Our Programs
Entrepreneurship Support
Empowering Youth to Create Opportunities Today — and Build Sustainable Ventures for Tomorrow.
At Harambee Youth Kenya (HYK), we believe that every young person carries the seed of innovation. With the right guidance, resources, and support, that seed can grow into a successful business that transforms livelihoods, creates jobs, and inspires communities. Our Entrepreneurship Support focus area equips youth with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities they need to build sustainable enterprises that create lasting impact.
Our Approach
We are committed to walking with youth through every stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from idea generation and skills development to financing and scaling. We believe in youth-led businesses as a catalyst for transformation, and we ensure that no young person is left behind due to lack of capital, information, or mentorship.
We support youth entrepreneurs through a practical, hands-on, and mentorship-driven model designed to help them start, grow, and scale their ideas. Our approach includes:
Entrepreneurship Training & Bootcamps
We provide step-by-step training on how to identify business opportunities, create business plans, manage finances, market products, and navigate the startup journey. Our bootcamps combine workshops, simulations, peer learning, and real-world exercises.
Business Mentorship & Coaching
Every youth entrepreneur is paired with a mentor who offers guidance, accountability, and industry insights. Mentors help refine business ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and build the confidence needed to keep moving forward.
Access to Startup Capital & Savings Support
Through the HYK Savings & Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO), we help youth access affordable financing, startup loans, savings plans, and investment readiness support. This empowers young entrepreneurs to launch and expand their ventures without predatory lending.
Market Linkages & Business Showcases
We connect youth businesses with markets, customers, exhibitions, and digital platforms to help them grow. We also organize youth business fairs where entrepreneurs showcase their products and network with buyers.
Digital Skills for Modern Entrepreneurship
We equip youth with digital entrepreneurship tools such as social media marketing, branding, e-commerce, digital payments, and online customer engagement — essential skills in today’s marketplace.
Enterprise Incubation & Support Services
Promising youth-led startups gain access to incubation services such as co-working spaces, business registration support, financial literacy training, and ongoing advisory services.
Programs Under Entrepreneurship Support
We nurture young innovators with the skills, tools, and support they need to turn ideas into income-generating enterprises and drive community transformation.
Startup Academy & Business Bootcamps
Our Startup Academy is a hands-on training platform where youth learn the fundamentals of starting and running a successful business. Through short bootcamps and intensive workshops, young entrepreneurs gain practical skills in:
Business idea development
Customer research and understanding market gaps
Business model design
Branding & value proposition creation
Basic bookkeeping and financial planning
Marketing and customer acquisition
Pricing strategies and cost management
Outcome: Youth emerge with a validated business idea, a simple business plan, and confidence to launch.
Youth Business Mentorship Program
We match young entrepreneurs with experienced business owners, professionals, and industry specialists who provide:
One-on-one mentoring and coaching
Business reviews and problem-solving sessions
Regular progress tracking
Emotional support and motivation
Practical guidance based on real experience
Outcome: Youth receive personalized support that increases their business success rate and helps them avoid common startup mistakes.
HYK SACCO Startup Loans & Financial Support
Through the Harambee Youth Kenya SACCO, young entrepreneurs access affordable financing that includes:
Small startup loans for new ventures
Business expansion loans for growing enterprises
Savings programs that encourage disciplined financial habits
Financial literacy training
Guidance on managing business finances
Outcome: Youth gain access to capital and learn responsible financial management, enabling them to grow sustainable enterprises.
Communication & public speaking
Leadership & teamwork
Problem-solving
Emotional intelligence
Career development & self-awareness
Why Entrepreneurship Support Matters
Entrepreneurship provides young people with the power to create their own opportunities in an environment where formal jobs are limited. It builds confidence, resilience, and financial independence while reducing unemployment and poverty.
1. Creates Jobs and Reduces Unemployment
Entrepreneurs are job creators. By empowering youth to start businesses, we address unemployment and stimulate local economies.
2. Enhances Innovation and Creativity
Young people bring fresh ideas, bold solutions, and digital savvy. Entrepreneurship gives them the freedom to innovate and create value.
3. Strengthens Economic Independence
Owning a business empowers youth to generate stable income, support their families, and achieve financial freedom.
4. Supports Community Development
Youth businesses often solve local problems, promote local products, and uplift communities. When young entrepreneurs thrive, communities thrive.
5. Offers a Sustainable Path to Wealth Creation
Entrepreneurship gives youth control over their economic future, enabling long-term growth, scalability, and generational wealth.
Get Involved
You can help young entrepreneurs thrive by sharing your expertise, partnering with us to provide training or market opportunities, or supporting our programs through donations. Your involvement helps young people access the tools, networks, and resources they need to build successful ventures and transform their futures.
Partner With Us
Support youth training, provide tools, offer internships, or sponsor training cohorts.
Support the Mission
Your contributions help a young person acquire the skills they need to build their life.
Join HYK Sacco
Join our economic advancement programs and take control of your financial future.
STEP 1
Registration
To access this opportunity, you’ll need to first register as a member of HYK SACCO. Membership gives you access to all our programs, learning resources, mentorship opportunities, and a community of peer entrepreneurs and youth leaders.
Once registered, you can submit your application — either online or at a local HYK center.
Application Period:
- Ongoing (apply early to secure your slot!)
STEP 2
Assessment & Selection
After reviewing applications, our team will invite shortlisted youth for a brief interview or pitch session (virtual or in-person).
During this stage, we evaluate:
- Your readiness and passion for entrepreneurship
- Commitment to active participation and learning
- Interest in working collaboratively in savings groups or enterprise teams
HYK values effort and potential over experience—every young person deserves a chance to grow.
STEP 3
Approval
Once selected, you will be required to undergo a mandatory 2 weeks business and financial training, and upon success completion and Agreeing to the SACCO’s repayment terms and schedule, you will receive the the microloan.
We don’t just give loans—we walk with you. Members receive:
- Regular check-ins to track progress
- Ongoing access to HYK networks and post-program support, and
- Marketing and business showcase opportunities
Donate to Help Us Fund More Economic Empowerment Initiatives.
Bank Transfer
Transfer directly to our bank account
Bank Name:
Absa Bank Kenya
Account Name:
Harambee Youth Kenya
Account Number:
2025488604
SWIFT:
BARCKENXVPC
MPESA
Send money via MPESA
Paybill Number:
303030
Account Number:
2025488604
Steps:
1. Go to MPESA menu
2. Select “Lipa na M-PESA”
3. Select “Pay Bill”
4. Enter Paybill: 303030
5. Enter Account: 2025488604
6. Enter Amount and confirm