CARICOM Aspiring Youth Empowerment Programme (AYEP)

The CARICOM Aspiring Youth Empowerment Programme (AYEP) is a flagship regional initiative designed to combat youth unemployment, foster entrepreneurship, and build personal resilience across the Caribbean.  

Developed by the Youth Development Programme under the CARICOM Secretariat's Human and Social Development Directorate, AYEP was created in direct response to the economic fallout and job losses triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. To bring the program to life, CARICOM partners directly with the Commonwealth Secretariat.  
Program Structure & Key Pillars

AYEP operates on a hybrid model that blends formal virtual training with long-term, direct professional support. The structure focuses on key pillars:

   Capacity Building & Technical Training: Participants undergo intensive multi-week workshops focusing on the mechanics of building a business from scratch. Modules cover financial literacy, sales and marketing, product development, networking, and digital business navigation.  

   One-on-One Mentorship: Following the training phase, every youth participant is paired with an industry expert or professional mentor for several months. This mentorship bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world execution, helping participants navigate the anxieties of launching a venture.  

   Personal Development & Soft Skills: A core differentiator of AYEP is its emphasis on psychological empowerment. Sessions heavily feature training in self-efficacy, confidence building, and nurturing a growth mindset to help youth overcome systemic or personal barriers.