Have an impact on tomorrow...Today... USAID-Tijara IRAQ job creation program providing access to microfinance for young entrepreneurs and apprenticeship opportunities. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
This initiative received funds from the Ambassador’s Targeted Development Program of the U.S. USAID-Tijara implements an innovative youth-focused program to promote employment in underserved populat
ions and self-employment through the creation of new business enterprises for the youth of Iraq. The program promotes a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, creates job opportunities, and promotes employment generation by giving youth access to finance, creating self-employment opportunities and helping link employers with potential employees. The Iraqi Youth Initiative is implemented in 14 provinces through 15 Small Business Development Centers and Non-Government Organizations supported by USAID-Tijara. The Initiative focuses on rapid, programmatic results, the use of self-assessment tools and a nationwide scope.
1. Youth Entrepreneurship Resource Center: Located within the SBDCs, they serve as a one-stop repository of resources for young entrepreneurs wishing to establish productive businesses and seek gainful employment. The centers provide youth with counseling and business development services that enable them to set up new businesses and meet the pre-qualification requirements for the other activities of the program.
2. Youth Entrepreneurship Access to Finance: Partner MFIs have set up dedicated outlets to develop the provision of demand-driven financial services for the participating youth. It offers young entrepreneurs, who have received relevant financial literacy training the opportunity to secure innovative loan products based on the quality and substance of their business plans.
3. Youth Employment Promotion: This activity provides youth with employable skills training that can lead to an apprenticeship position with a business owner in their local community. It also provides business owners access to a pool of qualified youth allowing them to hire productive workers. The program provides training in basic English, computer operation, interview skills, and business etiquette to prepare participants for interviews with local businesses that are offering three-month apprenticeship positions, roughly half of which are expected to lead to long-term employment.
