Vanguard Economics was founded in 2015 in Kigali as an advisory and research firm with the purpose to create a Rwanda based firm that delivers high-quality socio-economic and strategic research services tailored to the Rwandan/African context. Based on the notion that “social change is not a project that one group of people carries out for the benefit of another”, our main strategic goal is to build the next generation of Rwandan researchers in our areas of expertise. Our clients include Governments, private firms, multilateral institutions, foundations, and NGO

Website: https://www.vanguardeconomics.com

Launch of the Second Cohort of the Vanguard Economics Foundation’s Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program

Building on the success of its inaugural cohort of 10 youth-led enterprises, the Vanguard Economics Foundation is launching the second cohort of the Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program (YSEP): a practical, year-long initiative designed to strengthen the business capabilities, profitability, and resilience of young Rwandan entrepreneurs. The program supports early to mid-stage micro and small enterprises to scale sustainably.

Why join YSEP: 

  • Increase profitability and revenues: Learn advanced financial management, marketing strategies, and pricing models to grow your revenue and reinvest in your business
  • Find growth opportunities and stay competitive: Learn how to expand your operations, identify your clients, find investors, and comply in dynamic, African environments
  • Attract and retain talented young people: Learn how to manage human resources, build the capacity of your team, and attract talented young people to advance your mission
  • Strengthen managerial capacity: Build essential leadership, strategic planning, and operational skills to run your business efficiently and confidently

What the Program Includes:

  • Two Intensive In-person Workshops: Facilitated by an experienced business leader with over 40 years of business management expertise, these sessions provide step-by-step guidance on core areas essential for business growth. This includes topics such as financial management, tax compliance and regulations, sales and marketing, communications, digital marketing, personal and professional leadership, and day-to-day business operations. These workshops are designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills they can immediately apply. Past participants reported securing new contracts, improved financial management capacity, as well as increased revenues and jobs created.
  • Co-creation of Business Plans & Implementation Monitoring: Co-develop six-month business plans that align with your goals, market realities, and operational capacities and receive dedicated guidance from Vanguard Economics Foundation to track your progress. This will help you stay focused, remain on track, anticipate risks, overcome bottlenecks, and measure progress as you navigate through the program in a practical, hands-on approach.
  • Tailored Mentorship Support and Coaching: Get matched with experienced mentors from diverse industries to help guide your entrepreneurial journey. Mentors share insights on how you can strategically operate your business, scale, and navigate challenges common to the private sector.
  • Networking with Investors, Regulators and Other Business Leaders: Quarterly in-person networking events and roundtables that connect you with business leaders, regulators, mentors, and program alumni. Several alumni have reported gaining new partnerships and clients after engaging in these networking sessions.
  • Program Certification & Final Investment Pitching Ceremony: As part of the graduation program, participants will receive an official certification and get the opportunity to showcase their businesses to potential investors and partners.
  • Automatic Enrolment in YSEP Alumni Network : Upon completion, participants automatically join the YSEP Alumni Network, a growing community of motivated youth entrepreneurs. Alumni benefit from ongoing learning opportunities, peer collaboration, market linkages, as well as discounted access to future programs and events.

Participant Eligibility:

  • Youth-led business: Founder or primary decision- maker is under 35
  • Business size: Micro or small enterprise with fewer than 20 employees
  • Operational history: At least one year of continuous operation
  • Registration: Formally registered with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

Find further details and apply here: https://vefoundation.org/ysep/

Participation Fee: 200,000 RWF per year* 

*Rate has been subsidized by our donors

Deadline to apply is December 31, 2025!