Innovation Lab wraps up as we conclude Cycle 1 of Social Business Academy

In April, after completing the core training program of the Social Business Academy, eight inspired participants from Latvia and Finland decided to continue their journey. During these four months, they have been working on their business ideas with the support of their mentors. 🌱

Some are already diving into the business world. For Katriina, who creates crocheted items from second-hand materials, the experience opened up new opportunities: “Working with my mentor gave me the chance to sell my crochet items at a market.”

Katriina Moilanen | Photo by Reetta Varjo

Others have worked on their ideas with the support of their mentors and are ready to dive into entrepreneurship.

For example, Elīza explored several business ideas along the way. She has a background in woodworking and art, so she decided to grow in that direction. Her mentor provided guidance and helped her to develop her vision.

Elīza Bēķe with her mentor Elīna Bušmane

Mitja reflects on the experience: “I really loved the experience and opportunity. My mentor was lovely and gave me good tips and widened my understanding of what having an art business can be like. I have good ideas and plans for what I can do when I graduate and have more time!” In the future, they plan to build their brand and marketing and get a website with the small business support offered by their school. Mitya is also considering expanding their product range and has ideas for bigger projects that they are excited about.

With the support of her mentor Iveta Trence, Marika has polished her idea of creating an art space/workshop for people with disabilities and is now ready to put it into practice.

Meanwhile, some participants, like Milla and Lauris, have discovered a strong interest in business, even if they aren’t ready to jump into entrepreneurship just yet. Lauris says: “I am glad for such a phenomenal project, which also introduced me to such ambitious young people, who are truly inspiring. And I the project has motivated me to continue learning entrepreneurial skills at a higher education level.”

We’re proud of the Innovation Lab graduates and expect great things from them. Meanwhile, we’re preparing to welcome the next cohort of Social Business Academy participants, with the search and selection process for Cycle 2 starting in September. ✨

🤝 The project is implemented by Reach for Change Latvia, @societycreativeideas, @xamkfi, and @lahden_diakonialaitos.

This activity was supported as part of “Social Entrepreneurship for Youth Empowerment in Finland and Latvia”, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project co-funded by the European Union (SocEntYouth ID CB0100057). The activity is financially supported by the Society Integration Foundation from Latvian state budget funds allocated by the Ministry of Culture.