Countries
The second season of the Estonian Refugee Council’s Boost entrepreneurship programme has successfully come to an end. The programme supported people with a refugee background in developing or relaunching their existing businesses. A total of 24 teams from across Estonia took part.
The training sessions and mentoring meetings provided participants with new knowledge on developing their businesses and improving competitiveness. The topics covered included legal, ethical and cultural nuances, strategic business development, financial planning and funding sources, partnerships, sales and customer relations, marketing and branding, digital tools, and artificial intelligence.
Participants gave very positive and encouraging feedback. They especially valued gaining practical knowledge and skills needed to grow a business in Estonia. “I learned how to plan and market better and got to know various digital tools,” one participant shared. The programme also created opportunities to build useful connections with other entrepreneurs. Many also appreciated the organisers’ caring attitude and the engaging excursions, which enriched participants’ everyday lives.
The final event took place on 1 June at the Estonian Business School in Tallinn, where each team had three minutes to present their business or idea. Five winners were selected to receive in-kind support worth €600 each:
- Aroma Studio White Angel OÜ – an aromatherapy studio in Tartu
- Colorist OÜ – a beauty salon in Tallinn
- Gaechka OÜ – a children’s development centre in Tallinn
- Heli Kiirabi OÜ – an audio editing company based in Tallinn
- NAKANIA – a beauty salon opening soon in Narva
As part of the programme, participants also visited the Ilma Pood zero-waste shop and Wise’s office, and took part in cultural visits to the Arvo Pärt Centre and Kalevipoeg’s Hall.
The Boost entrepreneurship programme is supported and funded by Wise.
