welcome course
Mercy Corps Sustainable Community Empowerment Grant (SCEG)
Entrepreneurship Track
Welcome to the Belmont Foundation Youth Innovation & Enterprise Lab
WELCOME MESSAGE
Welcome to the Belmont Foundation Youth Innovation & Enterprise Lab!
Congratulations on being selected to participate in this exciting journey. You are joining a community of motivated individuals who are committed to creating new opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities through agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
This 12-month programme has been developed through the Mercy Corps Sustainable Community Empowerment Grant (SCEG) in partnership with the Belmont Foundation and Think and Play Village to equip participants with practical knowledge and technical skills, and to provide hands-on experience through the Youth Agripreneur Demonstration Plot and Youth Innovation Store. These experiences are designed to support meaningful entrepreneurship, stronger businesses, and more resilient livelihoods.
Throughout this programme, you will move beyond theory. You will develop practical skills, work alongside experienced mentors, gain hands-on experience, and transform locally available resources into value-added products with real market potential.
By the end of your learning journey, you will have developed the confidence, knowledge, and practical experience needed to strengthen your career, launch a business, or grow an existing enterprise.
We are delighted to welcome you and look forward to supporting your success.
HOW TO LEARN SUCCESSFULLY ONLINE
How will you learn
Learning is practical, engaging, and hands-on. Throughout the programme you will learn through:
● Online courses
● Interactive workshops
● Practical demonstrations
● Hands-on product development
● Group projects
● Field activities
● Independent online learning
● Mentorship
● Reflection and feedback
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
• Develop effective online learning habits.
• Take useful notes while completing lessons.
• Participate professionally in online discussions.
• Upload assignments successfully.
• Communicate respectfully with facilitators and classmates.
• Stay informed by checking announcements and messages regularly.
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME TO YOUR ONLINE LEARNING JOURNEY!
The Belmont Foundation Youth Innovation & Enterprise Lab combines online learning with hands-on practical training, mentoring, and classroom discussions. The online portion of the programme is designed to prepare you for the practical sessions at Belmont Estate.
You do not need to be an expert with computers to succeed. You simply need to develop good learning habits, stay organized, and ask questions whenever you need help.
Remember, the goal is not to rush through the course. The goal is to understand the material so you can confidently apply it during practical activities and when developing your own business.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the Belmont Foundation Youth Innovation & Enterprise Lab Entrepreneurship Track, you will participate in interactive workshops, practical activities, mentoring, and hands-on business development experiences covering the following topics
Your Entrepreneurial Journey Begins Here
One of the most exciting parts of this programme is that you won't simply learn about entrepreneurship—you'll build your own business idea throughout the programme.
LOCKED FEATURES
FEATURES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE WHEN ANNOUNCED BY FACILITATOR
LOCKED FEATURES
FEATURES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE WHEN ANNOUNCED BY FACILITATOR
LOCKED FEATURES
FEATURES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE WHEN ANNOUNCED BY FACILITATOR
LOCKED FEATURES
FEATURES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE WHEN ANNOUNCED BY FACILITATOR
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING
LET'S GET YOU READY!
-
PREPARE YOUR LEARNING SPACE
Where you study can have a big impact on how well you learn.
Choose a place where you can concentrate with as few distractions as possible.
Before beginning a lesson:
• Find a quiet place.
• Charge your phone, tablet, or laptop.
• Have a notebook and pen ready.
• Keep a bottle of water nearby.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications if possible.
• Let family members know you need uninterrupted study time.
Even studying for just 30 to 45 focused minutes is often more effective than trying to study for several hours while distracted.
-
TAKE NOTES WHILE YOU LEARN
Taking notes while watching videos or reading lessons can help you understand and remember important information.
Your notebook will become one of your most valuable resources throughout this programme.
As you work through each lesson, write down:
• New vocabulary words.
• Important facts.
• Ideas you find interesting.
• Questions you want to ask your facilitator.
• Business ideas that come to mind.
• Any tasks that appear for you to complete and share in class.
Do not try to copy every word from the screen. Instead, summarize the most important ideas in your own words.
Writing information down helps you remember it and gives you something to review before quizzes and practical sessions.
-
PAUSE, REFLECT AND LEARN
There is no prize for finishing the course quickly.
Successful learners pause often to think about what they have learned.
As you move through each lesson:
• Pause the video when you hear an important idea.
• Reread sections that are difficult.
• Look up unfamiliar words if needed.
• Complete each reflection activity before moving on.
• Think about how the lesson connects to your own community or business idea.
Learning happens through understanding, not speed.
-
UPLOADING ASSIGNMENTS SUCCESSFULLY
Assignments allow facilitators to understand your progress and provide helpful feedback.
Before uploading any assignment:
✓ Make sure your name appears on the document if required.
✓ Check that all questions have been answered.
✓ Review your work for spelling and grammar.
✓ Upload the correct file.
✓ Confirm that the upload was successful.
If you experience technical problems, contact the programme team as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline has passed.
-
COMMUNICATING WITH FACILITATORS
Your facilitators are here to help you succeed.
If you have a question:
• Ask it as soon as possible. Use WhatsApp, your classroom time, or the Friday support forum.
• Be polite and respectful.
• Explain your question clearly.
• Include the course name and module number if applicable.
For example:
"Hello Dr. Akoma. I am working on Module 3, Topic 2, and I am unsure how to complete the compost activity. Could you please clarify what is expected? Thank you."
Clear communication helps facilitators provide faster and more accurate support.
