Author Archives Stupcom

October
10 2014

Informal training programs on entrepreneurship in France

France used to be suffering from a lack of offer regarding entrepreneurship at school due to educational and ideological reasons. If this line of reasoning is not out dated yet, things are changing slowly.

The OPPE (Observatoire des pratiques pédagogiques en entreprenariat), tool created by public authorities in 2001, has evaluated and aim now to share and promote initiatives regarding entrepreneurship towards teachers, students, pupils, schools…

Source: entreprendre-pour-apprendre.fr

Cases studies on informal entrepreneurship education in France

More young people are planning to create a business or to lead one even though not creating it and want to do it in the next coming years.

Some cases studies beyond education:

  • Entreprendre pour apprendre, the mini-business, a federation of regional associations in France whose goal is to promote economical life in schools;
  • 100 000 entrepreneurs, association that aims to spread entrepreneurship culture toward youngsters aged from 13 until 25;
  • MoovJee, association created in 2009 that aims to help young people to consider entrepreneurship as a real career after their education training;
  • Petit Poucet, providing support to students who want to create their own business.

Youth in Action, an informal training on creativity in entrepreneurship

Beside these activities, some actors are proposing different programs to develop entrepreneurship culture. For instance, EU programs Youth in Action. E-Juniors has hosted an informal training about creativity in entrepreneurship in June 2014.

Below, an interview with one of the participants:
Hello, could you introduce you, please?
Hello, my name is Céline Guignard. After graduating my bachelor in biology, I have decided to focus on agronomy. I entered in an engineer school dedicated to the topic, AgroParisTech. During my studies, I had the opportunity to study in Spain thanks to the Erasmus program and to have several internships abroad (USA, Chile).

Do you think about starting you own business or taking over a company in a next future?
This is a seducing idea but my project still need to evolve (it is still just an idea!)

During your educational experience, did you have any training about entrepreneurship?
No, not specifically but I know that there is an existing association about this topic at AgroParisTech.

Did you ever experience a non-formal training about entrepreneurship ?
Yes, in June 2014, in Saumur (France), I had a training called Value +, organized by E-Juniors association.

And what did you learn from it?
It has been an enriched training with very interesting trainers. Concepts such as creativity, working as a team, personal and professional development were presented to is in a unusual but pedagogical way. I was really satisfied of this training. It has allowed me to discover new ideas and to re-think tools and methodologies needed in the professional life

Thank you very much Céline for your feedback and good luck for your projects.

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Blog, Case Studies, Entrepreneurship education, News
September
23 2014

University models for entrepreneurs in Helsinki

Success of such mobile game companies like Rovio and Supercell did not happen by a chance. In Helsinki, Finland, Aalto University has created a relatively young, but very inspiring programs for start-up companies. The change of how we work, and the fact that the former “safe jobs” have disappeared has led to an increase of youth entrepreneurs in Finland.

Young start-ups, or business ideas need mostly consulting, brainstorming, funding and a lot of testing. That in mind, we´ll introduce three models from Aalto University that answer those needs.

Aaltoes – Europe´s most active student run entrepreneurship community

Aaltoes entrepreneurship community does everything against the codes how things used to be done in the past: Events and the space is very easy-access, all information possible is shared and doing mistakes is positive. The focus is to make joining in Aaltoes community very easy, so one could start making the dreams come true. After the beginning of Aaltoes in 2009, the community has changed the way masses think about entrepreneurship in Finland and many communities alike has been born in other universities.

Hosting and organizing free events is the main focus of Aaltoes. Start-up Sauna and Slush-event are originated from Aaltoes, here´s one nice example of an Aaltoes/Start-up Sauna program called “Summer of Start-ups”:

Start-Up Sauna – Accelerating, start-up programs, events and meetings in sauna

If you have visited in Finland, you have most likely also been in a sauna. A hot, steamy room used for relaxing, a place where all the titles disappear and people are equal to each other. If you have visited sauna, you probably understand why so many Finnish innovations have been born in the comforting heat of sauna, maybe sipping some beer at the same time. No wonder they have several saunas in Helsinki´s Start-Up Sauna Headquarters.

