YouthStart is a non profit organisation that builds the self-confidence of opportunity-seeking young people and opens up possibilities for them to achieve their ambitions.

An eight-day training programme provides young people with the right knowledge, skills and mindset to become entrepreneurs. This enables them to move forward in their lives in a positive and successful way. 

YouthStart was launched in 1998 by Gaëtan Hannecart, who in turn was inspired by Steve Mariotti, founder of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).

Steve developed a training programme specifically for underserved high school students in the US. He believes that every young person has the potential and entrepreneurial abilities to take charge of their future. YouthStart Belgium was the first European organisation to offer the unique NFTE programme. Together with all our NFTE partners from around the world and with support from thousands of certified trainers, we have already made a difference in the lives of over 800,000 young people.