YFS Case Study No.11: Youth-Inclusive Financial Services: A Case Study from Bosnia

Authors

Selma Cilimkovic and Selma Jahic, Partner Microcredit Foundation

Abstract

This case study describes in detail the experience of Partner Microcredit Foundation (Partner) in conducting market research, designing a specialized youth loan product, and the preliminary outcomes and lessons learned. Partner identified the general youth population as one of the most marginalized in the country and market research findings showed that a lack of technical experience and available financing sources were identified as the primary obstacles to youth entrepreneurship. The goal of this program was to use a holistic model to increase self- employment opportunities for youth ages 18-29 by providing access to loan capital in addition to market-oriented business training and mentorship services for youth clients. By creating a youth- specific advertising campaign, advertisements on the local radio stations popular among youth and direct advertising at places where young people spend time, Partner was able to communicate more effectively their goals to youth populations. In terms of challenges, Partner was forced to overcome unexpected difficulties such as motivating youth populations to attend business training seminars or to participate in the survey. It was also difficult to encourage and convince experts to become mentors to youth populations. Uptake of the youth loan product from new clients was ultimately low, causing Partner to extend the product and training to existing clients between the ages of 18-29. This case study ends with a detailed description of the randomized impact study being conducted in partnership with the World Bank, which will yield important results about Partner’s model.

Keywords

Advertising; Bosnia; Business Training Seminars; Impact Study; Market Research; Partner Microcredit Foundation; Mentorship Services; Youth Entrepreneurship; Youth Loan Product; Self Employment Opportunities;

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