BANGKOK, Thailand (ILO News) – Timor-Leste’s Career Day concluded with the awarding of three business ideas to entrepreneurs to empower young entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste’s hospitality and tourism sector.
© Ahn Hee-jin/ILO
The event, organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in partnership with the HOTL Association, Pro Ema and Fundacao Cicanda (STVJ), aims to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs acquire practical knowledge and skills on start-ups and business development, and connect with key actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including investors, partners and business development service providers.
The 12 finalists of the business plan competition presented their ideas in front of the jury and the audience. The finalists participated in a three-day training organized by the ILO, STVJ and Pro Ema from 27-29 May 2024 to develop and refine their business plans using a selection module of the Small and Medium Enterprise Competitiveness (SBC) programme. The SBC programme provides guidance to companies and aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The event featured a career talk from the entrepreneur, who shared her entrepreneurial journey of turning her passion for nutrition, health and food science into a sustainable business. She offered valuable insights and advice to aspiring young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs. A representative from BNCTL provided young people with information on financing, both working capital and investment, Pro Ema on mentoring and training opportunities and the HOTL association at a side booth explaining the benefits of membership.
One participant said, “This business plan competition has motivated me to keep learning and achieve my goals.”
“HOTL Association looks forward to continuing to work with the ILO to build a strong, sustainable and vibrant hospitality and tourism sector in Timor-Leste,” said the HOTL Association representative.
The event was attended by over 60 participants including representatives from the public sector, private sector, training institutions and the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste.
The event was part of the Building Youth Capacities and Networks in Asia Pacific project funded by the Government of Japan, which aims to build a network of development partners to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills they need to start their own businesses and become drivers of sustainable development. The project activities focus on promoting youth employment and decent job opportunities in Timor-Leste's hospitality and tourism sector.
For further information, please contact:
Ahn Hee-jin
Technical Officer on Entrepreneurship and Social Solidarity Economy Development ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team – Bangkok
email address
Akira Kawasaki
Technical Officer for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
ILO Decent Work Technical Assistance Team – Bangkok
Kawasaki City
