#INSITU, #interreginsitu #insituproject #interregcentral #cooperationiscentral, …
Finito! The first round of the training program “Empowered by Entrepreneurship” was concluded with the international virtual fair “Game Changer”. In addition to exciting panel discussions on the topic of sustainability, there were also prizes for the finalists from the partner countries. Swetlana from Stuttgart, for example, was honored by the audience and for the most innovative idea. With her unpackaged shampoo drops “stückweise” she wants to rid the world of unnecessarily packaged hygiene products.
The second round of the training series started on April 24 with a digital kick-off. The 26 participants by now already completed the first workshops on topics such as social impact, sustainability and finance. As the program continues, there are many seminars that participants can look forward to. Among other things, they will learn about marketing, law, pitches and presentation techniques.
Diversity is key
Diversity is not only found in the represented age groups from under 25 to over 50 years and different countries of origin, but also in different business ideas of the participants. From sustainably produced underwear and self-developed chocolates to Qigong and yoga, there is a wide range of diverse business ideas. For example Stephanie, 50, has been practicing Qigong, a Chinese form of meditation, for two years. Since last March, she has been training to become a instructor in order to combine her passion for travel with health promotion. Her vision includes, for example, Qigong classes in parks, hotels and rehabilitation clinics. The In Situ program has helped her realize her idea: “The workshops with accomplished speakers, the individual mentoring and the important exchange with the other participants and their exciting ideas are the right factors for me to turn my idea into reality.” A conclusion that Liliane, originally from Brazil and resident in Germany since 2019, agrees with: “In addition to the topics covered in the meetings being very relevant, the contact with other colleagues is enriching. We learned a lot from the experiences and questions during the chats. The training program has been very important in my planning.” Liliane wants to start her own business with sweet temptations in the form of colorful chocolates made with high-quality ingredients. “My business idea is to sell special and colorful chocolates, made with quality ingredients. A differentiated product for those looking for something special for their own consumption or as a gift to loved ones.”
Solo or team – both are possible
The participants are highly motivated and have a lot planned for the course of the program. In a first interview, we asked Harald, Max, Maria and Natalia why they are participating in the training program and what they would like to have achieved by the end of the program.
The training program “Empowered by Entrepreneurship” is part of the EU project IN SITU (Intergenerational Social Innovation Support Scheme, Interreg Central Europe). In Germany, the training program is hosted by Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH and the Generator Startup Center of the Stuttgart Media University. The whole team is looking forward to accompany the further development of the participants of the current round.