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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation | Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation
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DTSTART:20220101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230504T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230505T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111250Z
CREATED:20230824T081405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111250Z
UID:10000021-1683194400-1683298800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 1: SMEs Flagship Training – Littoral Region
DESCRIPTION:6-MONTH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FLAGSHIPREGISTER NOW – Littoral Region\nOnline Participation – Register  Here\nLittoral – Douala: Hotel Serena\nBackground\nIn Cameroon\, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover\, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics\, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector\, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector\, for example\, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately\, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon\, foster economic freedom\, and empower both women and youth in the country\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business\, regulatory processes\, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.\nObjective\nThe main objective of this 6-month SME flagship business management training\, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nSupporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.\nGuiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.\nEnsuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.\nEmpowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.\nEquipping SMEs with up-to-date\, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.\nEducating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.\nEquipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.\nShowing SMEs\, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development. \nTarget audience\nThe training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs\, Business managers\, especially women and youth.\nOutcome of the event\nAt the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-1-smes-flagship-training-littoral-region/
CATEGORIES:Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SBEC-page-advert.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230426T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230426T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111450Z
CREATED:20230824T081419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111450Z
UID:10000026-1682503200-1682521200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 1: Job Preparedness Bootcamp – West Region
DESCRIPTION:JOB PREPAREDNESS BOOTCAMPREGISTER NOW – West Region\nLocation : \nBackground\nThe employment situation in Cameroon is characterized by underemployment. The proliferation of the informal sector is one of the factors that explain this phenomenon. The informal sector employs about 90% of the active population. Youth are increasingly struggling to occupy decent positions within the various administrations because of a number of barriers\, including the inadequacy of the quality of the workforce in relation to the human resources required by the economy\, but much more because of the non-compliance of enterprises with the regulations on labor standards. In implementing its new National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30)\, the government’s main concern is to “achieve full and productive employment and guarantee all women and men\, including youths and people with disabilities\, decent work and equal pay for work of equal value. Indeed\, although they have appropriate levels of education for the jobs they want\, youths and women still need better trainings to prepare them for the job market. To support youths and women and help them access decent jobs\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers in selected regions of Cameroon\, intensive Bootcamps that combine technical training workshops\, job applications and interview strategies\, experiential work-based learning opportunities and skills to improve the overall work performance. This Job Preparedness Bootcamp will be organized on a quarterly basis in each of the four target regions.\nObjectives and Conceptual Framework \nThe main objective of this job preparedness bootcamp is to harness and fine-tune the skills of youths\, women and Internally Displaced Persons and equip them with necessary skills for the job market.\nThe bootcamp will be organized on a quarterly basis in each of the four target regions.\nThis training is designed from a participatory process\, focuses on basic life skills\, technical skills development\, income generation skills and soft skills development.\nThe development of soft skills among women and young people will focus on five proven areas: self-control\, positive self-concept\, social skills\, communication and higher-order thinking (critical thinking\, problem solving\, and decision-making).\nThis training will combine technical training workshops\, job applications and interview strategies\, experiential work-based learning opportunities and skills to improve the overall work performance. \nTarget audience\nThis program is designed to target all age groups especially youth and women between the ages of 15 and 35 who have difficulties at accessing the job market or bringing to existence a business venture from their skills.\nOutcome of the Training\nBy the end of the program:\nMost of the participants feel more job ready\, show improvement in target areas and have better job situations within 6-12 months.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\,\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-1-job-preparedness-bootcamp-west-region/
CATEGORIES:Events,Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/JPB.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230425T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230425T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111250Z
CREATED:20230824T081405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111250Z
UID:10000022-1682416800-1682434800@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 2: SMEs Flagship Training – West Region
