The Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE) works to strengthen and support the ambitions of young entrepreneurs in Commonwealth regions. These regional networks ensure they have a combined voice and representation at forums to influence policy development on youth entrepreneurship.
These coalitions seek to champion the cause of young entrepreneurs at the local, national, regional and international level, through its engagement with governments, the media, the public, and other relevant stakeholders. They are committed to achieving measurable progress towards the development of youth entrepreneurship and innovation within Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Canada and the wider Commonwealth.
There are four regional CAYE networks.
CAYE-Asia was established in 2011 as a network of young entrepreneurs from nine countries across the Asia region and their respective organisations. It commits to supporting young entrepreneurs across the region; creating a network for mentorship and advisory services to young entrepreneurs; contributing to human capital development through education and training; providing information on access to finance and other resources; and influencing policy mechanisms for entrepreneurial development.
CAYE-Asia hosts an annual summit to provide a platform for engagement and networking among young entrepreneurs.
It is a ‘Pipeline Partner’ for Child and Youth Finance International, and its members have played an active role in supporting the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Division in replicating the CAYE-Asia model throughout other Commonwealth regions.
The current Chair is Shaban Khalid of Pakistan.
Youth entrepreneurship organisations from 13 Commonwealth countries across the Caribbean and including Canada formed a regional alliance of young entrepreneurs in December 2014.
The mission of the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs-Caribbean & Canada (CAYE-C&C) is to:
The network was formally launched in July 2015.
The Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs-East Africa (CAYE-EA) was established in May 2015 by organisations from six East African Commonwealth countries.
The vision of CAYE-EA is for “a thriving environment for young entrepreneurs in East Africa” that contributes to sustainable economic growth and social development. The network's mission is “to connect, unify and build the capacity of young entrepreneurs across East Africa, so as to drive trade, advocate for change and enhance the entrepreneurship culture”.
The current chair is Martin Ruvugabigwi of Rwanda.
The Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs-Southern Africa (CAYE-SA) was launched in August 206 by organisations from eight Southern African Commonwealth countries.
This new coalition will give young entrepreneurs a voice with policy-makers to enhance the youth entrepreneurship environment, and a peer network for support and sharing of experiences and good practice. CAYE-SA has agreed to partner with the Commonwealth Businesswomen's Network to pursue joint opportunities in the Southern Africa region and beyond.
The current chair is Karabo Songo of South Africa.