Start-Up Sauna (Credits: Antti Kokkola)

Start-Up Sauna (Credits: Antti Kokkola)

Start-Up Sauna Accelerator program connects the most promising start-ups from Nordic countries, Russia and Eastern Finland. Focus is heavily on business development and going global. The best teams of each accelerating program are taken to Silicon Valley to meet investors and make contacts. Every company that is accepted to Start-Up Sauna Accelerating program, gets access to Slush. One of the biggest events of its kind, Slush brings together 10.000 attendees and more than 2500 companies for the two-day event, which takes place this year on November 18-19th 2014 in Helsinki. The event is a massive meeting point for investor, start-ups, executives and media to connect and make business.

As a non-profit organization, all Start-up Saunas events and programs are free of charge. For boosting companies economically, Start-up Sauna Foundation was established in 2012 to support the main agenda of building a functioning start-up ecosystem in the region.

Aalto Design Factory – Prototype lab for testing the idea in practice

Sometimes you have to dirty your hands on the way to success.
Offering a space to work, tools and expert guiding Aalto Design Factory is the place to physically make things happen. It is used to making prototypes, testing stuff in lab, meeting potential buyers for the idea/prototype and much more.

PDG (Credits: Mikko Raksinen, Aalto Design Factory)

PDG (Credits: Mikko Raksinen, Aalto Design Factory)

Constant communication between students and companies is a cornerstone of Design factory. One example of co-operation with students and real-life business is a one year program of Product Designing in Aalto University. Companies give product development challenges to students and the final results are presented in annual Product Design Gala.

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Case Studies, News
August
28 2014

Spirit of entrepreneur – Three success stories from Germany

The decision to start an own business is normally made after a thorough consideration of all opportunities and risks and not simply on instinct. It seems clear that a good business idea is not enough to be successful. Even professional skills – no matter if within the technical, artistic or economic field – are important but absolutely not sufficient. So what is still missing to identify the candidate who will make it on the ladder of success? Frequently you may hear of the „spirit of an entrepreneur“ that makes a difference – personality counts! To analyse the personal prerequisites for starting a business, we will have a look at three short success stories of entrepreneurs from the region East-Westphalia-Lippe in Germany. All three intensively prepared for their start-up and participated in a regional business plan competition.

First story – Mecondo GmbH from Rietberg

Mecondo is the melodious name of a young enterprise that regards itself as the “first contact for metal design for gardens and landscapes“. The founders Annette Berenbrink and Bernd Voltmann participated already in two business plan competitions and were awarded with the third price in both of them. The thoroughly established business plan was worth because even in year three sales still were in line with the planned numbers. The diverse and elaborate products like sight protection walls, water objects and sculptures etc. found their lovers within the gardening and landscape architecture industry. To reach the market in Northern and Southern Germany as well as foreign countries, especially France, Belgium, Norway, Austria and Switzerland, Mecondo cooperates with five trade agencies. The rest of Germany is served directly from the location in Rietberg and Gütersloh.

One of the gardening design products by Mecondo. Source: mecondo.de

Starting the business from a position of being unemployed was a courageous step for the two managing directors. The know-how of their former professional background as a graphic designer (Annette Berenbrink) and a technician (Bernd Voltmann) was the basis for developing innovative products. At this point the two of them were the first on the market developing artistic metal products for gardening and landscape architecture. Compared to their former status of being salaried employed, they appreciate a lot the higher level of flexibility and freedom – even if the work load of being self-employed is regarded to be extreme. The experience of mentoring was regarded as very valuable as they learned to focus all their efforts on the core message of their enterprise. Further support was granted by the municipal office for business support in the district of Gütersloh that helped with all the official and bureaucratic issues. Up till now two employees – one full-time for production/distribution, one part-time for office work – support the young company. And now it’s about not giving up and keep on growing! Link – www.mecondo.de

Second story – ECOSUS® from Augustdorf

Matthias Hölscher is a forester. His product development leads us into the area of soil amendments and growing media. Peat-free mixtures of substrates based on organic charcoal (“biochar”) increase soil fertility in the garden. The products include organic potting soil and organic soil improver. Production takes place in cooperation with farming operations and is based on environment-friendly, closed substance cycles according to the so-called “terra preta principle”. The products are primarily sold directly and delivered to agricultural shops, retail shops and hopefully soon to wholesalers for organic products and mail-order shops for high-quality products.

