Turning Haitian Skills and Capital into Sustainable Impact
Power Move Entrepreneurship Initiative, or PMEI, is a Haitian-inspired initiative focused on helping skilled Haitians turn their abilities into sustainable businesses.
The idea behind PMEI is simple: Training should not be the end of the journey. It should be the beginning of an opportunity.
Many Haitians have valuable technical skills but lack the capital, business structure, connections, marketing, and support needed to turn those skills into growing businesses. PMEI seeks to help bridge that gap.
The initiative identifies promising individuals and small teams, helps them develop practical business plans, connects them to initial capital when available, supports the development of their businesses and brands, and helps connect them to potential customers and opportunities.
The PMEI Model
Identify talent
Develop the business idea
Create a practical business plan
Provide or connect entrepreneur to startup capital
Project Proposal Prepared by: Clenson Pierre Founder & Program Director Power Move Entrepreneurship Initiative (PMEI)
From Dependency to Entrepreneurship: Empowering Haiti's Next Generation of Business Leaders
Executive Summary
The Power Move Entrepreneurship Initiative (PMEI) is a youth economic empowerment program designed to help motivated young adults in Haiti achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship.
PMEI combines practical business training, mentorship, and access to startup capital through a revolving fund model. The initiative is built on a simple belief:
Young adults can achieve economic independence when they are equipped with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to start and manage sustainable small businesses.
For several years, I have worked directly with young adults in Haiti through entrepreneurship training and youth development programs. During that time, I repeatedly observed that many talented and motivated young people complete training programs but remain unable to launch businesses because they lack startup capital and ongoing support.
PMEI was created to bridge that gap.
Our goal is not to create dependency through aid. Our goal is to create entrepreneurs, business owners, and future community leaders. About the Founder
Clenson Pierre hold a degree in Civil Engineering and have over ten years of professional experience in information technology, technical services, entrepreneurship training, and youth development.
Certified in Entrepreneurship, Small Business Creation and Management, and Leadership Development.
Since 2021, have served as a business trainer and coach through the Power Move Business Training Program, helping young adults develop entrepreneurial skills, leadership capacity, and financial literacy.
I have had the privilege of training youth from orphanages, transition houses, and nonprofit organizations throughout Haiti, including programs designed to help vulnerable young adults prepare for independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
Currently, I serve in a leadership role within Extollo's Trade School, where I continue to work with young people seeking practical pathways toward employment and entrepreneurship.
The Power Move Entrepreneurship Initiative represents the next step in that work: moving beyond training and creating real opportunities for business ownership.
Why I Started PMEI
Over the years, I have worked with many young adults who successfully completed entrepreneurship training and developed strong business ideas.
Unfortunately, many of them faced the same obstacle:
They had the skills.
They had the motivation.
They had the business plan.
But they did not have access to startup capital.
As a result, many returned to unemployment or economic dependency despite their potential. I became convinced that entrepreneurship training alone is not enough.
Young entrepreneurs also need mentorship, accountability, and access to the resources required to launch their businesses.
PMEI was created to provide all three.
The Challenge
Youth unemployment remains one of Haiti's greatest economic challenges.
Many young adults:
Lack access to employment opportunities.
Have limited access to entrepreneurship education.
Cannot obtain financing from traditional financial institutions.
Remain dependent on family members, sponsors, or charitable assistance.
At the same time, many possess the determination and creativity needed to build successful businesses.
The missing link is opportunity.
Our Solution
PMEI provides a structured pathway from business idea to business ownership.
Our model focuses on three pillars: Training, Launching, Mentoring
TRAINING
Participants receive practical instruction in:
Small business creation
Financial literacy
Marketing and sales
Customer service
Record keeping
Leadership development
LAUNCHING
Participants develop business plans and receive startup support for approved business projects.
Whenever possible, PMEI purchases tools, inventory, equipment, and startup materials directly to ensure accountability and effective use of resources.
MENTORING
Participants receive ongoing business coaching, accountability, and support during their first year of operation.
This mentorship significantly increases the likelihood of long-term success.
Pilot Program Structure
Phase 1: Recruitment and Selection
Applicants are evaluated based on:
Character
Commitment
Work ethic
Business potential
Willingness to participate
Duration: 2 Weeks
Phase 2: Entrepreneurship Training
Participants complete a structured business training program. Topics include:
Entrepreneurship
Financial management
Marketing
Customer service
Leadership Business planning
Duration: 12 Weeks
Phase 3: Business Planning
Participants prepare business plans and startup budgets for review.
Duration: 4 Weeks
Phase 4: Business Launch
Approved participants receive startup support and begin operating their businesses.
Duration: 4 Weeks
Phase 5: Mentorship and Monitoring
Monthly coaching sessions and business reviews.
Duration: 12 Months
The Revolving Fund Model
PMEI utilizes a revolving startup fund.
Rather than providing one-time assistance, startup support is structured so participants gradually repay the investment over time.
As funds are repaid:
New entrepreneurs receive support.
Donor contributions continue generating impact.
The program becomes increasingly sustainable.
This approach promotes responsibility, ownership, and long-term growth.
Financial Stewardship and Accountability
PMEI is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship.
Measures include:
Business plan review before funding
Direct purchase of startup materials whenever possible
Participant agreements:
Monthly mentoring and reporting
Financial tracking and documentation
Donor impact reports
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
Our commitment is to ensure that every dollar entrusted to the program produces measurable impact.
Pilot Cohort (Year One)
To establish a strong foundation, PMEI plans to begin with a small pilot cohort of five entrepreneurs.
This approach allows us to:
Focus on quality mentorship
Measure outcomes carefully
Refine systems and procedures
Build success stories
Demonstrate proof of concept
Potential business categories include:
Retail businesses
Phone accessories
Beauty products
Food processing
Welding and fabrication
Carpentry
Masonry
Service-based businesses
Expected Outcomes
Within the first year:
Direct Outcomes
Five entrepreneurs trained
Five businesses launched
Increased participant income
Improved financial literacy
Increased self-sufficiency
Long-Term Outcomes
Sustainable businesses
Job creation
Reduced dependency
Strong repayment performance
Expansion of the revolving fund
Measuring Success
PMEI will track:
Number of businesses launched
Business survival rate
Revenue growth
Participant income growth
Jobs created
Repayment performance
Regular reports will be shared with partners and supporters.
Pilot Budget Amount (USD)
Category
Recruitment & Selection $250
Training Materials & Resources $500
Training Delivery $750
Startup Capital Fund (5 Entrepreneurs) $2,500
Mentorship & Monitoring $500
Administration & Reporting $250
Contingency $250
Total Pilot Budget $5,000
Partnership Opportunities
$500 - Sponsor One Entrepreneur's Startup Capital
$1,000 - Sponsor One Entrepreneur's Complete Journey (Training + Startup Support + Mentorship)
$2,500 - Fund Half of the Pilot Cohort
$5,000 - Fund the Entire Pilot Program
Long-Term Vision
Within five years, PMEI aims to:
Establish a sustainable revolving entrepreneurship fund
Support dozens of entrepreneurs annually
Create employment opportunities within local communities
Build a network of ethical and successful young business leaders
Become a recognized model for youth entrepreneurship development in Haiti
Invitation to Partner
The future of Haiti will be shaped by the opportunities available to its young people.
PMEI exists to help transform motivated young adults into entrepreneurs, employers, and community leaders.
We invite individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and organizations to join us in building sustainable pathways to economic independence.
Together, we can create opportunity, restore dignity, and help young people build lasting futures through entrepreneurship.
