From Margins to Markets

Northumbria University, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), the Rural Design Centre, and Cafetales Hamburgo Institute have been awarded a grant under the British Council Climate Skills programme, funded by HSBC through its partnership with the British Council.

Our project From Margins to Markets: Empowering Rural Youth for Green Entrepreneurship, will be running from January to October 2026, will train young people across both countries to develop green businesses based on the circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is designed out of systems.

Young people in rural North East England and in coffee-growing communities in Chiapas, Mexico face similar challenges. Both regions helped power economic growth in the past, but now struggle with limited opportunities. Both have communities with deep knowledge of sustainable practices that are essential for fighting climate change.

“Young people in both regions already understand their local environment,” said Professor Robert Newbery from Northumbria University. “They know about traditional ways of using resources wisely – like repairing things instead of throwing them away, or working with nature rather than against it. This project helps them turn that knowledge into real businesses.”

The programme has three phases. First, young people learn about circular economy and green entrepreneurship through hands-on workshops. Second, they work in teams to develop business ideas and test them with real customers. Third, the best ideas receive support to launch as actual businesses.

Participants will also connect with young people across the Atlantic through virtual exchanges, sharing ideas and learning from each other's experiences.

Professor Claudia González Brambila from ITAM explained the Mexico context: “In Chiapas, young people live and work in cloud forest ecosystems that are vital for the planet. They understand traditional coffee growing and agroecological systems – farming methods that work with nature. This project helps them create businesses that protect the environment while earning a living.”

Katie Aitken-McDermott from the Rural Design Centre emphasised practical support: “We're providing training, mentorship, and support to help young people overcome barriers. The businesses they create will serve their own communities – solving local problems while creating green jobs.”

In Mexico, Miranda Edelmann Toriello from Cafetales Hamburgo Institute highlighted the importance of involving young women: “We're particularly focused on supporting young women from indigenous communities who often face extra barriers. They hold incredible knowledge about sustainable practices that can lead climate solutions.”

The project will create a toolkit that other organisations around the world can use to run similar programmes, helping more young people access green opportunities.