Products by Ecosus before the delivery. Source: ecosus.de

Hölscher started the business on the side of his regular job and is satisfied that his main job covers him financially so that he is not dependent on loan capital. Besides being a civil servant, he enjoys the development of his own products in line with market requirements and by this having an impact. From the business plan competition he could learn a lot. The general management of the company ECOSUS is now taken over by Hendrik Andrae coming from the field of agribusiness management. There is a gap in the funding system for young entrepreneurs, as Hölscher recognised. A lot of funding programmes are only addressed to larger and well-established companies. If you have no capital reserves, starting a business is still difficult, even in Germany. According to him the personality of an entrepreneur is characterised by perseverance, a realistic view, authenticity and flexibility. To him it is very important that a founder of a business sets him-/herself a personal maximum limit for which one is ready to work. If the objective is not achieved, one should also be ready to take the necessary steps. But ECOSUS laid a good foundation. Right now scientific research is carried out to further prove the quality of the products. The results can serve additional proofs and facts to convince end consumers. Link – www.ecosus.de

Third story – VELOfactur GmbH from Hüllhorst

i:SYs is an extraordinary 20 inch compact bicycle that is perfect for rent and the use in companies. End customers are of course also addressed. After being part-time self-employed, in 2011 Rüdiger Wiele together with Martin Kuhlmeier founded the company VELOfactur GmbH. Looking back, Wiele appreciates the personal development and all the new experiences that he has made since then.

i:SYs, the 20 inch compact bicycle made by VELOfactur GmbH. Source: isy.de

Rüdiger Wiele describes the successful sort of entrepreneur as being someone who believes in him- or herself, who has perseverance and can also cope with backward steps or failures. There is a need of high level identification with the business. Earning money should not be the first priority. The financial insecurity as well as the work load of a business founder should be considered beforehand. As positive factors he evaluates all the possibilities for self-fulfilment and the chance to start the business together with a partner. While Wiele himself is strong in the area of sales and organisation, his partner Martin Kuhlmeier contributes with the technical know-how. There are disadvantages resulting from the friction of two different leader personalities, but this can also be regarded as a maturing process to reach a consensus within a partnership. VELOfactur also initiates a lot of new projects and follows a number of new ways to bring the company forward. Wiele sees the necessity for improvement in the situation of entrepreneurs in Germany as it is difficult to get liquidity and subsidies. As an important support structure he mentions business angels and the mentoring service from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Bielefeld. Furthermore, the own position seen by the credit institute or the trust of the bank to the company should not be neglected. Links – www.isy.de | www.velofactur.de

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Blog, Case Studies
August
19 2014

Trust, the word that will save young entrepreneurs in tourism

Sabri Kuçukdurmus is a young Turkish entrepreneur involved in the field of tourism with his agency, Jolly Tour. He was born in 1990 in Konya, a city in the Central Anatolia region. He lives there with his wife and they have a child. He graduated from Vocational High School of Tourism and Aydın Didim Vocational School, department of Tourism, Travel and Agency. He has been working in tourism sector for 8 years. He has been the owner of a tourism agency for 8 months. Besides, He is a member of administrative board of TURSAB (association of Turkish Travel Agencies) and a member of Active Businessmen Association. He is fond of working in the area of Tourism. In his spare time, he loves playing Football and watching it. Further, he likes spending time with his family.

