Problem Statement: Addressing Limited Access to Economic Opportunities in Pakistan

1) What is the problem?

There is a limited access to economic opportunities in Pakistan, which prevents personal growth,
inflames income inequality and slowing overall economic growth. This multifaceted problem causes
many problems, which are as follows:

A) Scarce Opportunities of Job:

Many Pakistanis are unable to find stable employment due to non-availability of jobs across all sectors.
This scarcity not only prevents individuals to secure a livelihood, but also promotes economic instability
and social inequality.

B) Little to no Support for Entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurs face huge barriers. They include limited technical resources, very limited access to
financial capital and huge regulatory barriers. With not enough support in place, promising and high
potential ventures often fumble before they can make a meaningful impact on the economy.

C) Socioeconomic Disparities:

There is a consequence of not providing access to economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
They face tremendous social and systematic barriers, which deepens the socioeconomic disparities and
eventually leads to inequality and poverty.

2) Who or what is affected?

Limited access to economic opportunities impacts various segments of Pakistani society. That are as
follows:

A) Individuals:

Low-income and middle-class Pakistanis face the eventual burden of this issue. They face difficulties and
hurdles in securing a stable employment, to access entrepreneurship opportunities and to improve their
standard of living. As a result, their ability to contribute to the economy meaningfully is severely
restricted.

B) Communities:

Lack of economic opportunities affect different communities and widens any gap that is or was already
present. This inflames social tensions and instability within Pakistan.

C) National Economy:

The economic growth of Pakistan is prevented by the non-participation of significant portion of

Pakistan’s population. Little to no access of opportunities lowers productivity, innovation and
investment, restricting Pakistan’s potential for prosperity and sustainable development.
3) Why should we care?

Addressing this issue is not just a matter of philanthropy. But it is imperative for the country's long term
stability and prosperity. Because of following points:

A) Economic Development:

To provide access of economic opportunities for all is crucial to the economic growth of the whole nation
and not just some individuals. Pakistan, having a huge population of youth, has tremendous potential for
innovation, prosperity and talent.

B) Social Stability:

Economic disparities promote instability and resentment in marginalized communities. This leads to
social unrest. This can be prevented by introducing inclusive policies of the economy and not just benefit
certain class and kind of people.

C) Human Capital Development:

Each individual has a potential to contribute to their nation. Providing access to education, training and
economic opportunities, Pakistan can reach it’s full potential. Eventually progress and prosperity can be
achieved.

In conclusion, a systematic reform is the need of the hour. Providing access to economic opportunities
along with educational opportunities and introducing inclusive policies for every community is the only
way of prosperity for Pakistan to secure it’s future.

Q2:

Our project plan revolves around the creation of an Affordable Entrepreneurship Training Initiative for
Students. What sets our idea apart is its focus on providing low-cost training specifically designed to
empower students to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects
of our plan:

What is unique about our idea?

The uniqueness of our idea lies in its simplicity, practicality, and affordability. While entrepreneurship
training programs exist, they often come with hefty price tags that may be prohibitive for students,
especially those from low-income backgrounds. Our initiative aims to address this barrier by offering
training that is not only accessible but also tailored to the specific needs and constraints of student
entrepreneurs. By providing practical guidance and ongoing support, we aim to equip students with the
skills and confidence they need to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.

Who would we need on our team?

To bring our initiative to life, we would require a dedicated team with diverse skills and expertise:

Student Program Coordinator: Responsible for overseeing the program and providing support to
participants.

Student Mentor: Guides participants through the training process, offering advice and assistance as
needed.

Outreach Volunteer: Spreads awareness about the program within the student community, encouraging
participation and engagement.

Administrative Support: Assists with paperwork, organization, and logistical tasks to ensure smooth
operation of the initiative.

How much would it cost?

We are committed to keeping costs low to maximize accessibility. Our cost estimates include:

Materials: Utilizing free or low-cost resources available online for training materials.

Venue: Leveraging school facilities or community centers, either for free or at a minimal cost.

Personnel: Building a volunteer-based team or providing stipends for student coordinators to keep
personnel costs minimal.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Focusing on essential needs only to minimize additional expenses.

Our total cost estimate is less than $5,000 per year, ensuring that the initiative remains financially
sustainable and accessible to all students.

What would the timeline be?

Our timeline for implementing the initiative spans over the course of a year:
Months 1-2: Form the student team and develop a comprehensive plan for the program.

Months 3-4: Create simple yet effective training materials and devise outreach strategies to spread
awareness about the initiative.

Months 5-6: Recruit student participants from the school community, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.

Months 7-12: Execute the training sessions and mentorship program, providing ongoing support and
guidance to participants.

Ongoing: Continuously monitor progress, evaluate effectiveness, and offer support to participants as
they progress on their entrepreneurial journeys.

By adhering to this timeline, we aim to create a sustainable and impactful initiative that empowers
students to explore and pursue entrepreneurship with confidence and success.