How can we unlock the full potential of young entrepreneurs in Europe?
On 6th and 7th October 2025 took place Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Summit in Brussels, organised by the European Commission and OECD under the YEPA initiative. This high-level event marks the culmination of the three-year journey of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), a policy-learning network focused on strengthening youth entrepreneurship across Europe
Key messages shared at the Summit:
- Diversity Matters: Youth entrepreneurship policy must adapt to the diversity of young entrepreneurs, supporting not just high-tech niches but all backgrounds and ambitions.
- Collaboration is Key: Effective policies are built through collaboration—bringing together policymakers, young entrepreneurs, networks, and experts to co-design solutions.
- Access to Finance: Young entrepreneurs face unique barriers to funding. Policies should expand access to microfinance, grants, loans, loan guarantees, peer lending, crowdfunding, and financial literacy training.
- Green & Digital Future: Young people are often strongly motivated for supporting green and digital transition. Policy should foster digital and green mindsets, skills, and provide targeted support for startups in these areas.
- Evidence & Evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation must be built into youth entrepreneurship programmes to ensure impact, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Networks & Role Models: Building entrepreneurial networks is essential for inspiring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
At the Summit, MFC was represented by Beata Biela, MFC Advocacy Manager. MFC remains committed to empower youth, promote inclusive finance, and shape policies that unlock opportunities for all young entrepreneurs.
Learn more about the YEPA initiative 🔗 https://yepa-hub.org