Sabri-Kucukdurmus

Sabri Kuçukdurmus in his office in the city of Kunya, Turkey

He thinks that young entrepreneurs should be supported and it is necessary to smooth the way for them, for that we did him some questions about his experience as a young entrepreneur to understand how the situation is for young tourism entrepreneurs.

Hi Sabri, welcome to the Stupcom blog. Please describe your job
Well, we provide the transfer of Turkish guests from certain point to a certain place. That is to say we are Domestic Tourism agents. And also, we do sell airplane ticket and high-speed train ticket. In addition to all these, I can say that our main work is accommodation. Apart from these, we organize domestic and foreign tours and their accommodations and car rental business. Furthermore, we offer health tourism.

How long have you been working in this field?
I have been working for 8 months. However, I have been dealing with tourism business actively for almost 10 years.

How did you decide to do this job?
As a matter of fact, I graduated from the department of Tourism, Travel and Agency which is the school of this job. At the same time, it is a job that I like. Once, I was already working in another agency.

What are the difficulties of your job?
The most difficult side of my job is the busy period that we encounter. We have a difficulty in finding a place for our customers in the most busy period especially in summer season. And also, the delay of tour and transfer planes due to the weather conditions is the leading difficulty that we encounter.

Who supported you to do this job?
First of all, my family supported me materially and spiritually from the beginning of the process until now. My co-partner, the owner of Yaman Building, offered me to do this job.Consequently, we started this job with the material support of my co-partner and my experiences in this field. Thus, I did not use to take Bank borrowing.

Ara you happy with your work materially and spiritually?
When we first started this job, we were not satisfied with the process of establishment as it is seen in every company, but now, it does. That is, we think that we receive the recompense for our work. Firstly, we love our job, and we do our work enthusiastically. We meet so many people. We are working hard in order to succeed for our prestige. In addition, our agency is connected to a large company that serves throughout Turkey and this provides us respectability.

Do you receive feedback from your customers?  
Firstly, I can say that customer dissatisfaction is minute amount. We know and understand how a holiday our customers want. First we learn the district that our customers prefer and or the place where they took holiday before. Besides,we know all the institutions for which we work because we go and see them. At the beginning of the season, we visit all the hotels thanks to the info tours arranged by Jolly Tour (the agency of Sabri, editor’s note) general centre. Thus, the hotels we recommend to our customers would be the ones that we really know.

The tours that we arrange to abroad, are our pocket tours and they have a certain standart. If we come to your question about feedback, we call all our guests at the end of the travel and poll the satisfactation level. Already we owe the 99% of our success to this. Besides all these although we work as 3-4 persons in this agency that you see , there is a team of 300-400 persons in the centre of this job. We have offices in all countries that we arrange tours in abroad. We have a working agent in each hotel. All these bring us in to the forefront in customer satisfaction.

How do you see the future of your job?
From our point of view, we see its future promising. Our goal is to be the best among 110 tourism agencies that do this job in Konya. Although, technological developments such as internet seem to be negative for our job in the future, in my opinion, depending on the trust that is given to people for a good holiday and satisfaction still and in the future, our job is promising a good future.

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Blog, Case Studies
July
29 2014

When investing money becomes important to increase time

A success case of a Portuguese business angel investment for the health sector now out-looking internationalization

In a world of economic crisis, the health sector has never been so alluring for investors that are striving to develop innovative solutions that respond to challenges such as ageing, less-evasive diagnosis and treatments and reduction of costs.

Whether being at home or in the hospital, monitoring of vital signals of any individual or patient allows for a better accompaniment of their clinical condition and a more efficient (and less timely) response to their needs. With this concept in mind, which one may find it rather simple, Increase Time, a Portuguese technology-based startup was born, promising to promote quality in informal health care for the elderly and for people with some degree of dependence by developing innovative solutions based on wireless networks.

Raquel Sousa, one of the four investors that have launched KeepCare, a homecare support solution which actively contributes to improve the quality of life, comfort and safety of the elderly, whether they live by themselves, with their spouses and relatives or in a residential care home, highlights that “One of the reasons why we have developed home solutions was the fact that we wanted to enhance an autonomous lifestyle for the elderly and chronically ill patients. On the other hand, the quality of life, comfort and health care of our relatives are a constant matter of concern and are challenges that we intend to meet.”

