Welcome to the Young Entrepreneurs Association
The Young Entrepreneurs Association is a volunteer-driven, not for profit and non-governmental organization which was established in 2006 under the auspices of the Jamaica Employers Federation in Jamaica.
The organization focuses on building the capacity and capability of young entrepreneurs, 45 years old and under, to grow personally and professionally and take their business to the highest level.
Over the years, the YEA has established several strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with entities like the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, the Development Bank of Jamaica, the United States and Chinese Embassy, Action Coach Jamaica, the Ministry of Industry Agriculture and Fisheries, Planning Institute of Jamaica and many more.
These collaborations have empowered the organization to provide training, mentorship, coaching, networking, international fellowships, financing and technical assistance opportunities to approximately 3000 entrepreneurs throughout Jamaica.
The YEA network represents the best in Jamaican businesses and provides you with a unique opportunity to connect with others who also appreciate the special challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.Presently, the YEA network includes over two hundred, and counting, active and alumni membership operating in key growth enabling industries in Jamaica such as transportation, agriculture, energy, health and wellness, education, coaching and consultancy, manufacturing, tourism, construction and real estate etc.
The Young Entrepreneurs Association is listed as a Business Development Organization which offers partially funded technical services to entrepreneurs through the Development Bank of Jamaica Voucher for technical Assistance programme. The YEA is also a proud member of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica.
In acknowledgement of the high failure rate among young businesses the YEA seeks to cultivate and nurture the survival and success among such entities. We are a group of people who support each other so that we can grow and help others to do the same.
We help our members by holding social and professional events where we allow them to network with each other, learn from each other, and find answers to questions. We address issues on how to get funding and experienced entrepreneurs come and talk about how to start and grow a company, and various other professionals come and talk about what resources they provide to entrepreneurs.
We provide an international network of resources. The YEA is affiliated to other chapters. These are people with specific experiences and skills that are relevant and helpful to our members that our members would not have otherwise met.
As an organisation, we attract other resources (people, companies) that an individual would not be able to. We’re exploring ways to work together with other organisations to our mutual benefit.
The emotional and psychological value of a support network are not to be underestimated. Having peers with whom you can share your issues and questions, against whom you can bounce ideas and get advice, and from whom you can receive encouragement in the face of difficulties are unquantifiable, but very valuable benefits of being involved with YEA.
We envision a different association that ignites a fire among existing and potential entrepreneurs that touches even the people at the school and college level to effect real change in our country, economic growth and wealth creation. And also, we would like to see entrepreneurship as a part of the high school curriculum.
Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica
The Power of Association!
Partnering to advance entrepreneurial excellence and innovation, economic growth and social transformation
Our 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 of 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.
