“Succeed in Business” closing conference in Tartu!

On September 10, the international youth entrepreneurship training course “Succeed in Business” concluded after a full year of activities. Over 207 hours of training, young people from Estonia, Latvia and Finland gained practical entrepreneurial knowledge, developed their business ideas into viable solutions, and built valuable international teamwork skills. The course also gave participants opportunities to travel, broaden their horizons and grow as young entrepreneurs.

The closing conference was held at Lodjakoda in Tartu, hosted by Estonian participants Marten Staal and Sten Jõemaa, who engaged the audience with interactive discussions and activities. In her opening remarks, Liina Luup, representative of the Interreg Central Baltic Programme, expressed her delight at witnessing the energy and creativity of young people in action.

During the event, participants presented their business ideas, reflecting on their progress and the training course’s impact on their journey. The ideas were diverse, ranging from vintage film cameras and homemade cookies to virtual fashion concepts and creative souvenirs. The presentations showcased not only entrepreneurial potential but also the courage and confidence participants had gained.

The day ended with the awarding of certificates and a cheerful boat trip on the Emajõgi River, marking both a festive conclusion and a celebration of new beginnings. For many, the project meant more than knowledge – it created lasting friendships, strong networks and the motivation to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.

The Estonian participant, Marten Staal, describes his experience of the program as motivating and confidence-building, saying:

“The training course definitely gave me motivation, and I was able to see the challenges that others face in entrepreneurship. It made the world of business feel more familiar and helped me get past the stress of starting my own venture. It was also a great pleasure to take part in organizing the final event and to stand on stage in front of an audience I already knew. A situation that might have been stressful, turned into a much more relaxed experience, and it was a truly valuable opportunity to practice and improve my public speaking skills.”

The Estonian participant, Brigitta Paal, says that her experience in the program was at first a bit overwhelming but ultimately very positive and enriching:

“I think at first, I was a bit nervous because the opportunity came quite suddenly. When the first event took place, I wondered where I had gotten myself into, but as time went on, people became more familiar, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The lecturers were also very kind and approachable. The group tasks were not too hard, so they were a good way to practice things like pitching ideas and making prototypes. Another big plus was that we got to travel for free and gain valuable experiences. The organizers were also very professional and supportive. I really recommend participating in this program.”

The first group of the international entrepreneurship training course “Succeed in Business” has successfully graduated. A new group will start this autumn!