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BeChangeMaker Teams Get Ready to Change the World

21 June 2022

BeChangeMaker Global 2022, the entrepreneurship training program from WorldSkills International and the HP Foundation, is officially underway.

More than 200 teams from 53 countries applied to take part in the three-month program for the chance to make their dreams of a social business a reality. Thirty made it through the initial selection process and are now preparing to take their first steps on a journey that will develop their entrepreneurship and business skills, challenge their thinking, and give them the confidence they need to turn their nascent ideas into viable businesses.

The BeChangeMaker program is built around a robust framework of theoretical and practical support. This includes coaching, access to tools, and mentoring from HP employee experts, all of which enables participants to make decisive progress while learning the skills needed to take their social business ideas to the next level. HP LIFE—a free IT and business skills training program from the HP Foundation—is a key component of the program and a valuable learning resource for the teams.

This year’s participants are as ambitious as ever and there is no shortage of innovative ideas for tackling the tough social challenges that our world is facing. Business concepts include development of a solar water tower to reduce deforestation and provide access to clean water for communities in Namibia, a smart sonography device to provide accurate medical diagnosis in rural Sudan, and a solution to combat online bullying from the United Kingdom.

“It’s been really heartwarming to see the continued enthusiasm for BeChangeMaker and the real desire among young people to solve social problems, even in tough times,” said Stephanie Bormann, Head of HP Employee Giving and Volunteering. “We’d like to wish the teams good luck as they embark on their exciting journey to make the world a better place.”

About HP LIFE

HP LIFE is a program of the HP Foundation. It is available online, offline, and in person (where safe to do so) offering more than 30 courses in eight languages for students, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners all over the world. It is also an adaptable educational resource used on the ground by trainers, educators, and mentors to enrich curricula, support business creation, and improve employability skills.

About BeChangeMaker Global

BeChangeMaker Global is a virtual social entrepreneurship training program created by WorldSkills International and the HP Foundation. It offers people ages 18–35 a chance to develop their potential as social entrepreneurs.

Working in teams, participants take HP LIFE courses and receive support—including coaching, tools, and mentorship from HP business experts—to help them develop a viable business model to solve a social issue using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a framework.

At the end of the program, five teams, as well as one wild card team, will be chosen to pitch their business ideas live at a virtual final. Judges will select three teams to receive €2,000 in funding and all five teams will receive customized coaching worth €1,000 to develop their businesses further.