Unilever partners with Orange Corners to support entrepreneurs

Unilever Bangladesh Ltd (UBL), one of the country’s largest fast-moving consumer goods companies, has signed an agreement with Orange Corners, an initiative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Netherlands, to support young entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

Implemented by YY Ventures, BYLC Ventures, and SAJIDA Foundation, and supported by the DBL Group and Unilever, the Orange Corners programme in Bangladesh aims to create opportunities for the next generation of Bangladeshi business leaders by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed, according to a press statement issued on Thursday.

With a strong presence in 17 Hubs across Africa and the Middle East, Orange Corners launched its 18th hub in Bangladesh - its first Asian nation, in early February this year. The Orange Corners programme in Bangladesh will equip youth, aged between 18 and 35 years, with skills, funding, and resources to build sustainable businesses, particularly those that address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; all while the programme partners combine their strengths to create an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Bangladesh.

The programme has a strong focus on inspiring Bangladeshi youth to participate in solving local challenges and ensuring gender equity across all phases of the programme. Unilever has a long-standing commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth. This partnership with Orange Corners Bangladesh aligns with Unilever’s global mission to help create a more equitable and sustainable future. By supporting young entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, Unilever hopes to drive economic growth and create a positive impact in the community.

Speaking on the partnership, Unilever Bangladesh’s CEO and Managing Director, Zaved Akhtar said, “Bangladesh’s journey over the last few decades has been nothing but short of a miracle, and the economy has immense potential with an enormous pool of young talent. If all young people get the opportunity to acquire the right skills and their personal development, our progress should be unlimited.”

“From raising productivity and reducing inequality to creating businesses and improving communities, there is no end to the benefits their talents and ideas could bring. However, young people today face extraordinary economic, social and cultural challenges and need a wide variety of skills to thrive in work and life. As part of Unilever’s Compass priorities and commitment to youth skills development, we have committed to helping 10 million young people aged between 15 and 24 years to gain employment skills that will help them find meaningful work opportunities and prepare for the future of work”, he said.

“Since 2020 Unilever has been working with social enterprises in Bangladesh and helping innovative social businesses to solve market-based solutions which can play vital roles in poverty reduction, economic development and pollution reduction. Our collaboration with Orange Corner will allow us to reach a larger group of youth. I believe our combined strengths will create an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Bangladesh.”

Orange Corners Bangladesh is gearing up for its first hackathon to be held in May 2023.

Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) is the largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company with a heritage of 60 years, with more than 9 out of 10 households using one or more of its brands for their daily needs. UBL is a subsidiary of Unilever, one of the world’s leading suppliers of consumer-packaged goods in more than 190 countries. UBL’s purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace with a vision to grow the business while reducing environmental footprint and increasing positive social impact.