EU supports youth entrepreneurship
The kick-start of a European Union co-funded project of € 2,4 million supporting youth employment through entrepreneurship was celebrated on 25 October 2016 in Ankara attended by the Secretary-General of Ankara Development Agency Mr. Arif Şayık and Counsellor- Head of Economic and Social Development Section of the EU Delegation Mr. François Begeot.
The "Growing and Prospering the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Ankara to Increase Youth Employment" project implemented by Ankara Development Agency has the objective to improve the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ankara targeting existing and potential young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 31. Under the project entrepreneurship training and services provided to young people will be improved. Senior mentors will be selected and guided to provide tailor-made mentoring to young entrepreneurs. At least 500 university students will receive practical entrepreneurship training. A technology commercialisation programme will be put in place. Ankara Entrepreneurship Development Centre to be operated by the Ankara Development Agency will be established, furnished through EU funds, which will be reference centre for entrepreneurial activities of the region.
The Europe 2020 strategy recognises entrepreneurship and self-employment as key for achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. In its support to entrepreneurship and self-employment, the European Union focuses its efforts on business start-ups by unemployed and people from vulnerable groups, support for social entrepreneurs and microfinance. This project is fully in line with EU's and Turkey's priorities, both put young people at the heart of employment policies.
On the occasion of the event François Begeot said: "Given all the global and regional challenges that we are facing youth employment continues to be a burning issue of the labour markets. Many young people today face difficulties to make the transition from education to work. Youth entrepreneurship is an excellent tool for boosting youth employment and is essential for growth and competitiveness. I congratulate Ankara Development Agency for their ambition to scale up entrepreneurship in this dynamic region."
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