The Prince of Wales, who is on a three-day visit to Poland, will launch today “Youth Enterprise 2012”, an initiative to support the critical role of youth entrepreneurship in building a sustainable economy.

The project is spearheaded by Youth Business Poland and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce.

Youth unemployment is 20% in Poland in an economy which is just 20 years old. In the midst of an economic crisis; it is often difficult to find financing as a young business; a paradox when it is the young who hold the key to sustainable growth and small business is responsible for creating 80% of jobs.

“Youth Business International is a global business network whose members have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs start up in business who otherwise would not have been able to do so." commented Andrew Devenport, CEO Youth Business International. “We have a tried and tested model which provides invaluable support to young entrepreneurs as they start out in economic life; over 70% of businesses we work with are still in business after 3 years.”

"Youth Enterprise 2012 is hugely relevant in Poland's current economy. Today's business start ups will be tomorrow's economic growth drivers. 50% of Poland’s young people are under the age of 35, have grown up in a democracy and deserve the best chances to succeed. The first 3 years are critical in business. 2012 is in everyone’s minds right now – that’s why ‘Youth Enterprise 2012”, said Martin Oxley, BPCC CEO.

“Youth Business Poland is offering a simple yet proven 3 step formula: helping with developing the idea for a business, access to a professional mentor at no cost to the start up, support with enabling financing on preferential terms.

“I could not be more proud of all that YBI does to address youth employment. By helping young people develop successful and sustainable enterprises YBI aims to make a real difference to local employment prospects – HRH The Prince of Wales said.