PEPY launched the YISI Program in late 2020 to respond to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to the lack of effective business development programs and resources in Siem Reap. The YISI team works to fill the skill and resource gaps of micro-enterprise business owners and youth interested in initiating a business. The program was ambitiously designed to help youth move from the ideation stage to a well-researched business plan and product prototype within eight months. We provide participants with crucial skills to develop their businesses and ensure existing business owners can run their businesses more effectively using IT applications and tools. The YISI Program currently has three courses: The Social Enterprise Incubator Course, IT for Business Course, and IT for Business Professional Course.
Social Enterprise Course: An 8-month program connecting aspiring business owners to mentors to formulate/research their business concepts. They gain the skills, resources, and acumen to be successfully funded by investors. They join workshops, conduct business visits, and receive feedback on their services and products to determine if their business concept is viable. At the end of the course, participants have the opportunity to pitch their business concept/plan to a panel of investors and mentors, getting valuable feedback and potentially obtaining start-up funding.
IT for Business Course: Participants receive focused training in free applications to run and optimize their businesses through better marketing, time management, and leadership tools. The applications taught include Google Maps, Social Media, Canva Design, Marketing, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, How to Create an Email, Google Analytics, etc. The team provides computers to participants and all PEPY participants are able to rent laptops, smartphones, and other IT materials for nominal fees through our Future is Bright Lab.
IT for Business Professionals' Course: A short-term 3-month course with a curriculum focus shaped by the participants and facilitators based on their current business needs (more support with payroll, scheduling, targeted ads, etc.). It is geared toward existing business owners to help them strengthen their business, improve their time management, and increase their customer base.