Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Advice and Helpcentre (B'Yeah), a non-profit organization, launched the first edition of "Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Competition" on March 21. The competition aims to create a platform for the youth of Bangladesh to showcase their innovative entrepreneurial solutions targeted towards the achievement of the SDGs. 

Around 2,000 ideas have been submitted through the microsite of the competition. Registration and submission of ideas were open till 10 April which will now be extended further. Interested people can apply through Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Competition 1.0 website byeah.org/byec

The final winners will be announced and awarded on July 15 through a grand ceremony on the day of World Youth Skills Day with the presence of prominent guests from home and abroad. The winners will also go through a two month incubator program post selection. A pool of 20 accomplished mentors will help the selected candidates establish their business model.

"Our vision is to turn job seekers into job creators by creating a resilient support system for our youth, especially the underserved ones, so that they can make the most of their talents," said B'Yeah Executive Director Md. Rashed Mamun. "Through this competition, we are launching an impact incubation program for young entrepreneurs, where the focus will be to strike a balance between building sustainable businesses while creating a positive impact."

B'Yeah Founder Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury expressed his vision of creating a friendly ecosystem for the entrepreneurs. "Our young entrepreneurs have the flare, enthusiasm and vision," he said. "They need the right kind of support and mentoring, which will eventually make their entrepreneurial initiative a sustainable one - that's where B'Yeah comes in." 

Youth entrepreneurs below the age of 35 can participate in the competition. Selected applicants from stage one will receive basic business training and 10-20 shortlisted entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to join inaugural B'Yeah Impact Incubator and Accelerator. 

The three winners will get a total BDT 9 lacs as prize money and will get the opportunity to be a part of a global network of entrepreneurs via Youth Business International (YBI). In addition, they will get mentorship, business building support, investors connections, and other relevant support, etc. 

The Partners of the competition are Youth Business International (YBI), IKEA Foundation, Future Startup, Shorobor, ABP, Bepari and Game Changer. 

You can find the details about eligibility, prizes, and application process on the Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Competition 1.0 website.