Published 26.09.2023. | Tena Mur
Cooperation to achieve financial independence of third-country nationals through financial literacy instruments and entrepreneurial camps
A partnership meeting within the PLOUTOS project took place in Osijek from September 20th to 22nd, 2023. During this meeting, the previous project results were analyzed, technical issues were discussed, and future steps were planned. The meeting was organized by the Center for Peace - Osijek and Youth Association Breza, providing participants from partner countries the opportunity to share their experiences.
On the second day of the meeting, special emphasis was placed on a mentorship workshop and the implementation of the "Business Accelerator Program." The day began with an icebreaker activity for mentors and mentees, involving 4 pairs of mentors and mentees, 2 judges, and observers. Mentees were blindfolded, and mentors guided them in building the tallest Jenga tower. The goal of the activity was to emphasize that mentees should lead the process with the support and guidance of mentors, and that mentors should not make decisions or tell mentees what to do. The activity was successfully conducted, and afterward, all participants shared their experiences, while observers provided feedback on strategies and communication between pairs.
After a short break, participants formed 11 mentor-mentee pairs and engaged in three different activities simulating various aspects of business, such as loan applications, payroll management, and business operations. The first activity involved getting acquainted with the platform, where mentors and mentees applied for loans and hired employees. Then, they completed a Feasibility Study, with mentors asking mentees questions, and mentees filling in a template based on the products/services they wished to provide, marketing strategies, and organization.
Subsequently, a PEST analysis was conducted, where mentees explored possible political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors that could impact their products/services. Mentors and mentees also participated in a Demand Forecast activity, considering market conditions and predicting how seasons, time of year, and trends might affect their target products/services.
The third day of the meeting was reserved for discussions and defining the next steps in the project's implementation.