DESCRIPTION:6-MONTH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FLAGSHIP2st Training Session: 25 April 2023\nREGISTER NOW – West Region\nBafoussam – Hôtel Altitel\nBackground\nIn Cameroon\, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover\, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics\, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector\, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector\, for example\, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately\, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon\, foster economic freedom\, and empower both women and youth in the country\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business\, regulatory processes\, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.\nObjective\nThe main objective of this 6-month SME flagship business management training\, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nSupporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.\nGuiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.\nEnsuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.\nEmpowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.\nEquipping SMEs with up-to-date\, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.\nEducating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.\nEquipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.\nShowing SMEs\, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development. \nTarget audience\nThe training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs\, Business managers\, especially women and youth.\nOutcome of the event\nAt the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-2-smes-flagship-training-west-region/
CATEGORIES:Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SBEC-page-advert.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230422T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230422T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111846Z
CREATED:20230824T081450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111846Z
UID:10000037-1682157600-1682175600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 2: Job Preparedness Bootcamp – Centre Region
DESCRIPTION:JOB PREPAREDNESS BOOTCAMPREGISTER NOW – Centre Region\nYaoundé\nBackground\nThe employment situation in Cameroon is characterized by underemployment. The proliferation of the informal sector is one of the factors that explain this phenomenon. The informal sector employs about 90% of the active population. Youth are increasingly struggling to occupy decent positions within the various administrations because of a number of barriers\, including the inadequacy of the quality of the workforce in relation to the human resources required by the economy\, but much more because of the non-compliance of enterprises with the regulations on labor standards. In implementing its new National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (NDS30)\, the government’s main concern is to “achieve full and productive employment and guarantee all women and men\, including youths and people with disabilities\, decent work and equal pay for work of equal value. Indeed\, although they have appropriate levels of education for the jobs they want\, youths and women still need better trainings to prepare them for the job market. To support youths and women and help them access decent jobs\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers in selected regions of Cameroon\, intensive Bootcamps that combine technical training workshops\, job applications and interview strategies\, experiential work-based learning opportunities and skills to improve the overall work performance. This Job Preparedness Bootcamp will be organized on a quarterly basis in each of the four target regions.\nObjectives and Conceptual Framework \nThe main objective of this job preparedness bootcamp is to harness and fine-tune the skills of youths\, women and Internally Displaced Persons and equip them with necessary skills for the job market.\nThe bootcamp will be organized on a quarterly basis in each of the four target regions.\nThis training is designed from a participatory process\, focuses on basic life skills\, technical skills development\, income generation skills and soft skills development.\nThe development of soft skills among women and young people will focus on five proven areas: self-control\, positive self-concept\, social skills\, communication and higher-order thinking (critical thinking\, problem solving\, and decision-making).\nThis training will combine technical training workshops\, job applications and interview strategies\, experiential work-based learning opportunities and skills to improve the overall work performance. \nTarget audience\nThis program is designed to target all age groups especially youth and women between the ages of 15 and 35 who have difficulties at accessing the job market or bringing to existence a business venture from their skills.\nOutcome of the Training\nBy the end of the program:\nMost of the participants feel more job ready\, show improvement in target areas and have better job situations within 6-12 months.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\,\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-2-job-preparedness-bootcamp-centre-region/
CATEGORIES:Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/JPB.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230323T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230323T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111846Z
CREATED:20230824T081450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111846Z
UID:10000038-1679565600-1679583600@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 1: SMEs Flagship Training – West Region
DESCRIPTION:6-MONTH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FLAGSHIP1st Training Session: 23 March 2023\nREGISTER NOW – West Region\nBafoussam – Hôtel Altitel\nBackground\nIn Cameroon\, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover\, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics\, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector\, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector\, for example\, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately\, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon\, foster economic freedom\, and empower both women and youth in the country\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business\, regulatory processes\, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.\nObjective\nThe main objective of this 6-month SME flagship business management training\, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nSupporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.\nGuiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.\nEnsuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.\nEmpowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.\nEquipping SMEs with up-to-date\, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.\nEducating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.\nEquipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.\nShowing SMEs\, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development. \nTarget audience\nThe training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs\, Business managers\, especially women and youth.\nOutcome of the event\nAt the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-1-smes-flagship-training-west-region/
