Open more doors in business
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme (EYE) is an EU funded crossborder exchange programme that allows both new and experienced entrepreneurs to team-up, innovate and explore new markets. Petya and Mirela share their testimonies of successful business networking and professional entrepreneurial exchange.
Petya, a creative new entrepreneur from Malta, aspires to get involved in community projects in order to help people in need through her artistic work. Her dream is to establish her sustainable business called My Cutie Rag Doll, which is a social enterprise producing and selling rag dolls from recycled materials. She would also like to organise workshops for young girls and jobless women to teach and empower them to work as well as to create original products with their hands. Through the EYE programme, Petya got the opportunity to enhance her ideas, share her knowledge and learn new skills.
Mirela, a successful and experienced entrepreneur from Croatia, is specialised in business consultancy, support and the development of entrepreneurial projects. Her mission is to encourage entrepreneurship, create a platform for the development of innovative business projects and to create successful partnerships. She was attracted to the EYE programme in order to support new entrepreneurs from different European countries so they could learn new skills in order to help them grow and establish their business.
By working together, both Mirela and Petya created a colouring book in Croatian and English with 12 animals that one could see in Croatia. They focused on creating work which all the community could benefit from, also holding an exhibition with work made and inspired by the Croatian landscape. Both Mirela and Petya made the most of their exchange and benefited greatly from each other’s knowledge and skills, resulting in a very fruitful and successful exchange. Thanks to the programme Petya had a chance to see and learn a lot about entrepreneurship and different business models through Mirela, whilst giving her the chance to showcase her business ideas through an exhibition. Mirela was inspired by Petya’s creative and artistic talent, and this provided a good foundation for future collaborations between Maltese and Croatian entrepreneurs. The Erasmus programme gave Petya the chance to witness first-hand how to run a business successfully and gain valuable experience for her own start-up. She also contributed to the development of Mirela’s business giving her fresh insights and new perspectives.
“I would recommend the EYE programme to entrepreneurs 100 percent, especially if you have a host like Mirela. We've had a perfect cooperation and friendship. It has been a great experience that will open lots of opportunities”, said Petya.
“Petia is a very creative, enthusiastic and nice person who was immediately well accepted into our community. The creative spirit and laughter that she brought was invaluable. I wish Petya lots of luck and persistence in making her dreams come true”, said Mirela.
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is supported locally by Malta Enterprise and more information about the programme may be viewed on: www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu or via email to nathalie.adamson@maltaenterprise.com