Image: increasetime.pt

The system developed by IncreaseTime and funded by IndexTalent’s business angels allows constant monitoring of the people’s health, providing the relatives with real-time information and, above all, tranquility.

Raquel Sousa believes that telemetrics applied to the health sector is an area of great potential for growth. “It was thanks to IndexTalent funding that we were able to successfully materialize our technology and thus to launch a service that facilitates quick assistance in emergencies through continuous monitoring of individual’s health state and location. With the validation of KeepCare in a real environment and having obtained a very positive feedback from the end-users, the product is ready to enter in the national and international market.”

For further information, please visit: http://www.increasetime.pt

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Case Studies, News
July
16 2014

Changing careers in the creative sector – A bulgarian case study

This article is initially aimed at creative practitioners who are most likely be producers looking to improve their ability to bring their products to market and use appropriate networks effectively.

It is also aimed at stimulating and supporting small creative industries to develop their possibilities to run creative businesses, even if their inclination and skills do not suit the entrpreneurial path.

The aim is to make them self-sufficient and help them on the road to fulfilling their entrepreneurial ambitions. We are trying to navigate and stimulate small businesses in the creative sector by sharing knowledge, expertise and best practice.

Who is she?

“Hello, my name is Svetlana Mutafchieva from Plovdiv, Bulgaria and I’m an interior designer. I also make jewellery and love restoring old furniture.”

She graduated from the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, in Sofia, in 2009, where she specialized Interior and Design for the Architecture. That has been her profession since then. Her first paid interior project was for a friend of a friend. But it did work well. The client liked the final result and recommended her to another client and so things got started. Since then it’s been some apartment interiors, a coffee bar extravagant interior, some clients wanting only a room or two…

“Small but interesting projects, full of challenges.In most cases it was necessary to design a piece of furniture because there is nothing suitable on the market or it’s just too specific for the given place.”

From furniture to jewelley

So she started to design and make furniture. For example a client, who had a very small space available, asked for a small and inconspicuous dining table, enough for two people. The tricky part was that the table should have been able to unfold enough to be comfortable for the entire group of friends and relatives. A tough task! But that’s how she created the table sized 60/90sm, which became 180/180sm unfolded was created. Plenty of room for everybody!

“In an interior project, either native style or just eclectic, it is sometimes necessary to restore some old hardwood furniture, so it can be used again. Time has the ability to hide those beautiful wood colours and patterns. With the proper treatment those pieces of furniture could be turned into marvelous feast for the eye.”

In the following slideshow (Source photos: Svetlana Mutafchieva), you can see some works of Svetlana:

 

When a hobby becomes a job

In her spare time, between the projects, she loved to make small figurines of polymer clay, which she used for gifts to friends and relatives. With the time, thanks to those people, that hobby has become jewellery making for clients.

All those occupations give her the opportunity to experiment with new techniques and materials, as well as meet new people and just make them happy. She uses her creative skills in a more generalized way to develop her own business and product lines.

For further info: http://lnkd.in/dmpUXZc

 

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July
11 2014

Coworking spaces in France – A case study from Paris

In the past days, we talked with Basil Samson, co-founder of Studio Singuliers, a coworking space situated within the Paris Région Innovation Nord Express incubator. This coworking space can accommodate from 30 to 40 coworkers to enjoy a very dynamic business environment. With Basil we discussed about the creation of a coworking space in Paris and what are the goals he achieved with his coworking space.

Good read.

Hi Basil, first question for you: how does the idea of creating a coworking space in Paris came up into your mind?

Hi guys ! The idea of creating a coworking space came with the nature of our jobs. We are three independent designers/graphic artists. A coworking place was a way to answer our needs first. The idea came up progressively. Working from home can be an obstacle to the development of our activities. We all had to deal with the same issues: lack of infrastructures, of logistics, small networks etc. Our idea converged with some other people wishes and, more generally, was the reflect of an evolution in the French society.

