When Young People Get a Chance: The Story of a Business Created in a Home Region

At 19, many are just beginning to find their path. "After finishing college, I realized that every day was the same: home, school, sleep. At one point, I asked myself, 'What if I try to change my life?'" says Ertai.

August 14, 2026
Smiling man in a cafe stands beside a pastry display and blue sign.

Ertai Adamkalyev

Personal archive

He began to work on himself, set goals, and develop new skills. Gradually, the idea of starting his own business emerged—not just to make money, but to create a place that would be interesting to other young people. 

"My parents already had a café in the village, but young people rarely visited. I wanted to create a space where kids could come not only to eat but also to socialize, meet friends, and spend time in a modern atmosphere." 

Thus, the idea for a youth café was born. 

Today, his café in the village of Kochkor is more than just a place to have coffee or meet friends. It is a youth space that creates jobs, develops an entrepreneurial culture, and shows that investing in young people can be an important driver of regional development. 

For a budding entrepreneur, one of the main obstacles was access to financing. 

"I was only 18 years old. It was practically impossible to save up for a good renovation and equipment on my own, and getting a loan at that age was very difficult," says Ertai. 

With financial support from the Government of the Russian Federation, Ertai received the necessary equipment—a display refrigerator and a convection oven. This allowed him to update the space, expand the product range, and improve the quality of service. 

Support from UNDP helped overcome this barrier and became an example of how catalytic financing can open opportunities for young entrepreneurs who have ideas but are limited in initial resources. 

"Before, the space was much simpler. We didn't even have special equipment for preparing and storing desserts. After the support, everything changed: it became brighter, cozier, and new opportunities for development appeared." 

Today, the café makes its own desserts, is expanding its menu, and attracts more visitors. 

For Ertai, business is not just about profit. From the very beginning, he wanted to create a place where other young people could gain their first professional experience. 

"I wanted to give a chance to kids who really want to develop. Sometimes, it's enough just to believe in a person and give them a chance to try." 

During the café's operation, about 25 young people have gained work experience and training. Some of them have gone on to develop in other areas: one started their own blog, another opened their own business, and another built a career in tourism. 

Cafe interior with pastry display case; two men chat at the counter, warm lighting.

Today, the café employs five people. 

After the renovation, attendance has significantly increased. Now, between 70 and 110 guests visit daily, and the number of regular customers continues to grow. 

For a small community, such initiatives become part of a broader process of creating new local economic opportunities and strengthening local communities. 

The development of youth entrepreneurship aligns with the priorities of the National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic, which aims to create conditions for economic growth, expand opportunities for youth, support entrepreneurship, and develop the regions. 

By supporting young entrepreneurs in the regions, partners help not only individual businesses but also the formation of new local economic centers. 

Such initiatives demonstrate that investments in youth entrepreneurship can create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and help young people build their future in their home regions. 

Within the Janyration ("New Generation") initiative, supported by UNDP, 76 youth business projects have already received support totaling $312,000, creating about 200 jobs. Another 52 projects are in the implementation phase and are expected to create an additional 150 jobs, thanks to an investment of $442,000.