Abstract:
Rationale: Among the many global concerns, one which is a development priority for most countries is the need to facilitate youth access to decent jobs leading to their financial independence. And this can be achieved by promoting entrepreneurship and setting up new enterprises which not only assist in the establishment of new businesses but also inculcate an enterprising spirit among young people. Entrepreneurial competencies facilitate pursuance of business ventures and are considered critical occupational skills in the present-day scenario. The need for this ecosystem is more pertinent now because the COVID-19 pandemic has torn apart the dreams and aspirations of scores of potential entrepreneurs. It is time we gave them the much-needed boost by imparting the right education and providing them with an ecosystem that supports their on-going growth, up skilling and access to the tools and resources they need to develop their ventures.
Objectives:
The programme is designed to prepare youth for careers as business creators and developers. It instils in them the ability to identify entrepreneurial opportunities that exist, those that represent untapped markets, and those that can be created by applying existing technologies to new markets. It aims to train and develop well-rounded first-generation entrepreneurs who can establish and run their own businesses, and groom the younger generation members of business families and prepare them to take the reigns of the family business. The programme can also be pursued by management professionals who will be equipped with the skills to run start-ups and small businesses as managers. The specific objectives are to guide, impart skill, develop and facilitate Bhutanese Youth in setting up their own enterprises and not only become self-employed but create jobs for others also.