A part of Studio Singuliers, coworking space in Paris. (Source: studios-singuliers.fr)

How could you define your coworking space?

Coworkers have desks, storage rooms, meeting rooms, kitchen, living room and a garden. We offer Internet connection, office automation services and a professional network.

But, beside the economical and practical aspect, the symbolic value is very strong. Our space permits to fight professional isolation and to gather different professional skills by organizing meetings (formal or non-formal). A nice atmosphere allows exchanges.

Moreover, a coworking space allows coworkers to separate work-life aspects of their lives and to channel their stress.

What is really important is the localization of our space ? Well, it is located in a building gathering 80 starts-ups. It is therefore really professional. We also really want to make people coming from different backgrounds meet. The idea to gather complementary skills is really important to us.

Today, do you think that you have successfully achieved your goals?

Studio Singuliers is a very good tool to develop our own activity as designers/graphic artists. It empowered us and we are now able to deal with bigger projects than before. But, like every tool, its technical sophistication must be continuously improved. The creation of the space and its opening is not the end of the story, this actually a whole process, an engagement to bigger projects. Later, we want to let the people who are working here manage the space and continue with several cooperation all around the world. We want to continue thinking about the relationship between human beings and his entourage. We want that our work stay in connection with human, environmental and economical issues.

For further information about Studio Singuliers, visit www.studios-singuliers.fr.

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Case Studies
July
01 2014

The power of technology makes great entrepreneurs profiles

We are going to introduce two cases of success of two guys who became great entrepreneurs before reaching adulthood. How? Through their knowledge of new technologies.

Luis Ivan Cuende and Pau Garcia-Milà, two early entrepreneurs, which differentiates them only their hometown: Luis de Asturias and Pau in Barcelona.

Two greats mind who were interested in new technologies from an early age and were aware of the need to improve the software we use and apply it to improve existing needs.

Do what you like

The two have a close relationship with the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Valencia (AJEV) and have had the opportunity to meet them personally. Luis Ivan participated in a 2012 Business Excellence Forum AJEV organized and attended by over 200 people and Pau Garcia-Milà in 2010 participated in the Day of the Entrepreneur of the Valencian Community, organized by the Impiva, public entity to promoting business innovation and in which collaborated AJEV.

With a company you have to be the best at what you do

It all started when Luis Ivan Cuende got his first Smartphone with Android OS with just 12 years. At that age and swam like a fish in water in computer programming to the point of being able to create a free operating system. The previous investment was 50 euros that his parents gave him to buy a couple of domains on the Internet.

Money allocated to create a free operating system called Asturix, and came to the Asturian government will save millions of euros. This is an operating system like Windows or iOS but free faster because it can run on very old and safer computers because no virus, but mostly known for being open and innovative as they were the first to introduce facial recognition even before google.

However, the project was rejected by the Government of Asturias. Today we employ in Colombia, Brazil, USA, Russia and Canada. At 16, he was elected the best European retail “hacker” 18. Now, just turned 18, Luis Ivan Cuende is an entrepreneur with at least three active businesses, plus special advisor to the President of the European Commission Neelie Kroes, the digital dossier.

Luis Ivan Cuende (Source: flickr.com)

For now, he doesn’t think in the University, and he is currently immersed in a new project: the launch of the first Spanish Bank Bitcoin.

Luis Ivan Cuende stresses that the key to success is to do what you like, focus on what you love and motivates and try to be the best at what you do or try to do my best. “Do not think about whether or not the money is coming, but do what you like”.

An innovation advanced to cloud computing

Pau Garcia-Mila is a passionate about innovation and communication. He is co-founder of three companies: eyeOS (acquired by Telefónica in 2014), Bananity and IdeaFoster.

Since making his first steps into the world of innovation, at age 17 he received important awards such as the Award Innovator of the Year 2011 by MIT (TR-35) or the award of the Prince of Asturias and Girona IMPULSA Company 2010 .

