Dissemination of the InnoVenture: Words from our participants (part VII)

Ioanna Mantziou, Greece

Some people say that we never appreciate the value of a moment until it becomes a memory, but I do not fully agree with this statement. Or at least I do not think it applies in the experience I had in Predeal of Romania a few days ago. I had the opportunity to  attend a 9-day Erasmus+ youth exchange called InnoVenture: You(th) in Business, organized by the NGO Initiative Sociale There were participants coming from Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey and Greece. The project's objectives were to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and raise young people's level of entrepreneurship-related knowledge, and skills, however it exceeded my expectations and it was a lot more than that.

All beginnings are hard; we had to memorize 56 names during the first days, nevertheless thanks to some ice-breaking and team-building activities we managed to get to know each other soon. Each day, we were assigned to fulfill several tasks and present our results to the rest of the team, which enables us to cooperate with one another and see how people from different backgrounds work. As the project evolved, we were introduced to the idea of entrepreneurship and how to create our own startup. Some participants shared their experience regarding the creation of their own business, mentioning the challenges they faced as well as their achievements and goals for the future. In addition, we were divided into groups based on our interests and designed our own company and business plan. We understood the importance of planning and organizing our ideas but also the fact that advertising plays an important role on how people perceive our business. That was quite interesting since we saw different marketing approaches and realized that an innovative idea is not always attractive enough on its own if it is not promoted properly. 

My participation in this project allowed me to come closer to different cultures and visit beautiful places in Romania. Intercultural nights gave me the chance to taste different types of food, try traditional dances and learn interesting facts about other countries via quizzes and presentations. I also got acquainted with each country’s means of entertainment and enjoyed listening to foreign music. Moreover, we spent a day in the region of Transylvania and we were impressed by the beauty of the Romanian countryside. Our visit to Bran Castle enabled us to get to know some aspects of Romanian History and culture. We also had the opportunity to walk around and admire the authentic architecture of the old city of Brașov. 

Despite all the exciting things I mentioned above, what fascinated me the most and made this project unique for me was definitely the people I met. I felt that each person I met during the project was like an open book that had an interesting story to tell. Every conversation I had made me see things from different perspectives and opened myself to new possibilities. I received so many positive vibes and energy that I felt refreshed and lively by the end of the project. All the jokes, laughters as well as heart-warming stories are valuable memories and lessons I will keep in my mind. Even though we cannot know what the future holds, I would like to believe that I will meet those people again soon and share more memories together.

Seeing this experience come to an end, I would like to thank the coordinators of the project for their hard work and all the effort they put in order to make each participant feel like home. I would also like to thank the Greek sending organization, Hellenic Youth Participation for giving me the opportunity to attend this project and gain this unforgettable experience. I encourage everyone to participate in Erasmus projects and pursue experiences like mine. Erasmus is a great way to visit new places, meet people from diverse backgrounds, learn about other cultures but also discover things about yourself. Despite how challenging it may seem to leave your routine and spend some days with people you do not know, the benefits you will receive after this experience will make you change the way you see life. And remember that as Tony Robbins said “All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone”. 

Dissemination of the InnoVenture: Words from our participants (part VI)

InnoVenture: You(th) in Business an Experience

Nikolais (Nicky) Giannikopoulou

As the echoes of InnoVenture: You(th) in Business still resonate in my mind, I feel compelled to share the transformative journey that unfolded during this remarkable project in Predeal, Romania.

My adventure began even before the official starting date, as the organizers graciously offered us the chance to explore the captivating capital. Little did I know that this prelude would set the tone for an experience beyond my expectations.

Romania, with its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, became more than a backdrop; it became a canvas for learning and growth. Beyond the capital, the project took us on a journey that allowed us to delve into the heart of Romanian culture, leaving an indelible mark on our collective experience.

The early days were dedicated to fostering teamwork and breaking away from the comfort of familiar faces. The essence was to adapt, collaborate, and transcend national boundaries. This transition proved seamless, as we not only became teammates but fast friends, forming bonds that would define the success of our collective endeavor.

Team dynamics set the stage for the real challenge: crafting innovative business ideas. The project divided us into eight teams, each assigned a unique theme ranging from arts and fashion to customer service, finance, travel, and medical domains. It was not just about competition but collaboration, with teams exchanging ideas and insights to elevate each other's concepts.

Our entrepreneurial journey began with the creation of team names and logos, establishing the identity that would carry us forward. Initial presentations served not only as introductions but as a platform for cross-pollination of ideas, a testament to the collaborative spirit that permeated the project.

The depth of our work intensified as we tackled fundamental business aspects: funding strategies, target demographics, potential team structures, and market competitors. The innovative thinking that fueled our business plans culminated in compelling presentations and advertising videos that showcased the essence of our entrepreneurial visions.

In calling this experience a 'project,' I find the term woefully inadequate. InnoVenture was an immersion into a world where every moment felt significant, where the place, the people, and the organization converged to create an environment that transcended the ordinary. Guidance was paramount, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of each team.

