ERC launches the second round of the “Boost” entrepreneurship programme

09/01/2025
Boost programme

Registration for the Estonian Refugee Council’s entrepreneurship programme “Boost” opened yesterday. The programme, which begins at the end of February in Estonia, is tailored for individuals with a refugee background and aims to help participants develop or relaunch their businesses. Those with prior entrepreneurial experience, but without a current business, are also welcome to apply.

“Entrepreneurship is one way to rebuild one’s life in a new environment and create a stable income for oneself and one’s family. The programme’s training sessions, mentoring support, and study visits provide participants with a comprehensive foundation to apply their skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship, and to successfully bring their ideas to life,” said Taavet Tomberg, Economic Recovery Technical Lead at the Estonian Refugee Council.

Participants will gain insights into entrepreneurial development and strategies to strengthen their ability to thrive in the market. The training is divided into five modules, covering the following topics:

  • Legal, ethical, and cultural aspects;
  • Strategic business development, financial planning, and funding opportunities;
  • Partnerships, sales, and customer relations;
  • Marketing and brand creation;
  • Digital tools and artificial intelligence.

The programme is open to all people with a refugee background living in Estonia who have established a small or medium-sized enterprise in the country or have prior entrepreneurial experience. Applications can be submitted individually or as a team on the Estonian Refugee Council’s platform until 5 February. The programme can accommodate up to 25 participants.

An online information session for interested participants will take place on 28 January. The selected participants will be announced on 10 February, with the programme’s opening event taking place on 20 February in Tallinn. The programme will conclude with a demo day in June.

The training sessions, conducted both in-person and online, will be held in either Russian or English, based on participants' needs. In addition to training, the programme includes study visits to various enterprises, mentoring sessions, and community events.

Detailed schedules and registration information can be found on the Estonian Refugee Council’s platform.

The “Boost” entrepreneurship programme is supported by Wise.

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