We at Beyond Profit believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive development. But creating a new social business isn’t an easy task – it involves a huge risk (personal and financial), and a special mix of business know-how and savvy street smarts that aren’t easily taught in a classroom. How can we both inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to take that risk, as well as equip them with the skills to be successful? This group of social enterprises is doing just that. This week, we bring you five organizations supporting the next group of changemakers.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Social Enterprise of the Day – Youth Engagement Services
Pakistan; Non-Profit
In a nation like Pakistan, it’s easy for youth to feel disempowered. Flooding, political strife, and misused aid are daunting problems for even the most seasoned development worker. But Youth Engagement Services (YES), the first youth service organization in Pakistan, helps Pakistani youth realize that they can still have an impact on seemingly massive issues. YES helps youth create and lead their own service projects, in fields like education, technology, health, and relief work. YES doesn’t only reach out to higher income, educated youth looking to give back. They reach the non-educated sector as well, instilling a sense of ownership over the future of their country. Youth Engagement Services provides skill training, and support their creation of a business plan. Startup seed funding is provided through a variety of donors. And once the business gets off the ground, YES continues monitoring and metrics, to make sure they’re growing effective enterprises. Beyond social enterprise, YES hopes to create a new generation of active Pakistani citizens.
