The main objective of the Give Them a Second Chance (G2C) project was to promote a culture of second chance entrepreneurship and to support entrepreneurs who have experienced setbacks in their first venture. Specific objectives included: - Encouraging failed and ex-entrepreneurs to learn from their past experiences using tools such as the online self-assessment tool (PR2), which helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses for continuous learning. - Supporting these entrepreneurs in developing skills to rebuild successful businesses through innovative digital training, in particular e-learning modules (PR3) accessible on an online platform (PR1). - Provide VET teachers, educators, trainers and mentors with comprehensive educational resources to effectively support failed and ex-entrepreneurs, such as the manual (PR4). - Encourage policy makers to create SME support policies that help failed and ex-entrepreneurs to re-enter the business world, achieved through resources such as the Guide - How to keep entrepreneurs healthy and alive (PR5). These objectives were designed to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to restart successfully and make a positive contribution to the economy.
We applied for the "Give Them a 2 Chance" project recognizing the significant role SMEs play in the European economy and their vulnerability, as highlighted by a McKinsey survey. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, SMEs were already facing challenges, with yearly bankruptcies in the EU leading to substantial job losses. This situation underscored the need for continued entrepreneurship support, even after failures not attributed to dishonesty. Our objective was to address the stigma and obstacles faced by failed and ex-entrepreneurs, a group often overlooked in Vocational Education and Training (VET) provisions. The project aimed to differentiate the support for these entrepreneurs from that provided to first-time entrepreneurs, contributing positively to economic growth and employment in the European economy. This approach aligned with the EU Internal Market and SMEs' emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship but sought to fill the gap in second chance policies within VET services. Often, VET providers offered uniform services to both failed and first-time entrepreneurs, not acknowledging the distinct needs and challenges faced by these two groups.