CLD youth entrepreneur initiative

Communities Leading Development (CLD) is a USAID and CRS development project implemented in five departments of the Western Highlands in Guatemala. CLD leverages financial resources and partnerships with local groups and organizations to propel development projects that are community driven.

As part of the youth entrepreneurship component, CLD collaborated with local partners—the Association for Youth Development (ADESJU) and Multiverse—to train young people to build, expand, and sustain small businesses in their communities. Youth participated in a series of trainings, exchange activities and the most promising business models received seed capital and more individualized tutoring and accompaniment. Ultimately, the CLD project’s goal is to  involve youth in leading efforts to achieve their vision of their well-being and stymie the effects of lack of opportunities.

The following is a compendium of five case studies of successful youth entrepreneurship initiatives supported by CLD.