The programme is designed for young people (aged 18–29) who have practical skills or education in handicrafts, textiles, or design but lack business knowledge and are interested in turning their ideas into a business.
Participants learn about entrepreneurship, the circular economy, sustainable design, and self-management. Online workshops are followed by Q&A sessions where participants can review their homework and seek guidance from mentors. The programme starts with a kick-off event in Estonia and a closing event in Finland. The programme takes place with Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd (Finland) and South Savo Vocational College (Finland).
Each group has 24 participants – 12 from Estonia and 12 from Finland.
Registration to the first cycle is open! Programme is free for participants and is conducted in English.
Schedule for the second cycle
31.08.2026 Application deadline
04.09.2026 Participants selection and announcement
22.–25.09.2026 2nd Cycle Kick off event in Finland
What is entrepreneurship and what do you need to know about a business model? How to use a business model canvas? What is design thinking and how to use the art of storytelling in entrepreneurship?
29.09.2026 Sustainable practices and circular economy
1.10.2026 Q&A session: sustainable practices and circular economy
5.10.2026 Marketing Strategies and Branding FIN/pre-recorded
8.10.2026 Q&A session: marketing strategies and branding. FIN
12.10.2026 Using AI and digital tools in marketing. EST
15.10.2026 Q&A session: using digital tools in marketing
19.10.2026 Financial management and pricing EST/pre-recorded
22.10.2026 Q&A session: financial management and pricing
27.10.2026 ESG, EU regulations, consumer rights. Legal and ethical aspects. FIN/live
29.10.2026 Q&A session:ESG, EU regulations, consumer rights. Legal and ethical aspects
9.11.2026 Mental health and self management. FIN/pre-recorded
12.11.2026 Q&A session: mental health and self management
18.-20.11.2026 Kick Out event in Tartu.
• Pitching and public speaking.
04.-07.03.2026 Kick-off event in Tartu, in Estonia. (Entrepreneurship and business model. Design thinking and storytelling)
N-20 Studio founders share their mission and experience. What is a business model and business model canvas? Triinu Hansen
What is design thinking? Maria Laanelepp. Storytelling. Kristiina Kaldre.
10.03.2026 Online workshop: sustainable practices and circular economy. Mayri Tiido.
12.03.2026 Online Q&A session: sustainable practices and circular economy
16.03.2026 Pre-recorded session: marketing strategies and branding. Piia Mäkilä
19.03.2026 Online Q&A session: marketing strategies and branding
24.03.2026 Online workshop: using AI and digital tools in marketing. Teet Torim.
26.03.2026 Online Q&A session: using digital tools in marketing
30.03.2026 Pre-recorded session:financial management and pricing. Kaide-Liis Luht.
07.04.2026 Online Q&A session: financial management and pricing
14.04.2026 Online workshop: ESG, EU regulations, consumer rights. Legal and ethical aspects. Petteri Kolinen ja Sampo Järvinen
16.04.2026 Online Q&A session:ESG, EU regulations, consumer rights. Legal and ethical aspects
20.04.2026 Pre-recorded session: mental health and self management. Elsa Ervasti
23.04.2026 Online Q&A session: mental health and self management
11.-13.05.2026 Kick-out event in Mikkeli, in Finland
• Pitching and public speaking. Elsa Ervasti
NB!
• Online workshops at 16:00-17:30
• Online Q&A sessions at 16:00-16:45
Programme in conducted in English.
Expected results
• 96 young people will participate in the training programme, with at least 80 completing it to the required extent
• Participants will gain hands-on experience and support in developing their business ideas in the fashion and textile sectors, as well as expand their professional networks
Total budget: €840,220
Duration: 31 months, 01.06.2025 – 31.12.2027
Lead partner: Foundation Tartu Centre for Creative Industries (Estonia)
Partners: Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd (Finland), South Savo Vocational College (Finland)
Contact
Project Manager Maret Ahonen
maret@lmk.ee