Leaving Romania, I carried not just memories but a newfound confidence in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. The experience provided a springboard for entering the world of entrepreneurship with a treasure trove of ideas and a network of potential partners and associates.

In conclusion, InnoVenture was more than a project; it was a catalyst for personal and collective growth. It dismantled fears, instilled confidence, and illuminated a path forward. It reinforced the understanding that the challenges and worries faced by the youth are shared, but with the right support and participation in life-changing programs, a world of possibilities unfolds. This is not an end but the beginning of a journey into the realm of entrepreneurship, armed with knowledge, experience, and a network that extends beyond borders.

Presentation: here

Grateful for the cross-cultural collaboration

 "🚀 Recently participated in an Erasmus+ project in Predeal, Romania, focused on fostering youth entrepreneurship.

🌐 Engaged with passionate minds from Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

🌍 Grateful for the cross-cultural collaboration that fuels innovation!

I'm thankful to the Asociația Initiative Sociale that gave me the opportunity to interact with different people from different countries.

I had the opportunity to learn more about the business environment from different countries and I also got the chance to interact with people that were already entrepreneurs.

It was a nice experience to learn what their businesses are, their losses. their wins and what were the things that kept them motivated while they are on this journey." - Călin

Dissemination of the InnoVenture: Words from our participants (part V) - Event at National Technical University of Athens

Eleni Papaioannou and Vasiliki Tampathani-Kouremadi presented to their fellow students in their university (National Technical University of Athens) the results and outcomes of InnoVenture: You(th) in Business.

Presentation: here

Dissemination of the InnoVenture: Words from our participants (part IV)

My Adventure in the project InnoVenture: You(th) in Business by Erasmus+

Hello, everyone!

Today, I'm sharing my experience in InnoVenture: You(th) in Business, held from November 9th to 19th, 2023, in Predeal, Romania. This project lasted for 9 days, during which I dove into the entrepreneurial spirit alongside youths from different countries, guided by leaders who were fantastic.

From the start, I understood that this project aimed to boost our entrepreneurial side and acquire key skills to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. They brought in a very kind girl who was creating homemade jewelry in the United States. From her, I learned that it's crucial to embark on entrepreneurship if you feel that what you're doing is your passion. We engaged in several activities that pushed us to be more creative and face the challenge of bringing our ideas to life.

We conducted brainstorming sessions, presented to potential clients, and developed our own marketing campaign. However, we also delved into management and planning, where we had to gather information about the support our countries provide to entrepreneurs and crunch the numbers on how much money we need to turn our ideas into reality.

One could observe the diversity in people's approaches to entrepreneurship. Initially, only a few raised their hands when asked if we were interested in entrepreneurship, but thanks to these days, almost everyone was willing to take the plunge.

Now that some time has passed since the project ended, I want to share my personal take on entrepreneurship. I'm in the early stages of developing an application aimed at addressing a social issue related to the aging population. The project has been incredibly valuable in connecting me with people who are pursuing their own ideas, providing insights into potential technical challenges. Above all, it has served as a driving force to not give up during tough times and to lean on people who share an interest in solving this problem. I'm determined not to stop until I solve the issue I set out to address.

I want to express my gratitude to all the wonderful people I met in this project because they propelled me even more strongly to pursue my idea, even though, at some point, I helped them through my future app.

Written by Pablo Asensio

Dissemination of the InnoVenture: Words from our participants (part III)

Buğra Aydoğdu and Uğur Can Böke conducted an informative Teams conference on the InnoVenture: You(th) in Business project, engaging around 18-19 participants from various locations including Kocaeli, İstanbul and Ardahan. Over the span of 30 minutes, the participants provided a comprehensive overview of several key aspects related to the project.

The session began with an introduction to Erasmus+, explaining its significance in fostering international collaboration and learning opportunities among youth. This was followed by a detailed presentation on what youth exchanges are, highlighting their role in personal and professional development for young individuals. The presenters then clarified the various types of Erasmus+ projects, helping participants understand the unique features and objectives of each.

Moving on to the specifics of the InnoVenture project, Buğra and Uğur outlined its primary goals, emphasizing its focus on youth engagement and entrepreneurial skill development. They provided an overview of the knowledge and skills participants are expected to gain during the ten-day duration of the project. Additionally, they detailed the specific tasks and activities participants would undertake, designed to enhance their practical and theoretical understanding of entrepreneurship.

The conference also included information about Initiative Sociale, the organization behind the project, and its mission to support youth initiatives and social entrepreneurship. To make the session more engaging, the presenters shared some captivating pictures and videos from the project, providing a visual context.

Overall, the conference successfully conveyed essential information about the InnoVenture: You(th) in Business project, leaving the participants well-informed and enthusiastic about the opportunities it presents.

"First of all I want to thank to everyone who contributed. Because everything was perfect. I learnt many important things for my future business life in the project, I developed my personality and I became open to new ideas. In addition to these, I cannot forget the contribution it made to my English. I saw and learnt a lot of new cultures and new places. I made new friends. And finally, I will not forget this project. Love you all!" - Berkay