ygap Ltd

Empowering CALD Entrepreneurs for Equity and Impact

Empowering CALD Entrepreneurs for Equity and Impact

The ygap Alumni Entrepreneurship Program bridges the gap for ygap graduates in Australia from culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD). The program has been designed to ensure ongoing support as they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. We welcome a diverse array of ventures, from businesses to social enterprises and charities, all committed to prioritising community ...

GOAL

$48,000

Australia > VIC > Metro
07/01/2024 > 30/06/2025

Field of Interest

  • Community and economic development
  • Education/training and employment

Target Population

  • Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and people from CALD backgrounds
  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
ygap Ltd ygap Ltd

ygap is a not-for-profit organisation driven by the belief that business can be a force for positive change in our world. We are committed to reshaping socio-economic systems to be more sustainable and inclusive, ensuring they benefit everyone. Our focus lies in empowering underestimated and underrepresented entrepreneurs, particularly those facing barriers due to gender, ethnicity, or background.

At ygap, we prioritise local entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on supporting women. Through a range of initiatives, including training, mentoring, access to tools and funding, we equip entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build businesses that address pressing social and environmental challenges. We understand that thriving businesses are essential for creating lasting impact and fostering resilient communities.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We work closely with cross-sector partners to cultivate environments where entrepreneurs can flourish. Currently, ygap operates in Kenya, South Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Australia, with dedicated local teams leading our efforts in each region.

Our work is guided by three key lenses: gender equity, sustainability, and digitalisation. We strive to ensure equitable access and opportunities for women, support businesses in becoming environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable, and leverage digital technologies to enhance market access and operational efficiency for entrepreneurs.

Since 2008, ygap has trained 752 entrepreneurs and has been at the forefront of driving change and fostering inclusivity across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By championing the success of entrepreneurs, we aim to tackle ingrained inequalities and create a more just and prosperous world for all.

Project Summary

The ygap Alumni Entrepreneurship Program bridges the gap for ygap graduates in Australia from culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD). The program has been designed to ensure ongoing support as they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. We welcome a diverse array of ventures, from businesses to social enterprises and charities, all committed to prioritising community and environmental impact. ygap ventures are encouraged to integrate sustainability into their operations and strategy, actively measuring their impact.

This initiative provides flexible access to resources, networking, and tailored training to meet entrepreneurs’ evolving needs. Participants can engage as much or as little as they prefer, with a focus on continuous improvement through monitoring and evaluation. The program fosters collaboration and community building, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive together.

Through targeted training, mentorship, and resources, the program addresses specific challenges such as digital marketing and climate resilience. It also leverages ygap’s network and marketing to promote alumni businesses, creating economic opportunities and growth for both ventures and communities. Equity is central to the program’s ethos, ensuring inclusivity and diverse perspectives through ygap’s sustainability, gender, and digital lenses.

By cultivating an enduring alumni community and supportive ecosystem, the program enables entrepreneurs to learn, collaborate, and succeed while making a positive impact on society and the environment. It unites a wide range of stakeholders, including mentors, donors, investors, and corporate partners, in a collective effort to support alumni entrepreneurs on their journey towards sustainable and equitable business growth.

Project Outcomes

The expected outcome of the Alumni Entrepreneurship Program is multifaceted. It aims to catalyse sustainable and equitable business growth while fostering a supportive community and positively impacting society and the environment.

1. Sustainable Ventures: Program graduates are expected to integrate sustainability into their ventures, actively measuring and improving their environmental and social impact. This integration ensures that businesses operate responsibly and contribute positively to the community and the planet.

2. Economic Growth: The program empowers entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses by providing access to resources, networking opportunities, and tailored training. As a result, alumni ventures are expected to experience growth, generating sales, procurement connections, and access to capital. This economic growth not only benefits the ventures themselves but also contributes to broader economic development in communities.

3. Community Building: The program fosters collaboration and community building among alumni entrepreneurs. By creating a supportive ecosystem where entrepreneurs can learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and share experiences, the program cultivates a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the alumni community.

4. Equity and Inclusion: Central to the program's ethos is the promotion of equity and inclusivity. Through initiatives that prioritize diversity, gender equality, and digital inclusion, the program ensures that all participants have equitable access to opportunities and resources, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

5. Positive Impact: Ultimately, the program aims to empower alumni entrepreneurs to make a positive impact on society and the environment through their businesses. By supporting ventures that prioritize community and environmental impact, the program contributes to the creation of a more sustainable and equitable world.

The expected outcome of the Alumni Entrepreneurship Program is a cohort of successful, sustainable, and socially responsible ventures, supported by a strong alumni community and contributing to positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $98,000
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Major donor $50,000
EXPENSES
Expense item Amount
Alumni Engagement Manager (part-time) $50,000
Program Design Consultant (part-time) $20,000
6 Master classes - venue and meals $18,000
4 Network events - venue and meals $10,000

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.