Business training and mentorship:

Nearly half of female entrepreneurs feel that they lack access to mentors and advisers, which is why NIIDA will give business skills training and help develop the mindset and enterprises of youth and women. It will also provide valuable mentorship and guidance to the entrepreneurs and this may be particularly useful for youth and women, who face unique challenges in the male-dominated business world. This knowledge will enable the business owners to build networks, become self-sufficient and expand in scale.

Diversity and Innovation:

VC invests in youth and women-led startups to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. There is an unconscious gender bias in a lot of venture capital firms but NIIDA is aware of this potential problem and will actively make sure to not youth and adults, and men and women differently. This can look like asking the same questions to each individual pitching for investment. NIIDA will also invest in start-ups led by diverse founders which also allows for innovation by bridging different perspectives and approaches.

Positive feedback loop:

VC gives youth and women-led businesses visibility which helps break stereotypes and biases in the business world. Entrepreneurs who received venture capital backing and successfully grew their businesses can then act as role models for other youth and women and inspire them to pursue leadership roles.

We believe that every person deserves equal opportunity to learn and grow their businesses which is why NIIDA encourages youth and women-led startups and tries to challenge biases in the venture capital industry.