The role of Volunteer Business Mentoring in supporting youth entrepreneurship: A global perspective

Transcription

1 The role of Volunteer Business Mentoring in supporting youth entrepreneurship: A global perspective global youth economic opportunities summit 2017 Dr. Julie Haddock-Millar, Middlesex University Jessica Greenhalf, Youth Business International

2 agenda 1. YBI and mentoring 2. Research overview 3. emerging findings 4. questions and reflections

3 Youth business international and mentoring

4 Ybi is the global network of expert organisations supporting underserved young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses, creating jobs and strengthening communities.

5 We have 51 members operating in 47 countries across six continents. Our members provide a unique combination of local support including training, mentoring, access to finance and business development services. as a network we learn, innovate and influence together.

6 mentoring programmes across the ybi network active mentoring programmes

7 research overview

8 our research question How does volunteer business mentoring support young entrepreneurs to start and develop their business?

9 objectives 1. TO understand the impact of volunteer business mentoring on mentees, their businesses and their mentors 2. To generate learning on good practice that can be shared across the network and beyond to raise standards in mentoring

10 methodology longitudinal study using a two phased, mixed methods approach. Inception Desk review of internal and external literature to support development of the research framework and data collection tools. Phase one February January 2017 Global survey of mentoring programmes across YBI members in 42 countries, 85% response rate 1,068 mentors and mentees from eight YBI members completed an online survey 151 in-depth semi-structured interviews with matched sample of mentors and mentees from eight members Interviews with staff and other key stakeholders Phase two February March 2018 Data collection repeated Comparative analysis

11 initial findings: volunteer business mentoring makes a difference across all eight case studies: Mentoring plays an accelerator and escalator role; supporting young entrepreneurs to move from concept through to established trading and growth more quickly and at increased scale. Mentees report improved soft as well as technical skills as a result of mentoring. This includes increased confidence and self-esteem, and improved communication skills. Mentoring is seen to be of benefit to both mentees and mentors, reflected in the many examples of the relationship continuing beyond programme close. Without exception, the data demonstrates that volunteer business mentoring is having a significant impact on mentees personal and professional development in addition to assisting their business performance. Interim Report, January 2017

12 Case study snapshot: india In india, where YBI member Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) provides mentoring support in urban and rural areas across 8 regions. 70% of young entrepreneurs report increased sales, of which 56% attribute to mentoring 79% of young entrepreneurs report increased personal confidence and 70% report increased business management skills as a result of mentoring Furthermore, 1 in 10 mentors report they have assisted mentees in facilitating access to finance, improving business networks and helping to create new jobs in the business. Mentees also refer to improved digital skills and opening new markets as a result of mentoring

13 case study snapshot: INDIA mentee: runs a sustainable manufacturing business mentor: an electrical engineer and serial entrepreneur Mentee: Without the specific and right direction from my mentor setting up the business would not have been possible. Mentor: I have developed my own confidence; if my mentoring is getting results then I feel that the same success is possible for my business too.

14 initial findings: diverse programmes, shared good practice mentoring programmes across the network vary significantly, however there are a number of shared principles for effective programmes: Clear programme management structure Well-designed mentor-mentee matching process Ongoing support for mentees and mentors Measures to address barriers young women and others may face Regular review to continually evolve the programme

15 thank you. Questions and reflections?

16 jessica greenhalf Director of learning and influence, YBI

17 overview of the case studies Case Studies Case Study Countries Total Mentee Survey Responses Total Mentor Survey Responses Total Survey Responses Total Number of Interviews Case Study Country Mentee Survey Responses Mentor Survey Responses Total Survey Responses Number of Interviews Spain (pilot) Argentina Chile India Poland Russia Sweden Uganda

18 ybi mentoring programme framework 0. Planning 1. Recruitment 2. Registration 3. Screen and select 4. Training mentors and mentees 5. Matching 6. Monitoring and Motivating 7. Exit 8. Evaluation