What We Do
Since our founding in 2014, we haven’t wavered from our promise. Through collaboration-across sectors, and between local and international partners, we have hosted training sessions in communities of all kind from Mombasa to Lamu to Nairobi and Nakuru, gathering together thousands of young leaders ready to change their communities. We taught them how to pitch for investment. Connected them with mentors and like-minded social entrepreneurs. Helped them to turn their business ideas into reality and coached them in the most effective ways to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Where young people find inspiration
Where small individual encourages others
Where creativity and innovation open doors and change lives
Where diversity enriches us all
Governors Startup Challenge (GSC)
The Governors Startup Challenge (GSC) is an annual flagship program of YEPI where young people aged 18-35, from the coast region of Kenya, compete to design and develop new solutions to community challenges. GSC brings 10 best and brightest entrepreneurs from around the coast region of Kenya to Diani, for 7-day residential bootcamp of unique and intensive business development program. While at the Boot camp, GSC Finalist participates in academic sessions such as Human Centred Design, Site Visits, Community Service, Pitch Competition and Cultural Experiences that will expand their current knowledge about Business and Entrepreneurship. Apply for the next cohort
Social Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Development (SEED)
The YEPI-SEED Program is a 4-months simplified entrepreneurship program that equips youth with basic entrepreneurship skills, support and strength to take their businesses/ideas to the next step. With a focus on local business context, we mentor, educate and teach young people the Fundamentals of Starting and Running a Sustainable Business and includes relevant topic areas, such as; Developing a Business Model, Identifying a Market, Writing a Business Plan and Pitching for investment. The course also includes testimonials from successful YEPI Entrepreneurs who share their challenges and lessons learned from starting a business. Apply for the next cohort HERE
Students Talent & Leadership Management Program (STALMP)
Kenyan Schools aren’t offering enough opportunities for students to develop skills and talents. Even though students are interested in developing their talents, they often don’t pursue them for a career due to lack of access to information, mentorship and career guidance skills. YEPI-STALMP program promotes the development of education through STALMP hence making talent and leadership skills accessible to all students especially those with low grades but highly talented in other areas. STALMP, with its slogan of stamping the student’s talents will nurture the lost opportunities in our students.
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Kenya
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Kenya, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Embassy Kenya and implemented by Youth Empowerment Program Initiative (YEPI), is a program supporting the development of women entrepreneurs in Kenya. AWE provides women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses. Through AWE, women entrepreneurs participate in a facilitated online entrepreneurship program supplemented with localised content, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities. Learn more HERE
Women and Girls Accelerator Program (W-GAP)
Women and Girls Accelerator program (W-GAP) is a 12 months business accelerator program for women-led enterprises from underserved communities. W-GAP typically focuses on 4 critical industries: agri-business, manufacturing companies, the creative sector, and digitally-enabled businesses. Through tailored, unique, intensive and hands-on business accelerator program, women and girls participate in an intensive bootcamp style learning composed of 4 components, including; Business Analysis, Learning and Leadership Development Strategic partnership and Access to equity funding.