On Tuesday, 25 March 2025, approximately 35 participants from across the globe joined a Creative Young Entrepreneur Program 2025 (CYE) Webinar hosted by EVP Africa & America Saïdou Sanou and VP assigned to Europe Stefanie van der Sman. The session explored vital questions: How do you start the CYE Program in your country? And if it’s already running, how can you improve it and take it to the next level?
This webinar was more than just a training session. It highlighted the global importance of the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program 2025 in developing leaders, fostering innovation, and equipping members with skills that go beyond business.
The First Spark: A Personal Journey into CYE
The story of CYE is also deeply personal. On the final day of the 2022 Growth & Development Academy, hosted by the European Development Council, a simple coffee line conversation sparked a life-changing introduction. My husband, 2020 National President of JCI the Netherlands and 2022 EDC Councillor, said a little too loudly: “Tessa, you might want to join the CYE program in Bruges during the European Conference! Altug can tell you all about it!”
Curious, I asked: “What’s CYE?”
That was the start. I witnessed my first CYE experience in Bruges and immediately felt its potential. From that moment, I knew I wanted to bring the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program back to the Netherlands and share it widely.
By January 2025, JCI the Netherlands had successfully organized its second edition of CYE. I was proud to be part of the 2025 Events & Programs Committee. For me, CYE is not just about pitching the best business idea. It’s about sharing your vision with confidence, inspiring audiences, and performing on local, national, and international stages. The Creative Young Entrepreneur Program 2025 is a training ground for leadership, communication, and global impact.
Insights from Global Winners
In the March 2025 webinar, EVP Saïdou Sanou, VP Stefanie van der Sman, and committee member Wiersma Kombe from JCI Zambia invited two inspiring global winners to share their journeys:
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Irmak Çağlayanel (JCI Turkiye) – 2024 Global Winner
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Stanley Anigbogu (JCI Nigeria) – 2022 Global Winner
Stanley, already recognized among Nigeria’s top ten young entrepreneurs, described CYE as a life-changing experience that inspired him to push his limits. His advice: join the program, or you’ll miss out on opportunities that could transform your life.
Irmak emphasized the importance of clear communication when pitching to a diverse global audience. Her advice: make it personal, keep it simple, and put your story in a global context. She also shared practical tips: review the official documents, create a simple pitch deck, and use the jury’s extra six minutes wisely.
Both winners highlighted the transformative leadership skills they gained through the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program.
Organizing CYE: Lessons from the Directors
The webinar also featured insights from past and present CYE directors:
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Hakan Aktay (JCI Turkiye) – 2022 & 2023 CYE Director
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Hana Křenková (JCI Czech Republic) – 2025 CYE Director
Hakan stressed the importance of implementing CYE in as many countries as possible. He emphasized its networking opportunities, where entrepreneurs meet peers and potential investors. He also encouraged maximizing visibility for participants and winners, ensuring that the recognition and prizes inspire greater participation.
Hana shared her journey of successfully launching CYE in the Czech Republic in just a few months. By partnering with existing regional programs and collaborating with the Rotaract European Meeting, she secured a venue, an audience, and strong partnerships. The event boosted JCI Czech Republic’s visibility, membership, and credibility while paving the way for their participation in the 2025 European Conference in Herning.
Why the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program 2025 Matters
CYE is more than a competition. It’s a global leadership platform that empowers young people to innovate, pitch, and connect with international networks. Whether in Nigeria, Turkiye, the Netherlands, Zambia, or the Czech Republic, the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program 2025 continues to inspire participants to grow as leaders and changemakers.
The shared advice across all stories was simple yet powerful: step up, start now, and embrace the journey. CYE offers the chance to gain skills, connections, and experiences that can shape both careers and lives.
As we look ahead to the Area Conferences and the World Congress in Tunis, the excitement around the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program 2025 is building. With every edition, more members step forward, more partnerships are formed, and more leaders emerge ready to create lasting impact.
A heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who made the March 2025 webinar possible. Your dedication ensures that the Creative Young Entrepreneur Program continues to be a true gateway to leadership, growth, and life-changing opportunities.
