Financial Health for Young Entrepreneurs – Our Learnings

This report introduces an evidence-informed approach to systematically improve support for young entrepreneurs in accessing appropriate financial services and products, ultimately enhancing their financial health. The study defines financial health for young entrepreneurs as being aware of and able to access appropriate resources for starting and growing enterprises, managing business finances effectively, and having confidence in their financial future. The report outlines three key pathways to support young entrepreneurs' financial health: fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting inclusive and accessible financing, and directly developing young entrepreneurs' skills. It emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and access to finance, highlighting that young entrepreneurs face significant barriers in accessing credit compared to older counterparts. The study also introduces a Theory of Change model to visualize how different ecosystem actors can collaborate to improve young entrepreneurs' financial health and provides recommendations for future actions, including developing diagnostic tools, integrating digital solutions, and strengthening youth-friendly policies.