A Visionary Partnership to Charter the Future of Young Entrepreneurs in Switzerland

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, the journey from idea to execution is often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Yet, for young students, the bold and innovative minds of tomorrow, this journey represents an opportunity to shape the world around them. In this spirit of empowerment and collaboration, Friends of Bata and Youngpreneurs have joined forces, forging a partnership aimed at nurturing the next generation of business leaders.

The Essence of Youngpreneurs

Youngpreneurs is deeply committed to empowering youth and fostering an entrepreneurial culture through its innovative programs, events, and courses. Launched in 2017, this initiative provides a supportive environment that focuses on practical skills and mentorship, enabling young individuals to navigate the complexities of the business world. With courses spanning 16 modules and 64 lessons across two semesters, Youngpreneurs has established itself in five major Swiss cities—Bern, Thun, Biel, Interlaken, and Luzern—with plans to expand to Lausanne. This comprehensive approach has so far enriched over 1000 students, equipping them with essential skills often overlooked in traditional education.

The success of Youngpreneurs is supported by collaborations with over 18 educational partners, leading to a high recommendation rate of 94% and notable gender diversity with 42% female participation. Each year, the initiative celebrates its participants' achievements with an award ceremony featuring a jury of C-level professionals, providing invaluable recognition and networking opportunities for the young fellows part of the program. These efforts are complemented by significant media coverage and the inclusion of diverse educational backgrounds, underscoring Youngpreneurs' role in shaping Switzerland's future entrepreneurial landscape and supporting the economic backbone of the country.

Empowering Through Education: Friends of Bata

Complementing the mission of Youngpreneurs is the vision of Friends of Bata, an online hub dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and providing access to quality education. With a global reach, Friends of Bata serves as a catalyst for change, facilitating learning opportunities and empowering aspiring leaders from diverse backgrounds. Through their commitment to fostering innovation and leadership, they embody the spirit of entrepreneurship in its purest form.

A Strategic Alliance: The Power of Partnership

The partnership between Friends of Bata and Youngpreneurs represents more than just a collaboration; it is a testament to the collective power of like-minded organizations working towards a common goal. Through this alliance, both entities aim to leverage their respective strengths and resources to empower young entrepreneurs worldwide. Central to the partnership is a commitment to cross-promotion and visibility, ensuring that the mission and initiatives of both organizations reach a wider audience. 

Furthermore, the partnership entails active participation in events and programs organized by both organizations. As jury members during grand finale presentations and contributors to program development sessions, representatives from Friends of Bata will play a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape for future generations.

Expected Reach and Impact

Youngpreneurs, in a strategic partnership with Friends of Bata, is poised to significantly enhance Switzerland's entrepreneurial education landscape, starting with a pilot program in Lausanne. This collaboration is set to expand throughout the Swiss-French region and eventually nationwide, aiming to impact the entire school entrepreneurial ecosystem over the next three years. Friends of Bata brings to the partnership a wealth of resources and expertise that are crucial for nurturing a culture of collaborative learning and innovation, including the integration of advanced reading materials and the creation of engaging case studies.

This initiative, driven by Friends of Bata's commitment to fostering educational excellence and Youngpreneurs' innovative approach to entrepreneurship training, plans to support more than 3,000 students. The partnership reflects a shared vision for a future where entrepreneurial skills are fundamental to educational curricula across Switzerland and beyond. By empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed, Friends of Bata and Youngpreneurs are setting the stage for a transformative impact on the global stage, envisioning a world where every innovative idea has the potential to make a significant difference.

More information www.youngpreneurs.org

Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship can be daunting, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.

However, the journey of Adrian Escabias, as detailed in our latest Friends of Bata case study, offers invaluable insights and practical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's why young entrepreneurs should delve into Adrian's story of ups and downs, and the strategies employed to successfully launch Aticco Ventures:

  1. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Adrian's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship showcases the importance of resilience. He faced significant setbacks, including the collapse of his startup Subbo and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Escamu. His ability to bounce back and continue innovating is a powerful lesson for any entrepreneur.
  2. Learning from failure: The case study highlights how Adrian turned failures into learning opportunities. For example, the legal issues and partner conflicts he faced in Subbo underscore the necessity of solid legal agreements and the importance of having experienced advisors.
  3. Importance of Intellectual Property: Protecting intellectual property is crucial, as illustrated by the challenges Adrian faced with his CTO at Subbo. Ensuring proper legal safeguards can prevent devastating losses and help maintain the integrity of your business.
  4. Securing Funding: Adrian's experiences reveal the complexities of startup funding. From relying on personal finances and bank loans to establishing community-based pledge funds, his journey underscores the need for creative and strategic approaches to secure capital.
  5. Building a Supportive Community: Aticco Ventures is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. By fostering a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Adrian has created an environment where startups can thrive through mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources.
  6. Networking and Relationship Building: The value of strong professional networks is a recurring theme in Adrian's story. Regular networking events and workshops at Aticco Ventures help entrepreneurs build essential connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.

For  aspiring entrepreneurs, Adrian Escabias's journey provides a realistic and inspiring look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It offers practical lessons on resilience, the importance of solid legal foundations, creative funding solutions, and the power of community. By learning from Adrian's experiences,  entrepreneurs can better navigate their own paths and avoid common pitfalls.

Click here to download the case study and find our all details about his challenges and journey!

Share this article: