The Young Entrepreneurs Association is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization whose mandate is to support young people in business. Aimed at business owners 45 and under, YEA provides members an opportunity to learn from each other's experiences and take advantage of peer mentorship as they grow their businesses.

Our member-run, not for profit association is the ultimate community for young entrepreneurs across Jamaica who want to increase their chances of business success. YEA members represent the best in Jamaican business. They understand personal sacrifice, risk-taking and hard work and YEA provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with others who also appreciate the special challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Vision

To increase the survival and success rate of young and youth-owned businesses in Jamaica. YEA will create an environment where the young entrepreneurs can support and inspire one another in growth, balance and success.

Mission

To lead the development o f successful young business through the delivery of dynamic, high value event-driven programming that communicates the fundamental skills of business management. To promote a cadre of young entrepreneurs to mentor each other in business.

 

Aims and Objectives of the YEA

·       To identify and organize young entrepreneurs in Jamaica.

·       To transform the Jamaican mindset through the promotion of innovation and creativity.

·       To affect public policy in order to improve the Jamaican business environment.

·       To facilitate the success of entrepreneurial ideas through the provision of relevant training and education.

·       To develop a forum for networking among members and the local and international business community.

·       To promote best ethical practices.

·       To foster an image of inclusion.

 

Member Services Committee

 

Development of on-going recruitment programs to increase and sustain YEA membership.

Management of official membership listing, along with accurate and up-to-date records of all members in good standing.

Coordination of “Member’s Open House†where each quarter, a member will open his/her doors of business to fellow YEA members after hours.

Organization of familiarization trips for members to similar associations in the region and overseas.

Coordination of Quarterly YEA Social and other entertainment activities

 

Membership categories:

 

Core Member – Individual 45 years or younger who is currently operating a business, in which they have ownership interest and whose acceptance for membership is subject to the approval of the YEA board

Alumni Member – Previous core member over 45 years who is currently operating a business, in which they have ownership interest and whose acceptance for membership is subject to the approval of the YEA board

Associate Member – Individual who does not meet the criteria for core membership and whose acceptance for membership is subject to the approval of the YEA board

Corporate Member – Any company in good standing who may nominate two representatives to participate in YEA activities and whose acceptance for membership is subject to the approval of the YEA board

Student Member –Final Year tertiary student and whose acceptance for membership is subject to the approval of the YEA board

 

 

 

Public Relations/Communications and Media Relations Committee

 

Provision of primary PR and Communications support to the YEA in keeping with the need to keep the membership and the public at large informed of the existence of the organization.

 This is achieved through the coordination and implementation of a comprehensive strategic PR and Communications plan.

Target audience includes, but not limited to: existing entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, media, employers, students and the general public.

This committee ensures that the YEA maintains a positive working relationship with all stakeholders with whom it comes in contact.

 

Activities include:

Promotions and Publicity

Print and electronic media usage

Media liaison

Authoring frequent Press releases

Newsletters and Bulletins

Website maintenance and development 

 

Public Policy and Advocacy Committee

 

Coordination of YEA efforts to identify and comment on issues of national importance and which affect Jamaican business.

Managing the hosting of the President’s roundtable, a quarterly forum dedicated to educating members on essential topics in the national environment, allowing members to voice their opinions, concerns or recommendations.

Managing and organizing quarterly CEO Breakfast, where members will have breakfast with a Jamaican corporate CEO to share ideas and learn from his/her experiences in business.

 

 

 

Education and Training Committee

 

Development of an education and training strategy for the organization, in keeping with the core theme of the 2007 YEA administration

Formation of strategic alliances with relevant educational institutions to provide expertise on relevant subject areas.

Coordination of a quarterly YEA training workshop targeting Jamaican entrepreneurs.

 

Future workshop topics include:

 

“Young Entrepreneurship in Jamaica: Lessons Learned from our Entrepreneurial Success Storiesâ€.  Speakers share their small business personal success stories.

 

"Beyond Information Technology: Using Innovation to Drive the CEO's Agenda,"A commitment to innovation, to building strong relationships in both the business and civic communities, and to eliminating the digital divide. 

 

Communicate or Die: “Navigating the Changing Corporate Landscapeâ€

The important role communication plays in the success of today’s corporations.

 

Necessary Leadership Development Tools Young Future Leaders Need to Know,"

 

I.T.'s contribution to business leadership,

I.T’s role as an agent of change, and an exceptional look into how IT and executive leadership can compliment one another. 

 

 

 

Resource Mobilization Committee

Development and implementation of fundraising strategy which will encompass various creative initiatives and will utilize the resources at the disposal of the YEA.

Will work closely with the YEA Treasurer and will provide progress reports to the YEA executive as required.

 

 

 

Special Projects Committee

Members will be nominated to serve on this committee in order to carry out the necessary planning and implementation of special projects which may arise from time to time; including but not limited to the YEA Black-tie dinner and Awards ceremony November 2007.

 

 

 

Highlights of activities for 2007

 

Member’s Open House

 

Each quarter, a member will host fellow YEA members at his/her place of business after hours.

 

President’s Quarterly Roundtable

 

A quarterly forum dedicated to educating members on essential topics in the national environment, allowing members to voice their opinions, concerns or recommendations.

 

Familiarization Trips

 

YEA members will visit similar associations, locally, regionally and internationally.

 

Quarterly YEA Social

 

YEA will host a quarterly social at various venues. Members will have an opportunity to interact in a fun, casual setting.

 

Quarterly CEO Breakfast

 

Members will have breakfast with a Jamaican corporate CEO to share ideas and learn from his/her experiences in business.

 

Quarterly Training Workshop

 

Coordination of a quarterly YEA training workshop targeting Jamaican entrepreneurs.

 

Young Entrepreneur’s Awards Dinner

 

This Black-Tie event will be hosted in Kingston in November 2007 and will be the flagship formal event for the YEA. 

Continuation/Renewal of Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

 

Development of strategic domestic, regional and international organizational alliances to enhance the YEA’s ability to promote Jamaican business in the global marketplace.

Partners will include:

JAMPRO

Young Americas Business Trust

Small Business Association of Jamaica

Jamaica Business Development Centre

Local Universities