RAISE: Expanding Employment and Climate-Resilient Livelihoods for Youth and Microentrepreneurs
The Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project is a large-scale initiative in Bangladesh aimed at enhancing employment and income opportunities for low-income youth and microentrepreneurs, particularly women and those in climate-vulnerable areas. With additional financing, the programme significantly scales up its reach by delivering a comprehensive package of skills training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship development and access to microfinance. It also introduces innovative approaches to women’s empowerment—such as access to quality childcare—and promotes climate-resilient livelihood pathways to help communities better withstand economic and environmental shocks.
Five-Axis Transformation via RAISE
Data
The programme utilises beneficiary data systems to identify and target low-income youth, informal workers and microentrepreneurs. It tracks employment outcomes, income changes and enterprise performance to assess impact and refine interventions. Data on climate vulnerability and socio-economic conditions further supports targeted delivery in high-risk regions.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance
RAISE delivers structured training programmes covering technical skills, employability, entrepreneurship and business management. Apprenticeships and on-the-job learning opportunities strengthen practical experience, while mentoring and advisory services support microentrepreneurs in improving productivity, market access and business sustainability.
Technology / Machinery
While the programme is primarily people-focused, it supports adoption of improved tools, production methods and climate-resilient practices among microenterprises. It also leverages digital platforms for training delivery, financial access and monitoring, enabling broader outreach and efficiency.
Finance
A core component of RAISE is facilitating access to microfinance for youth and small entrepreneurs, enabling them to start or expand businesses. The programme combines financial services with training and advisory support, ensuring that beneficiaries can effectively utilise credit to generate income and build sustainable enterprises.
Policy
The initiative contributes to strengthening inclusive development frameworks by aligning with national priorities on employment generation, financial inclusion and climate resilience. It also supports policy dialogue on improving support systems for informal sector workers, women entrepreneurs and youth employment.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Large-Scale Job Creation and Income Generation
The programme significantly expands employment opportunities, creating pathways for hundreds of thousands of young people and microentrepreneurs to secure livelihoods and improve incomes.
Empowerment of Women and Inclusive Participation
Targeted interventions—such as childcare support and tailored training—enable greater participation of women in economic activities, promoting gender equality and financial independence.
Strengthened Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
By integrating climate considerations into training and enterprise support, RAISE helps communities develop adaptive livelihood strategies that are better suited to withstand environmental shocks.
Enhanced Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The combination of skills development, financial access and business support strengthens the capacity of microenterprises to grow, innovate and contribute to local economies.
Sustainable Pathways for Informal Sector Transformation
RAISE supports the transition of informal workers and enterprises towards more stable, productive and resilient economic activities, contributing to long-term inclusive growth in Bangladesh.