CATEGORIES:Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Event_temp_1200X600.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230317T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230317T130000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111846Z
CREATED:20230824T081450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111846Z
UID:10000035-1679047200-1679058000@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Presentation of a Briefing Report on “Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development in Cameroon”
DESCRIPTION:“POWERING PROSPERITY AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM FOR WOMEN AND YOUTHS- CAMEROON” (PPEF PROJECT)Presentation of a Briefing Report on “Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development in Cameroon”\nDate: Friday\, March 17\, 2023 / Time: 10:00 am (Cameroon time)\, Onsite Event\nVenue: Mansel Hotel\, Yaoundé\nBy invitation only\n1. Background\nIn enacting the 2023 Finance Law\, the government of Cameroon has decided on a series of measures that could more or less affect the ease of doing business in the country. These measures mainly concern access to electricity\, access to land titles\, the increase in the price of certain stamps and the recent increase in the price of fuel. The tax-free electricity sales rate for medium-voltage (MV) customers and the minimum thresholds for negotiating rates for “key account” customers indeed increased from 50 to 95 francs CFA between 11 p.m. and 6 p.m. and from 50 to 125 francs CFA between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.\, representing an increase of about 47 percent and 60 percent respectively during the day and at night (ARSEL\, 2022). The price of fiscal stamps\, which are widely used for the design of many files\, including those related to obtaining land titles\, has increased by 50 % from 1000 FCFA to 1500 FCFA (Finance Law\, 2023). As for the price of fuel\, a liter of Super will now cost 730 FCFA in gas stations\, up by 100 CFA francs (+15%) from 630 FCFA francs in the past. A liter of Diesel will now cost 720 FCFA\, up from 575 FCFA. This represents an increase of 145 FCFA\, equivalent to 25.2% in relative terms. In response to the increase in the price of fuel\, the Government has decided to raise public sector salaries\, but the private sector remains on the sidelines. All these measures could therefore have an impact on the business environment and the development of the private sector.\n2. Objectives\nThe main objective of this event is to mobilize stakeholders and obtain their commitment to work for a better support of entrepreneurs to overcome the problems they face and that make their enterprises vulnerable. More specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nPresenting the findings of a “State of Business” briefing in Cameroon on the theme : “Challenges and Opportunities for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Cameroon”.\nHighlighting the relevance of enterprise development for an inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Cameroon.\nDiscussing how the business climate should be improved to strengthen the resilience of SMEs in Cameroon.\nGathering stakeholder inputs to create impact. \n3. Target audience\nThe target audience of this meeting includes government officials\, Diplomats\, International Organizations\, Civil Society Organizations\, Academia\, Entrepreneurs\, Financial Institutions\, Business Incubators and Media.\n4. Expected outcome of the event\nStakeholders will be convinced about the opportunities for SME development in Cameroon and committed to working collectively towards improving the business environment in the country.\n5. Contact\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 654 86 72 54
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/presentation-of-a-briefing-report-on-challenges-and-opportunities-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-development-in-cameroon/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sans-titre-12-scaled-DakVbZ.tmp_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230221T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230223T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T111847Z
CREATED:20230824T081450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T111847Z
UID:10000040-1676973600-1677164400@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Session 1: SMEs Flagship Training – Center Region
DESCRIPTION:6-MONTH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FLAGSHIPREGISTER NOW – Center Region\nYaoundé\nBackground\nIn Cameroon\, 80% of the businesses created die before their first 5 years of existence. Moreover\, most of them remain in the informal sector. According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics\, about 90% of the labor force in Cameroon remains trapped in this sector. Women and youth are the most represented in this sector\, due to a number of challenges they still face. In the agricultural sector\, for example\, Cameroonian women represent 71.6% of workers in the informal agricultural sector. Unfortunately\, almost 52% of them still live below the poverty line and 79.2% of them are underemployed. This underemployment rate is estimated at 70% for youth. To address all the root causes of SME underperformance and access to employment in Cameroon\, foster economic freedom\, and empower both women and youth in the country\, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon”. This project offers a comprehensive training program for young entrepreneurs for a period of 6 months to enable them to acquire viable skills in management and business\, regulatory processes\, finance and other capabilities necessary for overall improvement.\nObjective\nThe main objective of this 6-month SME flagship business management training\, is to assist businesses establish a comprehensive small business strategy and grow. Specifically\, it will be a matter of: \nSupporting SMEs in the process of developing and delivering a comprehensive and complete business plan.