Different dreams, one goal
he active implementation phase of the CB Programme project “Silver Entrepreneurs” has come to an end, opening doors for participants who wanted to learn more about entrepreneurship opportunities. This project attracted people who were not only ready to take on entrepreneurial challenges but also full of ideas, curiosity, and the desire to learn and grow.
The training was specially designed for people aged 60+, those who wanted to become entrepreneurs or further develop their entrepreneurial skills. With great enthusiasm, 80 participants from Latvia, Sweden, and Finland successfully completed the programme. These aspiring entrepreneurs came with diverse backgrounds, yet all shared the same goal – to turn their dreams and ideas into reality. The variety of participants enriched the learning environment and encouraged an active exchange of experiences, with each individual contributing something unique.
Equally inspired were the trainers and mentors, who by sharing their expertise with participants and with each other, also grew professionally and found deep satisfaction in the collective achievements.
The Silver Entrepreneurs project placed strong emphasis on learning by doing, encouraging participants to work on their business ideas from the very beginning. Training sessions were interactive, including workshops, group discussions, and practical activities. These not only taught the fundamentals of starting and managing a business but also allowed participants to apply these concepts directly to their own projects. By the end of the programme, each participant had gained not only theoretical knowledge but also made significant progress in shaping their business ideas.
One of the project’s key strengths was building a supportive community of participants and trainers. This network has now become a valuable resource, providing encouragement, feedback, and connections that can prove invaluable on the entrepreneurial journey. The project was not just about individual success, but about supporting others and growing together.
A highlight of the programme was the international mobility events held in each country, giving participants the chance to meet like-minded people from Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. The first three-day mobility event took place in Riga, fostering cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange. Participants presented their projects in small groups, explored business potential, and exchanged feedback. Key topics included finding early customers, understanding target groups, and developing effective marketing strategies through active discussions and idea sharing. Interactive sessions explored customer segments and value creation, while guest speakers provided insights into entrepreneurship and business trends, strengthening participants’ understanding of international opportunities. Local study visits to small businesses also offered valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship and best practices.
In Krape, participants met four local entrepreneurs – the “Kota Nu” leisure centre, the Sound House, the Raspberry Park, and a local winery. In Sweden, the focus was on the importance of preliminary research in entrepreneurship and the idea of “starting with what you have”. Participants visited the fair-trade shop Globalen and learned from several small business stories.
In Finland, the emphasis was on marketing, branding, and the key skills and qualities needed for entrepreneurs. Participants visited several businesses, including the Dammenberg chocolate factory, a ski manufacturer, a smart office pod company, and a guesthouse-restaurant.
We are proud of the participants’ energy, curiosity, and mutual support – which they continue to offer one another even after the programme’s conclusion.
