Nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs: how to help young people succeed

Entrepreneurship takes hard work, perseverance, and a range of characteristics. If you're looking to inspire and support the next generation of talent, there are many ways you can help young people develop their entrepreneurial characteristics;

Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Encourage hands-on learning experiences. Entrepreneurship is all about taking action, so consider offering young people opportunities to work on real-life projects or start their own businesses. This could involve providing access to resources like funding, mentorship, or workspace, or simply encouraging them to get creative and try out their ideas.
2. Share your own experiences. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey at times, so it's important to offer support and encouragement to young people as they navigate their own path. Consider sharing your own experiences and challenges as an entrepreneur, and ask them curious questions about their experiences to help them understand and tackle common pitfalls.
3. Encourage networking and collaboration. Building a strong network is key to success as an entrepreneur, so encourage young people to connect with others in the industry. This could involve introducing them to mentors and reverse mentors, helping them join relevant organisations or groups, or simply helping them to seek out new connections and opportunities.
4. Provide access to experiences and training. There is always more to learn in the world of entrepreneurship, so consider offering young people access to experiences, resources or training programs. This could include workshops, webinars, or even simply providing access to systems that can help them learn new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
5. Emphasise the importance of continuous learning. In a world that is constantly changing, encourage young people to stay curious and open to new ideas. Encourage them to keep learning, and to share their knowledge with you.

By providing support and encouragement, and helping young people access the resources they need to succeed, you can play a key role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.

What does your organisation currently do to encourage entrepreneurship in young people? Tell us what you are doing, or have planned below.