Young entrepreneurs launch their association |28 July 2015

An association grouping young entrepreneurs has been officially launched.

The launch of the Association of Young Entrepreneurs - Seychelles (AYES) took place last week in a ceremony where the association’s logo was revealed and members presented.

The ceremony was held at the Seychelles Trading Company’s (STC) conference hall in the presence of Vice-President Danny Faure, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation Michael Benstrong, the Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy Jean-Paul Adam and the chief executive of the Seychelles National Youth Council Vicky van der Westhuizen.

In his speech for the occasion Minister Benstrong urged the members to unite their voices so that they can better address the various challenges identified at a recent symposium for them, such as access to finance, space constraints and the ease of doing business.

He said the launch of this association has come at the right time and is evidence that the SNYC in collaboration with the youth entrepreneurship board are contributing to the empowerment of our young people.

“This launch is only the beginning of our journey; we have a challenging task ahead of us. As a motivated team we will grow together to overcome any stumbling blocks along the way,” said the association’s chairperson Iouana Pillay.

Jean-Paul Toulon, a member of the association, said AYES is a motto which they want to happen, a dream which they want to come true and that wherever they are going, the difficulties that they have to face, they are still getting ‘A YES’.

Ms Pillay said AYES came about after they had gathered with young entrepreneurs and realised that the youths wanted their voices to be heard.

She added that the youths have many ideas and want to move forward and to have such an association will help them contribute towards the country’s prosperity.

The AYES has also launched its website which was presented, along with its logo and name, to those present. The website has been designed by Luther Denis and Delroy Finesse.

Members were also introduced through a video presentation.

The logo’s final design was the result of various ideas from the members put together through the talent of graphic designers Kenneth Dodin and Ralf Aglae.

AYES has its own uniform designed by Gemma Dubel, a member of the association.

“There is no doubt that we have an abundance of talents in our youths,” said Ms Pillay in her speech.