Succeed in Business

Results

The project addressed regional and sectoral challenges in Latvia, Estonia and Finland related to limited employment and economic opportunities for young people aged 18–25 from low-income families. Financial constraints, insufficient work experience and limited access to practical entrepreneurship education increased their risk of unemployment and economic exclusion. Although entrepreneurship offered an alternative pathway, many young people lacked the business competencies, confidence and professional networks needed to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures.

The core idea of “Succeed in Business” was to empower disadvantaged young people by making entrepreneurship a realistic and accessible career opportunity. The project aimed not only to develop practical business skills but also to strengthen participants’ entrepreneurial mindset, self-confidence, initiative and ability to cooperate internationally.

To achieve this, the partners developed and implemented a comprehensive one-year cross-border entrepreneurship training programme delivered in two cycles. The programme combined face-to-face workshops in Latvia, Estonia and Finland with online sessions, covering business idea generation, management, human resources, marketing, sales, finance and production.

A distinctive feature was its learning-by-doing approach. Participants developed their own business ideas, formed international teams, explored market opportunities and worked towards viable business models and potential business launches. Practical workshops, business simulations and case studies were complemented by individual guidance from curators and support from 18 thematic mentors.

Cross-border cooperation among the three partners was fundamental to the project’s success. By combining complementary expertise, educational approaches and knowledge of different business environments, the partners created a dynamic international learning experience. Joint activities enabled participants to develop intercultural communication skills, establish professional connections and explore entrepreneurial opportunities beyond their national markets.

The project achieved tangible results in the participating regions. A total of 112 young people were recruited for the two training cycles, and 86 successfully completed the programme, receiving joint certificates from the Latvian and Finnish partner universities. Beyond these measurable achievements, participants reported increased confidence, stronger entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills, improved teamwork and leadership abilities, and greater readiness to pursue their business ambitions.

The project also created lasting value through international networks, practical experience and a comprehensive Training Material Handbook, which will remain freely available and support future entrepreneurship education initiatives.