Shell LiveWIRE is a leader in delivering specialist advice and support that encourages young people, throughout the world, to explore whether starting their own business is a viable career option.
Many young people have the ambition to start a business, but don’t know how to go about it. LiveWIRE
addresses this by providing a range of essential tools that enable budding entrepreneurs to develop their
ideas and transform them into a viable business. One key function of LiveWIRE is that it bridges the gap
between aspiring young entrepreneurs and enterprise expertise by providing access to essential know-how
and customised support.
LiveWIRE programmes offer a range of practical support including; enterprise training workshops to identify
and evaluate business ideas; guidance on how to undertake basic market research; information on how to
write a viable business plan; and best practice advice on managing people for the first time - whether as
employees, suppliers or customers.
LiveWIRE interacts with young people in a variety of ways including through; outreach workshops; training
events; one-to-one mentoring; and, sometimes through specialist master classes and peer-group discussions.
In addition to the more traditional paper based information, many LiveWIRE programmes offer Internet
based business resources, discussion forums and blogs for young businesses to network, advise and mentor
one another.
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In order to celebrate, recognise and reward those who have successfully started their own enterprises,
many LiveWIRE programmes run Young Entrepreneur Awards. These are prestigious events in the business
calendar. In addition to providing young entrepreneurs with the confidence to present their businesses to
customers and potential investors, the awards invariably provide inspirational role models for the next
generation of young entrepreneurs.
Starting a business is not for everyone and if a young person decides that this is not for them, or chooses to
postpone it until they have gained more experience, then we see this as a positive outcome.
Although LiveWIRE is a global initiative, each country programme is designed to be sustainable locally. Each
has its own local identity, with the programme offer tailored to meet the local context, and backed by local
partners. Country programmes are resourced locally and staffed by nationals who have access to Shell
LiveWIRE International resources. These provide advice, support, training and guidance, as well as access to
global best practice, and a global voice.
What makes LiveWIRE different?
LiveWIRE is initially more interested in the enterprising qualities of the young person, their personal skills and determination to achieve their dream, rather than the intricacies of the business idea.
LiveWIRE values the personal decision each young person has to make for themselves, and recognises
that starting a business is one option among many that are open to them.
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LiveWIRE has a global reach, but is delivered with a local touch. All LiveWIRE programmes are adapted around the common themes of the global programme focusing on young people, skills development and partnership. Each programme is delivered in the first language of the young people and has an appropriate local name, for example it’s called Intilaaqah in Arabic speaking countries, and Desafio Joven in Spanish South America. This structure – one that encourages local programme development whilst promoting common global themes – is unique among such youth focused enterprise programmes.
LiveWIRE programmes work in partnership with other organisations and initiatives that share common goals - those of increasing choice and improving the future for young people.
A champion for young people in business, LiveWIRE works nationally and internationally to raise the profile of youth
enterprise and the economic contribution it can make among key stakeholders and policy makers in the private and
government sectors, NGOs, and with the public.
Shell LiveWIRE continues to develop innovative and relevant ways of helping young people to play their part in the economic success of their family, their community and ultimately their country. More information about the programmes running in Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East and Europe, can be found at
www.shell-livewire.com
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Pioneering with the PNE Group
In 1985 the PNE Group was appointed by Shell UK to develop, manage and deliver the programme throughout the UK. Then in
1998, when Shell International decided to promote LiveWIRE as one of its flagship international social investment programmes,
PNE Group was appointed as its international consultant. The PNE Group now provides co-ordination and development support to
existing programmes and undertakes feasibility studies for prospective LiveWIRE programmes on behalf of local Shell companies.
Please visit www.pne.org to see how the PNE Group continues to develop innovative projects to help enterprising people to create
wealth and employment.
For information on Shell LiveWIRE:
www.shell-livewire.com
karen.bellis@shell-livewire.com
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