation and Youth Business International Launch a Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Programme in Europe
November 25 2015 - 11:43AM
Business Wire
The Citi Foundation and Youth Business International (YBI) today
announced the launch of a regional programme to support young
people in their efforts to become entrepreneurs. Citi, through its
Pathways to Progress initiative will invest $1mn in the
programme.
“Expanding Youth Economic Opportunities through
Entrepreneurship” will be established in six countries throughout
Europe and will provide entrepreneurship training to 5500 young
people and help them to start or develop almost 1700 businesses
over the next two years.
The regional approach of this partnership will enable the
sharing of best practice, knowledge and methodologies by cross
border interaction. The programme, which will be implemented by YBI
members, will tackle unemployment and drive sustainable economic
development in Spain, Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands and
Sweden with the support of the respective Citi offices.
Rachael Barber, Head of Community Development, EMEA at Citi
commented: “Citi’s Pathways to Progress initiative is a commitment
by Citi across the world to give young people the opportunity to
develop their workplace skills and leadership experience and enable
them to compete in the 21st century economy. We’re thrilled to
partner with YBI and their member organisations to support young
people in our cities across Western Europe.”
She added: “The Citi Foundation and the Economist Intelligence
Unit recently launched new research showing that 79% of young
people living in cities across Europe want to be self-employed, to
start or grow a small business. The Citi Foundation’s partnership
with YBI will make this a reality, acting as a catalyst for
development and sustainability of high potential businesses that
will create jobs and support economic growth.”
YBI is building on the successful experience of other regional
programmes it has created, such as Youth Business Caribbean and
Latin America Youth Entrepreneurship Programme.
Andrew Devenport, CEO of YBI: “A regional approach to a youth
entrepreneurship programme ensures scale of impact through
combining the resources, knowledge and capabilities of experienced
YBI members working at national level to support young people start
of grow their own business. Europe is in need of such a programme
and I am confident that YBI’s regional model and Citi’s catalytic
support will help tackle unemployment in Europe and drive the much
needed sustainable economic development.”
***
Youth Business International (YBI) is a global network of
independent non-profit initiatives helping young people start and
grow their own business and create employment. YBI supports
under-served young entrepreneurs with a combination of training,
access to capital, mentoring, and other business development
services. YBI members have helped over 100,000 young people to
create their own business and generate employment. An estimated 70%
of these businesses are still trading after three years, with many
going on to create significant levels of employment and further
benefits for their communities.
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and
improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the
world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion,
catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to
building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More
than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of
Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought
leadership and innovation. For more information, visit
www.citifoundation.com
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151125005664/en/
CitiJulio CarlavillaWestern Europe Public Affairs
Cluster Headjulio.carlavilla@citi.com+34915384260orYouth
Business InternationalAndreea BordeiYBI Communications
ManagerAndreea.Bordei@youthbusiness.org+44 (0) 2033262099
Citigroup (NYSE:C)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Citigroup (NYSE:C)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024