The aim of the project is to improve employment and entrepreneurial skills among young people aged 18–29 in Estonia and Finland. The primary target group is young people who possess practical skills or education in handicrafts, textiles, or design, but lack business knowledge. The project combines sustainable design, circular economy principles, and entrepreneurship training to support young people in starting their own small creative businesses.

Activities

The core activity of the project is a structured entrepreneurship training programme delivered in four cycles, reaching a total of 96 young participants from Estonia and Finland. Each cycle includes approximately 60 hours of training, conducted both online and in-person in Estonia and Finland. In addition to the training, participants receive personal mentoring and business counselling.

Training module topics:
• Entrepreneurship and business models
• Design thinking and storytelling
• Sustainability and circular economy
• Finance and pricing
• Marketing and the use of AI in marketing
• ESG (environment, social responsibility, and governance), EU regulations and consumer rights
• Pitching and public speaking
• Mental health and self-management

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