Project AIM wanted to contribute to introducing an inclusive entrepreneurship mentoring model (IEMM), which reflected the concrete context of the entrepreneurship activities and attitudes in the given country and also aligned with the European landscape. The objectives that we wanted to achieve through the development of the IEMM are: 1. Equip students with the skillset necessary to transform innovative ideas into a start-up; 2. Conducted during the study period, seen as a plus to their graduation; 3. Inclusive policy where students from under-represented groups get additional points in the selection process; 4. High quality internships enabled by close collaboration and periodic alignment between universities and employers (industrial companies); 5. Mentorship and one-to-one feedback; 6. Training in presentation skills and preparation for an effective pitch.
The Project discussed in detail a new Methodology to improve a Mentorship Program having in mind the identified needs of young entrepreneurs. The vision of project AIM was directed at introducing inclusive entrepreneurial mentorship models (“IEMM”) for enhancing university students’ readiness in transforming innovative ideas into start-ups. The motivation of the partnership cooperation was to contribute to increasing the percentage of students realizing their entrepreneurial potential within 5 years after graduation. This was in response to the lack of inclusive entrepreneurship opportunities and entrepreneurial skill gaps highlighted in the Missing Entrepreneurs Report 2021 (jointly prepared by the OECD and European Commission). In the same report, an overview of the entrepreneurship trends revealed the following: Sweden – Despite high levels of educational attainment and digital literacy, a low share of people self-report having entrepreneurship skills. Portugal – Portugal ranks one of the top 5 countries in the EU in entrepreneurship skills. Austria – Youth groups are under-represented in entrepreneurship. Bulgaria - The early-stage entrepreneurship rate was slightly below the EU average and the gap was greatest among youth.