He is the author of three books, “It’s all done” (2010), “Optimismamente” (2012) and “Have an idea (but still do not know)” (2013), and a regular contributor to Radio and Television.

It all started in 2005 when Pau Garcia-Milà and his friend Marc Cercós created an operating system from the web where information could be stored on a site to be accessed from any terminal connected to the internet. This is what we call cloud computing.

“At that time neither had known nor had a name what would invent when. Many said it was stupid” he repeatedly said Pau. Back then, all he wanted was not to have to go up and down the steep slope separating the two friends’ houses to share information. “At that time there were no USB sticks, no iPhones, tablets, the current profusion of internet terminals, one converted desventajada advantage,” stated Garcia-Mila.

Pau Garcia-Milà (Source: blog.jobandtalent.com)

As commented, the key is to see that you have 1% of thing and think big: if that was useful to them, someday it would be for most people. At first in eyeOS they were just five people and today millions.

Currently eyeOS has been acquired by Telefónica, which will give new impetus towards internationalization.

Lesson learned

Two greats success stories of two young people who stand out not only for their knowledge and involvement with new technologies, but their entrepreneurial attitudes. Caller’s attention for being fighters, self-confident, without fear of failure, with great learning ability and, above all, a positive attitude.

We all have these characteristics, detect just have to know and believe in us. As said Pau Garcia-Milà in an interview “the hard part is not having ideas, how hard is that you do not go unnoticed!”

More info

Luis Ivan Cuende
Pau Garcia-Milà

Posted by Stupcom  |  0 Comment  |  in Case Studies, News
June
23 2014

Starting young – Enterprise education

Across the EU there are plenty of great examples of support offered to young entrepreneurs to support them in their journey and enable them to succeed: this personal success bringing with it benefits beyond the individual – jobs created, positive impact on the national economy and potentially greater profile as an international business.

These young entrepreneurs have taken a brave step, a step that they have been encouraged to take and the first on what may be an career. However for many of these young entrepreneurs they are starting from scratch without experience in running a business, basic financial awareness and the ability to conduct realistic, valuable and honest research which is singularly indicative as a success gauge – those who have done appropriate research will not push forward with an unfeasible business.

A new innovators generation is coming

We all hope the upcoming generation will surpass their predecessor as innovators, entrepreneurs and wealth creators, in order to give them the best chance, there must be a commitment to practical, engaging and motivational enterprise education that begins in some manifestation on the first day of school.

In the UK a report has just been published titled “Enterprise for All – the relevance of enterprise in education” which provides some practical recommendations which aim to achieve “a lifelong experience of enterprise in education which is Captive, Continuous and Coherent.”

Image source: young-enterprise.org.uk

These recommendations are a useful starting point for any organisation or state interested in exploring how they can generate the next larger cohort of young entrepreneurs with the experience, skill and commitment to thrive in the international business community. This is not to say they are a prescriptive solution, the variation across EU countries and the communities within them is vast, but taking a conscious decision to investigate what is fitting is a necessary first step.

Anyone with the opportunity to involve themselves with education in any context, we urge you embrace it. The value you can provide to individuals can build the foundations of real opportunities for all young people that are part of an education system that applies itself to a strong academic education alongside experience and engagement preparing them for life in the real world – whatever it may hold for them.

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June
09 2014

Co-working in Italy – Trends and models

Co-working is a relatively new phenomenon in Italy. Strictly connected with the new philosophy of social innovation, social enterprise, crowd and sharing economy (sharing skills, ideas, projects not just spaces) and the economic crisis (the need to reduce costs by cutting office rent), it has been profoundly influenced by other European experiences, primarily those coming from UK and Germany.

First co-working experiences have been created 2-3 years ago, they were all related to the most popular co-working network theHUB.net, now called IMPACT HUB.

Current trends are in line with the rest of Europe where, between 2011 and 2012, the number of co-working spaces doubled.

An Italian co-working space.
Source: benetural.com

Continue Reading →

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