02 May Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Caribbean Youth (SESCY)
Building the Next Generation of Caribbean Entrepreneurs
From 2019 to 2022, Youth Business Caribbean (YBC) in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) implemented a transformative initiative—Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Caribbean Youth (SESCY). This regional project tackled one of the Caribbean’s most pressing challenges: youth unemployment, by equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and access to finance.
Spanning five countries—Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago, the SESCY project directly supported over 693 young people (520 female and 173 male) through structured training programs, mentorship, and community-based workshops. By promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career path, the project also strengthened the capacity of youth-serving organizations across the region.
Project Objectives
The SESCY initiative focused on two core objectives:
- Training and Mentorship: To help youth start or grow viable businesses.
- Access to Finance: To support micro and small enterprise development through improved financial linkages within national Youth Business Programmes (YBPs).
What Did the Project Do?
The initiative was structured around four major components:
Training of Trainers (ToT)
- Delivered to trainers across the five participating countries.
- Focused on effectuation, design thinking, business modeling, and innovative teaching techniques.
- Resulted in the creation of a harmonized regional curriculum with modules like Market Research, Prototyping, Strategic Planning, and Financial Literacy.
Training of Entrepreneurs
- Trained 693 youth entrepreneurs, with the highest number of participants in Dominica (209), followed by Barbados (207), Trinidad & Tobago (136), Jamaica (86), and Saint Lucia (55).
- Over 87.5% of participants said the training met or exceeded their expectations.
- 100% of participants reported an increase in entrepreneurial skills—especially in marketing, financial management, and strategic decision-making.
Community-Based Training
- Brought entrepreneurship education directly into underserved communities.
- Included localized training hubs such as the Haynesville Youth Centre in Barbados.
Business Support (Aftercare) Services
- Offered up to one year of business mentorship and six months of specialist guidance.
- Participants reported increased confidence, with 62.5% feeling more fulfilled and motivated in their business journey post-program.
Key Evaluation Findings
Criteria
Highlights
Relevance
92.5% of youth said training was highly relevant; helped address real challenges in customer acquisition, finance, and value proposition.
Coherence
95% of participants found the curriculum logical and easy to follow. Tools like the Business Model Canvas were widely used beyond the training.
Effectiveness
All participants improved entrepreneurial confidence. One participant described moving from a “5 to 7.5” on a confidence scale.
Efficiency
72.5% were satisfied with session lengths, though some requested more time on financial planning.
Sustainability
90% plan to use the tools long-term. 79% are confident they can maintain the progress made.
Impact
65% saw improved business performance; 77.5% made more informed decisions; many discovered new business opportunities.
Stories from the Ground: In Their Own Words
Participants across the Caribbean shared how SESCY reshaped their entrepreneurial journey. Here are some of their voices:
“Before the training, I just had a broad understanding of the environment—now the PEST analysis makes it more real.”
“It helped me to navigate the challenges of a small business—the language, strategies, and assessment of what I am offering and the market—such as ideally identifying my ideal customer.”
“With my modified value proposition, I am better able to prepare more focused proposals that are more informative.”
“The Business Model Canvas we received is still my chart to date.”
“I was able to restructure my business which saved money and reduced cost.”
“It changed the way I viewed business and, as a result, allowed me to make impactful decisions.”
“From a 6 to an 8/10—I was more confident and had direction after the class and mentor sessions.”
“I gained structure from training…I did surveys online and pop-up promotions. In both cases, I set out to remain true to my brand.”
“The training helped me create a business plan that landed me a grant to upgrade my business.”
“I recycle and use as much waste wood from the sawmill—and I also reuse shavings.”
These testimonials reflect how practical tools, mentorship, and strategic thinking empowered youth to view entrepreneurship not just as a survival tactic, but as a pathway to growth, confidence, and innovation.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The SESCY project is more than a completed initiative—it’s a blueprint for entrepreneurial ecosystem development across the Caribbean. However, it also revealed opportunities for growth:
Recommendations:
- Enhance Mentorship: Recruit diverse, experienced mentors and tailor support based on business stage.
- Improve Access to Finance: Partner with banks and explore global financial models to create youth-friendly financing pathways.
- Increase Networking Opportunities: Host quarterly events where alumni, mentors, and stakeholders connect.
- Leverage Technology: Use online training platforms and virtual mentoring to widen access.
- Update Curriculum Continuously: Adapt content to real-world trends and youth feedback, especially around digital finance and risk management.
The impact of the SESCY project is clear: hundreds of young Caribbean entrepreneurs are now better equipped to launch, grow, and sustain businesses that respond to local and global markets. From fostering innovation to increasing confidence, SESCY has helped reshape how youth view business—not just as a means of income, but as a path to empowerment.
YBC remains committed to scaling this work, strengthening partnerships, and unlocking the potential of Caribbean youth through entrepreneurship.