Turning Youth-Led Ideas into Investment-Ready Impact Businesses

Zambia & Zimbabwe YMCAs SAMS : Strengthening Governance, Health Programming and Movement Alignment Through Strategic Reflection

16/02/2026

The WORLD YMCA is launching an Investment Readiness Capacity-Building Programme for youth teams within National Movements, delivered in partnership with The Relevant Academy (training provider).
Young people across the YMCA Movement are developing innovative solutions to address social and environmental challenges in their communities. However, turning these ideas into sustainable and scalable ventures often requires stronger business models, financial planning, and access to the right networks.
The Relevant Academy on Investment Readiness is an 8-week online programme designed to equip youth-led teams with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to transform their ideas into viable and investment-ready social enterprises.
Through a structured learning journey combining practical training, mentorship, and peer exchange, participants will strengthen their ventures while connecting with a broader community of young entrepreneurs working to create positive social impact.

About the Programme

The Relevant Academy on Investment Readiness is designed for pre-formed teams of young people within National YMCAs who are working on a business or social enterprise idea that addresses a specific social challenge.
Over the course of eight weeks, participating teams will engage in weekly interactive online sessions, complemented by practical assignments that allow them to apply what they learn directly to their own venture.
The programme focuses on helping teams strengthen the key foundations needed to grow a sustainable venture, including:

- - - Clarifying the problem and solution their venture addresses
    - Developing a strong and realistic business model
    - Building a financial and funding strategy
    - Designing a go-to-market approach
    - Preparing a clear and compelling investment pitch

Participants will also benefit from learning alongside other youth teams from across the YMCA Movement, creating opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and shared inspiration. By the end of the programme, each team will have developed the core elements of an investment-ready venture, positioning them to pursue partnerships, funding opportunities, and further growth.

Programme Details

- - - Start date : 7 April 2026
    - Duration : 8 weeks
    - Format : Online (Zoom)
      - Structure : Weekly live sessions and practical assignments
        Programme capacity: Limited to 5 venture teams
        Eligibility: Participants must be part of the YMCA Movement
        Interpretation support in Spanish and French may be available if required.

Who Should Apply

This programme is designed for youth teams who want to build or strengthen a social enterprise that creates positive impact in their communities.
Teams applying should:

- - - Be a pre-formed team of 3–5 young people
    - Have identified a specific social problem they want to address through a business solution
    - Be committed to actively participating in the full 8-week programme
      - Be connected to a National YMCA

What Participants Will Gain

By participating in the programme, teams will:

- - - Develop a structured business plan and financial strategy
    - Strengthen their entrepreneurial and strategic thinking
    - Learn practical tools for market strategy, funding approaches, and venture growth
      - Improve their ability to present and pitch their venture to potential investors or partners
        Connect with a network of peers, mentors, and the wider social entrepreneurship ecosystem

How to Apply

Applications are now open !
Application deadline: 22 March 2026
Participation in the programme is limited to five venture teams, and early applications are encouraged.