2024 Springboard Elevate Programme

The Springboard Elevate Programme is a 3-month fellowship programme that supports purpose-driven social entrepreneurs who lead impact projects that improve the lives of under-represented communities. The programme aims to craft a space for young social entrepreneurs representing or working with under-represented communities to enhance their leadership, storytelling, resource mobilisation skills for venture development.

They are looking for courageous young founders who are driving change and creating impact in local communities to be part of this vibrant cohort. You will be supported by a network of young founders, entrepreneurship support organizations, and UN agencies to amplify your impact further.

What will you gain from joining the programme?

• Business Insights and Skills Development
  • Access curated bite-sized modules on Springboard Learning Platform about strategic communications with partners and funders, impact management and access entrepreneurship support networks
• Invitation to Join Springboard PLUS 2025
  • Join Youth Co:Lab’s flagship Pre-Accelerator in 2025 to enhance investment readiness and connect with impact investors, family offices, technology firms, corporations, and UN agencies
• Access Opportunities
  • Get nominations to grants, awards and programs, and invitations to participate in events by United Nations agencies and other partners
• Media Exposure
  • Gain opportunities for your work and success stories to be featured on social media and other platforms
• Community support
  • Connect with peer founders, mentors, and entrepreneurship support organisations to accelerate your growth
• Crowdfunding Coaching Support & Access Capital
  • Connect with funders and investors, get opportunities for funding through Youth Co:Lab’s network, and receive follow-up crowdfunding support

What you’ll learn?

• Leadership and Storytelling
  • Positive Leadership Habits for Change
  • Nail the Pitch: Storytelling Tips for Founders
• The Power of Stories to Fuel Innovation
  • Cultivate Empathy: Pathway to Diversity and Inclusion
  • Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Work with People with Disabilities
  • Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Gender Inclusivity Toolkit
  • Integrating ESG across Your Organisation
• Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs
  • Generative AI for Business
  • Strategic Communications with Funders
  • Start a Fundraising Round
  • Grow Customer Base by Selling and Promoting Your Products Online
  • Digital Marketing Strategy

Eligibility Criteria

• At least one founder/s are aged 18-35 (within their respective national definition of Youth);
• The applicant is from underrepresented community in their country, OR their project works with /serves marginalized communities (including but not limited to rural population, women, persons with disabilities, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons, minorities, Indigenous Peoples, migrants and refugees)
• The youth founder is a citizen of one of the following countries:
  • Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Hong Kong SAR, Iran, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Japan, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Nepal, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, The Philippines, Viet Nam
• The project operates in one of the mentioned countries
• The project is at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage
• Demonstrates commitment and dedication to addressing the challenges faced by marginalised communities
• Non-profit and for-profit organizations are welcomed to apply.

For more information, visit Youth Co:Lab.