Regional Academy for Young Entrepreneurs
IMPAKT RAYE (Regional Academy for Young Entrepreneurs) is a unique regional program designed to equip young visionaries with the mindset, skills and support they need to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. Developed by Impakt Foundation, RAYE brings together the most promising Gen Z changemakers from across the Western Balkans to collaborate, grow, and lead the next generation of entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re just starting out or already shaping your idea, RAYE offers an intensive learning journey, a supportive community, and direct access to expert mentors and regional partners who believe in the power of youth-driven impact.
Mission
To empower Gen Z entrepreneurs across the Western Balkans by offering a hands-on, regionally connected learning platform that nurtures innovation, sustainability, and long-term business success and fosters a strong network of like-minded peers and mentors.
Vision
To build a thriving regional ecosystem of young entrepreneurs who create purposeful, future-ready businesses that contribute to resilient communities and inclusive economies.
Why now?
The Western Balkans is full of untapped talent, creative ideas, and bold visions—but young people often lack access to structured support, mentorship and regional collaboration.
RAYE was created to change that.
By putting Gen Z at the center, this program encourages connection across borders, peer learning, and practical experience — all in a safe and empowering space.
Join the RAYE program What can you expect?
Powered by Impakt Foundation
IMPAKT Investment Foundation (IIF) established in 2019 as a continuation of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) - funded Youth Employment Project (YEP), is a leading non-profit organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) dedicated to strengthening local economic development through capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and sustainable innovation.
With IMPAKT RAYE, the foundation takes its mission regional — connecting young minds, breaking silos, and creating new opportunities for cooperation and growth.
Since its founding in 2019, Impakt has:
- Developed more than 2250 business ideas
- Developed more than 1000 business plans through IMPAKT incubators
- Supported over 600 business ventures
- Helped create more than 850 new jobs
- Achieved over 90% long-term business survival rate among supported entrepreneurs
Through award-winning programs like the IMPAKT Business Idea Incubator and IMPAKT Accelerator, the foundation has become a trusted ally of municipalities, ministries, and international donors across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
