The ILO SIYB (Start and Improve Your Business) Program is a comprehensive entrepreneurial training initiative aimed at promoting small enterprise development as a means of creating more and better employment, particularly in developing and transition economies. It equips potential and existing entrepreneurs with practical skills to start, manage, and grow their businesses successfully.

What we Offer

ILO SIYB Training of Trainers

ILO SIYB ToT stands for “Start and Improve Your Business – Training of Trainers.” It is a structured certification program by the International Labor Organization (ILO) that prepares qualified individuals to deliver the SIYB entrepreneurship training to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.

What the ToT Includes:

The ToT (Training of Trainers) equips participants with:

• Deep understanding of the SIYB curriculum (GYB, SYB, IYB, and possibly EYB).
• Adult learning techniques and interactive facilitation skills.
• Practical tools for delivering entrepreneurship training effectively.
• Assessment skills to evaluate and guide entrepreneurs.

Objectives of SIYB ToT:

• Build a network of certified trainers who can train micro and small-scale entrepreneurs.
• Ensure quality and consistency in the delivery of SIYB programs worldwide.
• Strengthen local capacity for job creation through enterprise development.

Certification:

Participants who successfully complete the SIYB ToT and meet performance standards are certified as SIYB Trainers and become part of the ILO’s international SIYB trainer network.

ILO SIYB Training of Master Trainers

ILO SIYB Training of Master Trainers (ToMT) is the highest level of certification within the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It qualifies experienced SIYB trainers to train, certify, and mentor new SIYB trainers through official Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions.

Purpose of ToMT:

• To develop national and regional capacity by creating a pool of certified Master Trainers.
• To ensure sustainability and scalability of SIYB programs by enabling local delivery of ToTs without always relying on ILO international experts.
• To maintain quality standards in the delivery of entrepreneurship training through proper monitoring and mentoring of trainers.

 What Master Trainers Do:

Certified SIYB Master Trainers are responsible for:

• Facilitating Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions.
• Coaching and mentoring newly trained trainers.
• Assessing trainer candidates for SIYB certification.
• Supporting the adaptation and contextualization of SIYB materials.
• Ensuring quality assurance of SIYB delivery in their country or region.

Who Qualifies for ToMT?

Participants must:

• Be certified SIYB Trainers.
• Have extensive experience delivering SIYB trainings.
• Demonstrate strong facilitation, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Be recommended by their SIYB National Coordinator or ILO representative

ILO SIYB Training Modules

The ILO SIYB (Start and Improve Your Business) program is a global entrepreneurship training package developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It is designed to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow small businesses. The training is delivered through a set of modular training manuals, each targeting different stages of business development.

The Four Main SIYB Modules:

1. Generate Your Business Idea (GYB)

Target Group: Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business but don’t have a clear idea yet.
Goal: Help participants identify and develop viable business ideas based on market demand, personal skills, and local context.
Key Topics:

• Self-assessment for entrepreneurship
• Market research basics
• Brainstorming and screening business ideas

2. Start Your Business (SYB)

Target Group: Entrepreneurs who have a business idea and are ready to plan and launch a small enterprise.
 Goal: Equip participants with the skills to develop a business plan and begin operations.
Key Topics:

• Business planning
• Budgeting and costing
• Legal requirements
• Marketing basics
• Financial forecasting

3. Improve Your Business (IYB)

Target Group: Existing small business owners who want to improve business performance and profitability.
Goal: Strengthen management skills and business practices to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Key Topics:

• Marketing strategy
• Record keeping
• Stock control
• Financial management
• Costing and pricing
• People and Productivity

4. Expand Your Business (EYB) (offered in some countries)

Target Group: Entrepreneurs who want to scale up their business operations.
Goal: Help businesses grow through expansion strategies, innovation, and access to finance.
Key Topics:

• Growth planning
• Investment readiness
• Market expansion
• Leadership and HR development

 Overall Objectives of the SIYB Modules:

• Promote entrepreneurship and self-employment
• Enhance business skills and survival rates of small enterprises
• Contribute to job creation and economic development