Call for Applications: South-South Entrepreneurship Academy Second Cohort 2020, Sports and Entrepreneurship

By November 3, 2020 November 3, 2020 Capacity Development Initiatives, News

Background

The UN Office for South-South Cooperation and partners from Hong Kong, namely, Centre for Business/Social Sustainability and Innovations (BSSI) of Gratia Business School of Gratia Christian College with support from the Government of Hong Kong SAR- Cyberport and Youth Square, and UNESCO Hong Kong Association, have co-organized the South-South Entrepreneurship Academy since 2018. The Academy aims to equip youth from the Global South with the current qualities, skills, knowledge and know-how of global citizenship and entrepreneurship, in order to achieve the sustainable development agenda that leaves no one behind.

The upcoming cohort of South-South Entrepreneurship Academy will focus on the theme of “Sports and Entrepreneurship”, highlighting the potential of sports-related entrepreneurial ventures to contribute to the achievement of SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, as well as livelihood opportunities for young people.

With the development of new technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, the sports industry has opened new spaces for entrepreneurial initiatives. For example, wearable sensors

for monitoring physical activity data, or for improving athlete performance. With the lasting impacts brought by COVID-19, new ways of doing sports are emerging. Some classes have moved online, and apps for self-practicing at home became increasingly popular.

In this cohort, participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with entrepreneurs, experienced industry practitioners, experts from the academia and public sector, and learn from their sharing and coaching. Following training, participants will form groups to develop their idea into a mature business plan, which will be presented in front of the experts and valuable feedback will be given. Students will develop transferable skills including collaboration, critical thinking, project management, problem solving, leadership and presentation.

Timeline:

  • 30 October: Application opens
  • 22 November (23:59 BKK time): Application deadline
  • 27 November: Successful applicants notified
  • 5-6 December: Online training
  • 12 December: Business plan competition
  • *Further information will be provided to successful applicants.

Application method

Please complete the online application form here. The answers to the questions in the form will be the basis for participant selection.

Selection criteria

Participants will be chosen based on their strong interest in and proven capabilities to scale up developmental impacts in their communities with entrepreneurial activities upon successful completion of the programme, specifically:

  1. Strong interest in advancing social development with entrepreneurship;
  2. Proven leadership capabilities and strong potential to make a difference in their communities;
  3. Currently enrolled in or have attained a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification;
  4. Aged between 20-32 at the time of application;
  5. Nationals of Southern countries in East Asia, South Asia, South-East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Pacific;
  6. Previous experience working or interning in social enterprises, start-ups, non- governmental organizations, grass-roots organizations or other development-related fields is a plus;
  7. Proficient in English.

 Organisers

The UNOSSC continually seeks to showcase and transfer forward-thinking Southern development solutions to development partners to meet the critical development challenges of today. Furthermore, UNOSSC seeks to work with specialised UN Agencies, governments and the private sector in the areas of their competency to strengthen development through South- South Cooperation.

Cyberport is the renowned center for entrepreneurship training led by the Government of Hong Kong. Entrepreneurs trained here have proceeded to grow their own companies. Holding the event with Cyberport will also encourage the youth to seek excellence as entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs. Some of the presenters will include Cyberport management and graduates (entrepreneurs).

Gratia Christian College, through its business school, and particularly, the Centre for Business and Social Sustainability and Innovations (BSSI), are focused on nurturing a generation of students that are enabled to reach their full potential by providing a high-quality education and cultivating a commitment to community service. The College will provide a number of ad hoc training activities encompassing the ideals of entrepreneurship, youth wellness and global citizenship.

Youth Square is a project of the Hong Kong (SAR) Government for promoting social harmony and civic education among the youth of Hong Kong. The project is managed by a private sector company, “the New World Facilities Management Company”.

UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UHKA) is dedicated to facilitating and achieving UNESCO’s mission, creating conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples based upon respect for commonly shared values. The Association’s goals include sustainable development, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty. UHKA aims for the sustainable development of society, the economy and environment through education, science and culture. Its compliment of staff will deliver lecture on gender equality, global citizenship and social entrepreneurship.