The Certified FGDI Youth Investor Program is a one-day acceleration program designed to introduce students and young entrepreneurs to the fundamentals of business and investment. Participants receive basic training on entrepreneurship, business models, and investor expectations, after which they present their ideas directly to a panel of investors, founders, and industry experts—similar to the format of **Shark Tank. The program provides young innovators with early exposure to real investment discussions, constructive feedback, and the opportunity to refine their concepts while building confidence in pitching and entrepreneurship.
The program is conducted under the guidance of **Zia Husam, who has trained over 10,000 students and young entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship, leadership, and investment awareness. As part of the experience, participants will also have the opportunity to interact with industry experts, investors, and summit delegates, gaining valuable exposure to real-world business insights and professional networks.
Judging & Investor Interaction
The program will feature a panel of judges comprising investors, finance professionals, and industry experts, providing participants with valuable feedback and real-world perspectives on their ideas. This hands-on evaluation process allows youth to experience how investors assess business concepts, financial viability, and market potential. Promising projects and innovative ideas will also be highlighted to real-time investors and delegates, creating opportunities for mentorship, further development, and potential future investment discussions.
Schedule
FGDI Youth Investor Program – Training & Investor Challenge Schedule
Program Format: One-Day Acceleration & Investor Pitch Challenge
10:00 – 10:10 AM | Welcome & Program Introduction
Overview of the FGDI Youth Investor Program and briefing on the Investor Challenge.
10:10 – 10:40 AM | Session 1: Product Development
Understanding how to transform innovative ideas into viable products and identify real market needs.
10:40 – 11:05 AM | Session 2: Market Segmentation & Positioning
Learning how to identify the right target audience and position products effectively in competitive markets.
11:05 – 11:30 AM | Session 3: Equity Investment Fundamentals
Introduction to startup funding, equity structures, valuation basics, and investor expectations.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Session 4: Presentation & Pitching Skills
Training on building compelling business pitches, storytelling, and presenting ideas confidently to investors.
12:00 – 01:00 PM | Pitch Preparation & Mentoring
Participants refine their business concepts and prepare their presentations with guidance from mentors.
01:00 – 02:00 PM | Lunch Break
02:00 – 05:00 PM | Investor Challenge, Recognition & Closing Ceremony
Participants present their business concepts before a panel of investors and finance professionals, followed by questions, feedback, recognition of outstanding projects, and the official closing of the program.
