RURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP (RDYE) is a 3.5 year project funded by Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and implemented by Mercy Corps Georgia.
The project contributors are Liberty Bank and International Foundation of Sport, Tourism and Youth.
PROJECT GOAL: The project aims to increase the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills of rural youth, develop agricultural and non-agricultural value chains (including in agro- and eco-tourism), increase access to finances and markets. The key focus of the project activities will be to improve social and economic participation and well-being of youth and foster their entrepreneurial potential. Obtaining enhanced professional knowledge and skills would help them find decent employment.
PROJECT IMPACTS: strengthened rural development in the target municipalities as a consequence of fostering entrepreneurial potential and improving livelihoods of young people (ages 18-35).
The project will be implemented over a 42-month execution period (Dec 2021 - May 2025) across four rural regions of Georgia in following 18 target municipalities.
TARGET GROUP: exiting/beginner young entrepreneurs and youth interested in entrepreneurship from target areas (age 18-35).
RDYE project will support at least 1500 young people (50% female), including youth from remote areas, ethnic and religious minorities, ecomigrants, IDPs, individuals with disabilities, and other youth disadvantaged based on social identity, to develop their entrepreneurial skills and capacity to create 50 sustainable, new and/or existing, rural agricultural and non-agricultural youth-led enterprises.
Kvemo Kartli Region: Rustavi, Marneuli, Bolnisi, Gardabani, Tetritskaro, Tsalka municipalities
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region: Borjomi, Aspindza, Adigeni, Akhaltsikhe, Akhalkalaki, Ninotsminda municipalities
Shida Kartli Region: Gori, Kareli, Kaspi municipalities
Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region: Mtskheta, Dusheti, Tianeti municipalities
RDYE project will support at least 1,500 young people (out of which at least 50% female), including from vulnerable and marginalized groups (among them from remote areas, ethnic and religious minorities, IDPs, individuals with disabilities, and other youth disadvantaged based on social identity), to develop their entrepreneurial skills and capacity to create 50 sustainable, new and/or existing, rural agricultural and non-agricultural youth-led enterprises.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES: Improved social and economic participation and well-being of youth as a result of enhanced entrepreneurial skills and support to existing and new youth-led enterprises.
1 Step 2 two-day basic entrepreneurship trainings for more than 1500 youth.
2 Step Intensive one week Business Excellence Training (BET) program for 175 successful graduates of basic entrepreneurship trainings.
3 Step Supporting 50 youth-led enterprises. Winners of business plan contest conducted at the end of BET program will receive on average 25,000 GEL financial support to develop new or existing enterprises.
4 Step Accounting and Taxation trainings for winner youth-led enterprises.
5 Step Individual and technical consultations, mentorship program for the project participants, as well as facilitating linkages between young entrepreneurs and businesses and financial institutions.