The Government of Nepal, through the National Youth Council (NYC) under the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment, has invited municipalities and rural municipalities nationwide to submit proposals for entrepreneurship development and financial literacy training programmes targeting young people aged 16 to 40. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration on Ashoj 5, 2083 BS, the initiative follows the National Youth Council’s communication dated Ashoj 2, 2083 BS. The programme is linked to the Integrated Procedure for Interest Subsidies on Concessional Loans, 2075, and aims to help young people acquire business development skills, understand financial management and access appropriate financing opportunities. Interested local governments were requested to submit proposals to the National Youth Council by Ashoj 31, 2083 BS.

The proposed programme will deliver six days of entrepreneurship and financial literacy training using the International Labour Organization’s Generate Your Business (GYB) and Start Your Business (SYB) training packages. Each training group is expected to include 30 to 35 participants, with local governments responsible for selecting eligible young people, arranging training venues, accommodation or meals where necessary, and providing essential training materials. Local authorities must coordinate with qualified trainers, including at least two facilitators per group, while the National Youth Council will arrange certified trainers and cover specified training-related expenses. The council will also coordinate training implementation, provide necessary learning materials and facilitate cooperation with participating local governments.

A major feature of the initiative is its connection with concessional lending opportunities for trained young entrepreneurs. Local governments are expected to coordinate with commercial banks and financial institutions to help participants understand loan application procedures and prepare viable business proposals. The council’s programme document indicates that participating banks may provide financing of up to Rs 1.5 million under applicable concessional lending arrangements, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements and lending procedures. The programme also emphasizes the preparation of business plans, financial documentation and credit-related guidance, with local governments expected to support participants seeking financing after completing the training.

The National Youth Council has requested local governments to submit proposals outlining programme objectives, participant selection procedures, proposed training dates and locations, financial arrangements, expected outcomes and implementation plans. Applications may be submitted in hard copy or electronically through www.nyc.gov.np or the council’s designated email addresses. The council has also assigned responsibilities to participating banks and local authorities for financial literacy, training logistics, participant support and post-training coordination. The initiative seeks to strengthen youth entrepreneurship, improve access to financial services and encourage self-employment and small-business development through cooperation among government institutions, local bodies and the banking sector.