GROW helps young people discover their strengths and build their future
GROW is a project designed for young people aged 16-25 who are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). The project strengthens employability and entrepreneurial skills while helping participants identify their skills, strengths, and opportunities. Its goal is to support young people in transitioning into education, employment, or entrepreneurship.
Participants can choose between two different programmes according to their needs and interests.
The first programme focuses on developing personal strengths and employability skills. Participants explore topics such as self-leadership, recognising their own competencies, values-based and community entrepreneurship, creative ideation, storytelling, and the use of digital tools. The programme consists of small competency modules completed online as well as through in-person and remote workshops. Each participant also receives personalised guidance throughout the programme. Completing the programme takes approximately 1.5 to 3 months.
Alternatively, participants can choose a programme with a stronger focus on entrepreneurship and business creation. This programme supports the development of a business idea in a practical way, covering everything from evaluating the idea and creating a business plan to marketing, pricing, and financial management. Participants design and test products and services, practise presentation skills, and learn about starting a business. Personal support is provided throughout the entire journey.
During the programme, participants have opportunities to visit companies and educational institutions and hear entrepreneurship stories and experiences from other young people. They can also network with peers internationally. Cross-border connections provide new perspectives, peer support, and opportunities to develop ideas together with young people from different countries.
Within GROW, the training programme content is developed in collaboration with education experts from Finland and Estonia. Proven methods and best practices are used to ensure that young people receive the most relevant and impactful support possible.
Why is GROW important?
Many young people remain outside education and employment without sufficient skills and support to build their future. In both Finland and Estonia, youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, and the number of young people disengaged from education is a particular concern.
In South Savo, the situation is especially visible. Among unemployed young people, there is a higher-than-average proportion of individuals without a qualification, which makes securing employment more difficult and increases the risk of social exclusion. Therefore, new and practical ways are needed to strengthen young people’s skills, self-confidence, and readiness for the labour market.
GROW addresses this need by providing young people with practical skills, personalised support, and opportunities to create their own pathway towards education, employment, or entrepreneurship. The aim is to increase independence, confidence in personal abilities, and opportunities to build a sustainable future.
International cooperation between Finland and Estonia
The GROW project is implemented through cooperation between Finland and Estonia, creating new opportunities for young people to learn, network, and explore entrepreneurship in an international environment. Cross-border collaboration broadens perspectives on working life and entrepreneurship while helping participants identify opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Through this partnership, a wider range of young people can be reached, and more diverse opportunities can be offered for developing skills and improving employability. Participants also benefit from the experiences, operating models, and networks of different countries, increasing the programme’s overall impact.
The organisations involved in the project share proven practices, experiences, and expertise with one another. This collaboration creates new approaches that better support young people in both Finland and Estonia. Joint development also helps identify solutions to challenges common to both countries, such as youth unemployment, exclusion from education, and difficulties in entering and remaining in the labour market.
Work Packages
WP 1 -Building a Cross-border Entrepreneurship Network
We actively collaborate with stakeholders, e.g. Employment Services and various youth services, to reach the target group. We also visit different organizations in person and participate in events where we can meet young people directly.
During the project, young people will have the opportunity to get acquainted with and meet other young people as well as representatives of working life, both regionally and through cross-border online events.
The purpose of the cross-border cooperation network is to serve as a support structure and help prevent the social exclusion of the target group even after the project has ended.
WP 2- Create Entrepreneurship programme to improve employment opportunities
We develop and build together an entrepreneurship programme and pathway consisting of small, modular learning units.
Young participants will complete their chosen programme through online learning and workshops, while receiving personalized support throughout the entire programme.
Each young person will participate in the programme for a period of 1.5 to 3 months.
WP 3 -National and International Dissemination of Project Results and Impact
Communication will be carried out through multiple channels, with the aim of reaching both the young people in the target group and representatives of working life, thereby strengthening pathways into employment through joint efforts.
Project activities and outcomes will be communicated actively, both internally and externally, throughout the duration of the project.
Cooperation will be further strengthened by organizing local workshops and forums for stakeholders.
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