-
USING WHATSAPP PROFESSIONALLY
WhatsApp is an important communication tool during this programme.
Use it professionally.
Appropriate uses include:
• Asking questions about assignments.
• Informing facilitators if you will be absent.
• Sharing programme-related information.
• Responding to announcements.
Avoid:
• Sending unrelated messages.
• Posting inappropriate content.
• Forwarding misinformation.
• Messaging facilitators late at night unless it is an emergency.
Remember that the WhatsApp group is part of a professional learning environment.
-
CHECK ANNOUNCEMENTS EVERYDAY
Important programme information may be shared through:
• The learning platform
• Email
• WhatsApp
Announcements may include:
• Assignment reminders
• Schedule changes
• Materials to bring
• Guest speakers
• Field activity information
Checking announcements daily will help you stay prepared and avoid missing important information.
-
LEARNING BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL CLASSROON
You will also learn by:
● Developing Real Products
● Working With Experienced Mentors
● Gaining Practical Business Skills
● Developing Digital Competencies
● Building Professional Networks
● Learning From Local Entrepreneurs
● Gaining Experience In Real Business Environments
● Preparing For Entrepreneurship
What We Expect From You
To help everyone succeed, we ask each participant to:
● Attend all scheduled sessions whenever possible. You will receive $5 in bus fare reimbursement for each day you attend in person. Classes are held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Belmont Estate’s conference room. You are expected to attend at least 90% of the in-person sessions and complete 100% of the online courses and assessments. Virtual support will be available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Details on how to access Friday support will be shared with participants.
● Participate actively in discussions and practical activities while attending in-person classes. Refreshments will be provided each day.
● Engage with the online course material before meeting in class. Course schedules and required materials will be shared before class meetings via email and/or the WhatsApp group. Be prepared to discuss this material in class.
● Complete assignments, assessments, practical activities, and programme requirements on time. You will be provided with access to the tools, training spaces, and support needed for programme activities. Assignment instructions will be shared during class meetings and/or through email and the WhatsApp group.
● After the courses are complete, you will be expected to complete on-site training in the Youth Innovation Store, where your products may be sold. The length of this training is subject to change; however, you should anticipate participating on site approximately once a week for several months as you build your business.
● Upon completion of the courses, you will have access to one or more industry professionals who will mentor you as you develop your business.
● Respect fellow participants and facilitators.
● Maintain professionalism throughout the programme.
● Be willing to learn, collaborate and try new ideas.
● Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
● Commit to developing yourself throughout the programme.
● Check your email and/or WhatsApp group chat for programme updates, reminders, and important announcements daily.
Earn a Professional Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise and Agribusiness Innovation. This certificate recognises your commitment to developing practical skills in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, value-added product development, business management, digital innovation, and market readiness, and demonstrates your readiness to launch or strengthen an enterprise.
Participants who successfully complete all 4 courses, actively participate in the other programme aspects, complete all required assignments and assessments, and satisfy the programme requirements will be awarded the:
Professional Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise and Agribusiness Innovation
This certificate recognises your successful completion of specialised training in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, value-added product development, business management, digital innovation, and market readiness. It demonstrates your commitment to developing the practical knowledge and professional competencies needed to create resilient businesses, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable economic development within your community.
Programme Completion and Certification
WHAT YOU WILL RECIEVE
As a participant in the Belmont Foundation Youth Innovation & Enterprise Lab Entrepreneurship Track, you will receive:
● Professional instruction from experienced facilitators
● Hands-on practical training
● One-on-one mentoring
● Access to online learning resources
● Business development tools and templates
● Product development guidance
● Practical experience through Belmont Estate
● Opportunities to test products in the marketplace
● Networking with entrepreneurs and industry professionals
● Ongoing support throughout the programme and beyond
● A Professional Certificate upon successful completion
Your progress will be evaluated using a variety of practical methods, including:
● Practical assignments
● Reflection activities
● Product development exercises
● Participation
● Business planning activities
● Presentations
● Mentor feedback
● Completion of online learning activities and assessments
To ensure every participant receives the support needed to succeed, Fridays will be dedicated to a Learning Support Clinic.
From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., facilitators will be available to answer questions, provide additional guidance, review assignments, and help participants prepare for upcoming coursework. Participants may join during the support period or schedule individual or small-group consultations with facilitators as needed.
How You Will Be Assessed
Your Learning Team
Each participant will have access to experienced course facilitators as well as industry mentors from:
● Belmont Foundation
● Think and Play Village
● Private sector partners
● Government partners
These entities are here to:
● Answer questions and provide encouragement.
● Help refine your business idea.
● Offer practical advice based on experience.
● Connect you with valuable opportunities and networks.
● Support your growth throughout the programme.
Accessing Courses
You are required to complete several courses, including the associated assessments and projects. The facilitated course sequence will run for approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Links to each course will be provided according to the programme schedule.
Your Learning Team
Each participant will have access to experienced course facilitators as well as industry mentors from:
● Belmont Foundation
● Think and Play Village
● Private sector partners
● Government partners
These entities are here to:
● Answer questions and provide encouragement.
● Help refine your business idea.
● Offer practical advice based on experience.
● Connect you with valuable opportunities and networks.
● Support your growth throughout the programme.
Your Learning Team
ON-SITE PROJECT MANAGER: Naomi Roberts 473-405-5450
OFF-SITE PROJECT MANAGER: Dr Efua Akoma 678-409-9319 (WhatsApp only)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Keri Wilson 473-416-2992
EMAIL: mercycorpsprogramme@gmail.com
