At the start of 2011 a team of internationally focused leaders and entrepreneurs came together in both Brussels and Beijing to look at ways of inspiring a younger generation of successful entrepreneurs to take their enterprises global. This was part of the EU - China year of Youth and it was attended by China’s Premier Wen Jiabao.
“Power of Youth” (POY) was a major result of these events, and now a Summit of the best young entrepreneurs in Europe and China will take place in China in the autumn of 2011.
With the support of the European Commission (EC), the British Council and Tianjin local government in China (which gifted a valuable portion of land to the delegates in order to encourage the creation of new businesses in the area), “Power of Youth” will gather 54 young entrepreneurs – aged under 45 years old, together in Beijing this November for the inaugural “Power of Youth” Summit where they will have the chance to explore innovative ways to build and expand entrepreneurial businesses.
The event will provide a space where all participants can explore innovative ways of generating social and environmental capital from financially dynamic models and turn these into inspiring businesses. Additionally, the event will focus on taking these entrepreneurs existing businesses to global markets, as the European and Chinese political elite, industry leaders, top investors and policy makers are expected to attend and meet the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.
The “Power of Youth” has a strong business model and its member’s aim is to roll-out the programme, reinvesting in youth focused initiatives and expanding the initiative into India, the US and Brazil over the next four years.
Candidates
The members of POY have already launched their search for 27 equally interesting young entrepreneurs from the EU, aiming to get one entrepreneur from each EU member country. The primary criteria is for the candidate to be under 45 years old and able to prove him/herself as a successful business person with a track record of generating significant financial capital from entrepreneurial activity. On top of this track record of achievement, organisers are looking for people to show integrity and ambition to help others succeed.
The deadline for all applications is 31st August. In September the board of advisers will meet and select one candidate from each of the 27 European member states that will be matched with a further 27 from China.
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know then please refer to POY’s website: www.power-of-youth.org
About Adam Purvis – “Power of Youth” Founder & Director
A One Young World ambassador and entrepreneurial graduate Adam’s view is that there needs to be a greater international focus on young people, entrepreneurship and a bridging of relations between the East and West. He has created POY to give the next generation of entrepreneurs the chance to encourage a more sustainable global economy. Previously Adam led the Young Icebreakers in Scotland and delivered two high profile events with young leaders from China and the UK. Adam is a Head of Business Development at Ignite Your Brand and a Board Member at Ricefield Chinese Arts and Culture Center. He is the Edinburgh Napier University, young Alumnus of the year for his China work to date.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The organisers are currently exploring additional sponsorship opportunities. To that effort, they are approaching enterprises throughout China and Europe that have an interest in raising their profile in international markets and like to take the opportunity to work with the next big names in business.
For more information you may contact: [email protected] or tel: 0044 7888953332
By: N. Peter Kramer
