FIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUNG SMEs DURING THE COVID -19 CRISIS.

Youth owned Small Medium Enterprises with limited access to finances and equally limited savings have particularly been hit hard by the impact of COVID-19.

The degree of challenge therefore means that a collective effort is needed to create an ecosystem of support. In our own small way we can all play part, here are five ways:

1.     Buy from Businesses owned by youths

There is no better way to show your support than using your wallet. Buy from businesses run by youths as a way of promoting their sustainability. Youths have a variety of businesses which basically means there exists a youth-owned Business for every need. A tip and a referral would go a long way after you are done shopping!

Buy youths, Build youths, Empower the society.

2.     Promote their Businesses on social media

We are all blessed differently with regards to the kind of social network we command. Use your social reach to support an entrepreneur who might be suffering during this pandemic. Create hashtags like BuyYouthBuildYouths and help them trend across board. Tagging an entrepreneur or their Business in your posts could send customers their way. Above all share! Share! Share!

3.     Alert them of emerging Business trends

Be the link between them and new Business trends in the market that may help them save on expenditure and also facilitate seamless operability of their enterprises. Every coin saved goes a long way in improving their economic and social standing.

4.     Mentor young entrepreneurs

Support systems especially those we can directly learn from either through observation or interaction are the backbone to every learner. Youths are on a continuous learning journey in matters Business. Being a good example to the youths on how to run successful enterprises is paramount. At every opportunity mentor them to be better Business people. Link them to trainings and seminars that may help them better manage their Businesses.

5.     Fund youth- owned Businesses

Funding and grants especially to youths who are struggling with capital for their Businesses is key. Nominate them to opportunities for government grants or any other kind of funding that may aid them to run sustainable Businesses.

By and large, let us all equip the youths with necessary information vital for starting and growing successful businesses aimed at helping them attain sustainable development goals.