Finding one’s place in the world is never easy, especially for a young person entering today’s increasingly complex and competitive job market. But what happens if, instead of looking for an opportunity, you decide to create one? This is exactly where the reflection on microcredit and self-entrepreneurship begins. Two words that may seem technical and distant, but that in reality speak of possibilities, freedom, and empowerment. They speak of young people who want to build something of their own and who, to do so, need not only an idea, but also tools, trust, and – sometimes – a small financial boost to get started.
What is microcredit?
Microcredit is a small loan granted to people who want to start a small business, but who often don’t have access to traditional credit channels, such as banks. This type of financing is especially intended for those who may offer few financial guarantees but have plenty of ideas and motivation. It’s not just about money: often, those who receive microcredit are also supported with training and guidance in launching their business. This increases the chances of the project succeeding.
And what about self-entrepreneurship?
Self-entrepreneurship refers to a person’s ability to work independently—that is, to create and manage their own business. This could mean opening a shop, offering artisanal services, starting a small farming business, or launching an online activity. Being self-employed means believing in your own ideas, taking risks, and working hard to turn a project into reality.
Why are they important?
Microcredit and self-entrepreneurship often go hand in hand. Microcredit provides the initial financial support, while self-entrepreneurship is the human and creative drive that brings the idea to life. These tools can change lives, especially in contexts where unemployment is high or where people need a second chance. Above all, they offer a real opportunity to take charge of one’s own future. At the Museum of Saving, we often explore the topic of credit access for young people and explain what microcredit is through practical examples and simulations, making the concept real and relatable.
But where do you start?
With good financial education. With programs that help young people understand the value of money, plan ahead, and make informed choices. That’s why the Museum of Saving has been developing educational programs for years, aimed at those who are trying to find their path. One example is WelcomED, a project dedicated to young migrants that combines financial education with guidance toward economic independence. The modules are simple, accessible, and designed for those who find themselves in a new context and need reference points to begin building.
There are also programs for high schools, like Ideas and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where students work on real ideas, collaborate, practice creative thinking, and learn how a business is born. Not necessarily a “big” business. Sometimes all it takes is a good insight and the courage to try. With PCTO – Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation – students have the opportunity to experience reality: they create projects, simulate running a business, learn how to make decisions, stick to a budget, and work as a team. One of these programs is called “Business Between Innovation, Ethics and Sustainability” – three words that are not just trends, but real directions toward a more equitable and conscious future.
Work, future, freedom
Building your own future requires trust, first in yourself, but also in the idea that someone can help you get started. In this light, financial education should not be seen merely as a subject to study, but as a key to making informed choices, to being freer. Microcredit and self-entrepreneurship are powerful levers for youth independence. But to truly work, they need supportive environments, schools that talk about them, and learning experiences that make them real.
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June 11, 2025