\nGuiding SMEs in the establishment of an effective and efficient leadership.\nEnsuring that all SMEs in the informal sector smoothly move to the formal sector.\nEmpowering SMEs to develop and implement an effective and autonomous business management system.\nEquipping SMEs with up-to-date\, affordable marketing and sales strategies adapted to their sector of activity and level of development.\nEducating entrepreneurs on accounting practices and financial models adapted to their activities.\nEquipping SMEs with the means to recruit and manage the required HR for their business and adapted to their level of development.\nShowing SMEs\, the fundamental role of technology and innovation for business development. \nTarget audience\nThe training program is open to business owners/entrepreneurs\, Business managers\, especially women and youth.\nOutcome of the event\nAt the end of the training program there should be positive shift in the knowledge and application of the various modules in small businesses.\nLocation of the Training\nThe training shall take place in; \nCenter region\nLittoral region\,\nWest region\,\nSouth West region\, and\nNorth West region. \nFor more information\, please contact us at:\nEmail: info@foretiafoundation.org / Tel: (+237) 22 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/session-1-smes-flagship-training-center-region/
LOCATION:Mansel Hotel\, Quartier-Fouda\, Yaounde\, Centre\, Cameroon
CATEGORIES:Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SBEC-training-ban-eng-rec.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230119T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230119T153000
DTSTAMP:20250127T112047Z
CREATED:20230824T081514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T112047Z
UID:10000050-1674131400-1674142200@www.foretiafoundation.org
SUMMARY:Project Launch Event – “Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom For Women And Youths- Cameroon”
DESCRIPTION:Project Launch Event“POWERING PROSPERITY AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM FOR WOMEN AND YOUTHS- CAMEROON”\nDate: January 19\, 2023\nTime slot: 12:30pm to 3:30pm\nVenue:  Immaculate Heart of Mary\, Mvolyé – Yaoundé \nBackground \nThe Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center at the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is implementing a project titled ‘Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom for Women and Youths in Cameroon” with the financial support of the Rising Tide Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation.\nThe Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center is moved by reports of widespread disparities in freedom to economic access\, especially for women and youths. Borgne Project reported that 48% of Cameroonians were living below the poverty line (2017) and according to a report published by world bank\, for Cameroon to be considered an emerging economy by 2035\, the GDP would have to increase by at least 8% annually. At the same time\, the country faces widespread disparities in freedom of economic access\, especially for women. SMEs can fix these problems because they are key to addressing economic parity and GDP growth while making measurable progress towards improving freedom and meeting the SDGs. This bold statement is based on the fact that SMEs are the main economic drivers in Cameroon\, but there are underperforming. In 2015\, the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises\, Social Economy and Handicraft reported that while 95% of Cameroon’s economy was generated through SMEs\, SMEs only made up 36% of GDP. Regarding the report\, Laurent Serges Etoundi Ngoa\, the Minister\, said: “If SMEs were to contribute 50% of GDP\, we would already be an emerging country. 98% of Cameroon’s businesses are SMEs\, and 90% of those SMEs are “micro” enterprises (entities with fewer than 5 employees).\nThough business growth has been steadily rising for years\, 50% of new businesses fail within 3 years. SMEs are the main vehicle for economic outputs\, but they only have a small share of the economy and have a low success rate. This underperformance is a complex issue with multiple roots notably complex and high costly regulatory processes\, underdeveloped human capital and access to finance.\nWhen businesses fail\, they can’t create jobs talk less of stable and decent jobs. It is therefore imperative to support the growth and stability of small and medium-sizes enterprises so that to ensure the demand side of unemployment/underemployment for women and youths.\nSMEs have told us in various surveys that\, along with a more supportive environment from political and financial institutions to formalize\, they face a supply side issue for human capital. The workforce needs better business management and leadership capacity amongst other “21st Century” skills. As a leading incubator and policy think tank\, our work addresses these multidimensional issues at the individual\, community\, and national levels. \nObjectives of the launch event \nThe main objective for this launch event is to bring awareness and gain stakeholder engagement to the issues faced by SMEs and the needs of 21st century job seekers in Cameroon as outlined in the PPEF project planning documents.\nThe specific objectives are as follows: \nInform the Cameroonian public of what the SMEs Flagship and Job Preparedness Bootcamp trainings offer as opportunities\,\nUse the event as a platform to recruit additional members into the SBEC network\nUse the event as a platform for system change advocacy\nUse the event as a platform to network with other organizations supporting SMEs growth in Cameroon\nUse the event as a platform to network with other organizations supporting employability in Cameroon \nModerators of the event \nDr. Jean Cedric Kouam and Ms. Vanessa Forbin \nTarget Audience \nThe target audience for this event includes government officials\, foreign diplomats\, international organizations\, civil society\, academia\, SMEs and job seekers. \nPanel Discussion \nThere shall be a panel discussion during the launch event under the theme;\nThe path to SND30 – best practice in supporting SMEs to be sustainable in creating decent jobs in Cameroon
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/project-launch-event-powering-prosperity-and-economic-freedom-for-women-and-youths-cameroon/
CATEGORIES:Events,Powering Prosperity and Economic Freedom,Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PPEF-Launch-banner-eng.png
END:VEVENT
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