Background Information
Unemployment rates for young people are currently on the rise in Cyprus, especially among University graduates. Cypriots value education and families tend to encourage their children to receive higher education. Unfortunately this does not decrease unemployment as jobs diminish with the current financial crunch. Youth Power has identified entrepreneurship as a possible way for young people to expand their options.
Entrepreneurship is something quite new for Cyprus. Most of the businesses on both sides of the island are small, family-run enterprises, handed down from generation to generation, a factor that does not really permit youth entrepreneurship. In order to be an entrepreneur, one necessitates not only financial means, but also guidance and education regarding the right steps to set up a business, including strategic planning, forming a business plan, financial planning, corporate ethics, branding, marketing and communication, production management and many more. In addition to these, having contacts, a network and available information is also paramount.
Securing the necessary financial means is also a focal point in the question of entrepreneurship. It is not only important to know what sources are available but also which of the available sources are suited to a certain business venture. Even if one already possesses the financial means, unconscious attempt for setting up a business may still result in failure.
There are currently neither advice nor incubation centers in Cyprus catering to young people interested in entrepreneurship. Improving the skills of young people in becoming successful and savvy entrepreneurs will not only provide employment for a significant number of Cypriots, improving their quality of life, but will also strengthen business relationships and community collaboration across the divide.
Project
As a first step towards the creation of a functioning incubation centre for young entrepreneurs Youth Power is financing the creation of a multifunctional online platform aiming to be used as a learning and promotional tool by young entrepreneurs both locally and internationally. It aims to be as self-sustainable as possible and to be operated directly by its users, with as little external help as possible. The platform will be divided in two sections: Entrepreneurship and Youth, each one having specific features and catering to specific needs. It will be articulated in English, Greek and Turkish, promoting bicommunal and multicultural interaction amongst young Cypriots. |
Technical requirements
1. The online platform must be linked to a database (to be created from
scratch) where files (text, pictures, audiovisual) may be
securely kept and retrieved from, through appropriate interfaces on the
online platform. Security is a requirement for the handling of these
files.
2. Simple links to other online sites should be supported.
3. Payment Options through the website must be available, supporting
appropriate feedback for the user making the payment like receipt, security
guarantee etc. Security (web and network) must be considered as a vital
aspect of this option.
4. Advertising through the platform will be encouraged, so the platform
designer should allow for that option (various advertising techniques
can be discussed)
5. Consider ease of maintenance in terms of
easily modifying/adding/removing items(text, pictures, audiovisuals) on
the platform, not necessarily by the designers and creators, but possibly by
a member of staff of Youth Power.
6. The appropriate layout and design for the platform should be suggested and
developed to enhance and complement the themes illustrated (youth,
entrepreneurship)
7. No specific technologies are preferred, each proposal will be considered for its ease of maintenance and in relation to the experience of the designers/implementers to provide the final product using that technology.
Overall Structure
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Section
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Objectives |
Means |
Entrepreneurship |
To link job seekers to civil society organizations, job and business opportunities and to other professionals
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To provide knowledge products aimed at young people
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Youth |
To support events and activities held by the member organizations of Youth Power and other youth organizations
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To feature publications and work of NGOs and CSOs in the Buffer Zone
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To announce public events such as movie screenings, live music shows, theatre and art workshops, exhibitions (Culture Tab, directory/resources/contact opportunities for artists etc) |
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To provide a forum for dialogue and support on youth-related issues/opportunities |
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Platform Sustainability
In order for the platform to become as self-sustainable as possible, the following functions should be incorporated into its design:
Timeframe
Platform material to be finalized: 20 May, 2013
Platform to be launched: 3 June, 2013.
Relevant Websites
http://www.skollfoundation.org/about/
All offers to be sent at [email protected]
Please contact us for more information.