Deadline: Ongoing
Applications are open for the Youth Challenge International (YCI) Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 2026. Join the YCI team to propel entrepreneur success by supporting the implementation of the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides financial grants and coaching for women-led social enterprises. Collaborate with entrepreneurs, partners and staff to support accountability and impact within fund distribution and business growth.
This is an opportunity to strengthen your CV with social business development, coaching, ecosystem strengthening and resource mobilization skill sets. In the process, advance your knowledge on women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship – pivotal key frameworks that are shaping the future of work and community impact globally.
Responsibilities
- Supporting young women social entrepreneurs to increase their profitability and impact through coaching, resource development and workshops
- Identifying gaps in the entrepreneurship support ecosystem, and fostering new relationships that bridge these gaps (e.g. identifying mentors, additional funding, learning opportunities, etc.)
- Enhancing the long-term sustainability of social enterprises by designing and developing needs-based strategies, workshops and tools
- Assisting with the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the HerStart Catalyst Fund
- Designing and delivering needs-based trainings, reports and resources related to social entrepreneurship to advance organizational learning for partners, staff and other fellows
- Leading participatory research to identify local market trends, challenges and opportunities for innovation within women’s business activities
- Actively engaging in holistic fellowship orientation and training opportunities
- Supporting HerStart’s key themes of gender equality, climate action, innovation and human rights
Benefits
- Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with 40+ years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
- Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and partners, meaningfully contributing your time to expand the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
- Amplify your personal and professional growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as cross-cultural communication, project management, adaptability and more.
- Access in-demand training and resources: Learn from staff and partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social innovation and climate action.
- Join a thriving network: Connect with like-minded, passionate people around the globe. Members of their network will also have first access to future YCI opportunities and resources.
Eligibility
- Open to Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
- Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
- Ability to commit to the full length of placement with full-time hours, including a week of pre-departure training online
- Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides grants to women-led social enterprises, by reaching the fundraising goal of $2,500 CAD with support from the YCI team
- Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
Application
For more information, visit Social Entrepreneurship Fellow.
