Funding and partnerships
Strategic partnerships with funding bodies, public organisations and technical and financial partners to finance relevant projects.
CNES Junior
CNES Junior is an initiative of the National Confederation of Employers of Senegal dedicated to promoting youth employment and entrepreneurship. As a major private-sector player, CNES offers innovative solutions and a fresh approach to programmes for young people.
It aims to support the national ambition of significantly increasing the number of SMEs and small industries in Senegal, and with them the number of jobs. Open to every sector, the programme is aimed at young people, project leaders, people changing careers, innovators and established companies seeking sustainable growth. Through it, CNES fully plays its role as a socially responsible employers' organisation.
The programme
Three levers for young entrepreneurs.
Overall objective: to strengthen the fabric of local SMEs by supporting project leaders and young companies, so that their businesses are viable.
Mentoring
A link between a young entrepreneur and an experienced professional who helps them build a network and understand the realities of their sector.
Training and support
High-quality training and tailored support, through partner vocational training institutions and public organisations.
Objectives and expected results
Specific objectives
- Support the development of entrepreneurial projects and young companies;
- Make it easier for young people to access support structures and funding;
- Help SMEs formalise and professionalise;
- Encourage the sharing of good practice and collaboration between SMEs.
Expected results
- Stronger links and shared skills with partners working in the same field;
- A dynamic, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people;
- More viable SMEs;
- Formalised, professionalised SMEs.
Become a mentor
A mentor is a working professional who volunteers to support an entrepreneur for up to six months as they develop or scale up their business.
Who we are looking for
- You have been in professional life for at least five years;
- You want to volunteer your time;
- You are keen to pass on your knowledge and experience;
- You are a good listener, empathetic and open to questioning;
- You believe in the positive impact of mentoring.
What mentoring brings you
- Contribute to a project with strong social impact;
- Put your experience and skills at the service of the next generation of entrepreneurs;
- Strengthen your coaching and leadership skills;
- Expand your professional network;
- Enjoy an enriching human experience.
The launch ceremony was held on 25 July 2023 at the Hôtel Pullman in Dakar.
Look back at the CNES Junior launch
Join CNES Junior
Project leader, mentor or partner?
Write to us and choose the "CNES Junior" subject: your request will be forwarded to the programme team.