Let’s get down to Business

We’ve all heard that English expression. It’s typically said after the small talk has reached its natural end and the clock is ticking. Meanwhile, there are deals to be made, contracts to be signed. It was, therefore, a fitting title for new Erasmus+ project which aims to help young entrepreneurs in the EU. 

While Europe is suffering the economic backlash of the pandemic and areas experience disastrous levels of unemployment. To wit in in Spain unemployment stands at 16.1% but youth unemployment is close to 40%, doubling the average rates in the Eurozone and the EU. This happens in other countries in the project partnership like Portugal where youth unemployment is 23,5%, while the general rate is 6,9%. In Ireland the youth figure is 12,62%, against an average rate of 5,16%. Lithuania (youth – 12,72%, average 5,16%) and Italy (youth -29.7%, average rate of 9,99%). 

The EU bloc must once again turn to the powers of the entrepreneur to create employment as national government measure are not enough. However, an uncomfortable obstacle needs to be addressed: in the EU there are high levels of start-up failure rates and slender interest in entrepreneurial activity among the young (compared to the US). This might be due to multiple socio-economic barriers, but the conclusion is clear: we need to empower young people to take an interest in entrepreneurialism as a valid career. 

The Down To Business project (written by Eurospeak) aims to do just that by developing an array of exciting incentives for young people considering a first step into starting their own business. The project will produce a vast Moodle where young people can learn about business. There will also be an opportunity to meet with successful older entrepreneurs who can mentor youngsters and steer them in the right direction. Finally, the project partners will create a repository of training on how to sell both face-to-face and in print. 

The project is in the early stages but will finally get down to business in February this year. Watch this space for more information. 

For more information, please check the website http://downtobusiness-erasmus.site/