PatENT Project Empowers Young Migrants Through Entrepreneurship Training in Vilnius
The ERASMUS+ project, PatENT, aiming at enhancing the employability and social inclusion of young migrants through entrepreneurship, successfully concluded a 10-day training course in Vilnius, Lithuania. The intensive program offered participants the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and engage directly with successful migrant entrepreneurs and local experts.
The event took place in period 15.-24. September 2024.
The training course kicked off with three days of online lectures, offering participants from Lithuania, Estonia, Portugal, Ireland, and Germany a comprehensive introduction to the project, the program agenda, and their upcoming experience in Vilnius. One of the highlights was a guest lecture from Krunchas, a successful migrant-led business in Lithuania. This session provided practical insights into the journey of establishing and running a business as a migrant.
Once in Vilnius, the participants engaged in study visits to various migrant-owned businesses, including Petra Bakery, Narmin, Helen, and Gogi Guy. These hands-on experiences showcased the entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the local migrant community. In parallel, lectures from experts at organisations like Red Cross Lithuania, Caritas, the Refugee Council, and the State Patent Bureau of Lithuania enriched the participants’ knowledge about entrepreneurship, patenting, and the specific challenges migrants face in establishing businesses.
The program culminated with a unique and highly anticipated event: the Migrant Business Fair, held at the iconic and historic area of Lukiškės Prison 2.0 in Vilnius. Over 20 migrant entrepreneurs showcased and sold their products and services, offering participants real-world experience in organising and supporting a business event. The fair attracted an estimated 200 visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere where migrants could promote their ventures, engage with the local community, and foster connections.
Throughout the training, participants also worked in teams to prepare for the fair, communicating with local businesses and visitors, organising logistics, and providing hands-on assistance during the event. This immersive experience provided invaluable insights into business operations, event management, and community engagement.
The PatENT project, designed to empower young migrants by promoting entrepreneurship, aims to create a lasting impact on both individuals and the wider community. By raising awareness of the opportunities entrepreneurship presents, the project encourages migrants to take proactive steps towards building sustainable futures.
To lear more about the project, check the online hub developed as part of the project: https://patent-hub.eu/
