Business Development Services Event Empowers Youth Entrepreneurs in Iringa
February 6, 2026 · Administrator Web
Cohort 3 – Digital Business Program | Going Beyond Project
Overview: Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship Beyond the Classroom
Youth entrepreneurship requires more than training, it demands access to services, networks, and institutions that support business growth. In line with this vision, IDYDC organized a Business Development Services (BDS) Event for Cohort 3 Youth Peers under the Digital Business Program, creating a platform where learning met real-world practice.
The event aimed to connect young entrepreneurs with essential business service providers and government officials, helping them navigate formalization, finance, markets, and sector-specific support.
Bringing Business Services Closer to Young Entrepreneurs
The BDS event convened a diverse group of stakeholders who play a critical role in youth-led enterprises, including:
- Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)
- Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO)
- Agriedo
- Yas
- Selcom
- NMB Bank
- CRDB Bank
In addition, government officials; Youth Officers, Community Development Officers, and the Livestock Officer, were present to provide guidance on policies, government programs, and compliance requirements.
By hosting all services in one space, the event reduced barriers that often prevent youth from accessing reliable and accurate business information.
Practical Learning for Sustainable MSMEs
Designed as an interactive and hands-on learning space, the BDS event allowed Youth Peers to engage directly with service providers through guided booth visits and one-on-one discussions.
Through these interactions, young entrepreneurs gained practical insights on:
- Business registration and taxation procedures
- Financial services, savings, and access to loans
- Product improvement, quality standards, and market access
- Digital payments and communication tools
- Sector-specific opportunities aligned with their enterprises
This approach reinforced the Digital Business Program curriculum, enabling participants to immediately apply what they had learned during training sessions.
Youth Leaders at the Center of Implementation
Youth Leaders played a pivotal role in the success of the event. From planning to execution, they supported Youth Peers by:
- Guiding them through service provider booths
- Helping them articulate business needs and questions
- Encouraging active participation and peer learning
Their involvement strengthened confidence among participants and demonstrated the effectiveness of youth-led facilitation in entrepreneurship development.
Strengthening the Digital Business Program under Going Beyond project
The Business Development Services Event is a core component of the Digital Business Program under the Going Beyond Project, which focuses on equipping young people with digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills.
By integrating training with direct exposure to business ecosystems, the program ensures that youth are not only prepared but also connected and empowered to grow sustainable MSMEs.
Partnerships and Appreciation
IDYDC extends sincere appreciation to all business service providers and government officials who contributed their expertise and time to support young entrepreneurs during this event.
Special thanks go to our Youth Leaders for steering the process from planning to implementation and ensuring meaningful engagement throughout.
We also acknowledge our partners Digital Opportunity Trust and Mastercard Foundation for their continued collaboration and support in implementing the Going Beyond Project and advancing youth economic empowerment.