By implementing this project, DIGITAL CHEF Ltd. and consortium aimed to equip micro-SME entrepreneurs with the necessary skills. Our goal was to bridge the knowledge gap by offering practical, case-driven training that moves beyond academic theories and focuses on real-world applications. The project introduced modern, accessible learning methods through mobile and online applications, ensuring that aspiring and existing entrepreneurs could easily integrate new knowledge into their business strategies. By leveraging insights from experienced entrepreneurs and showcasing successful business cases, we sought to build confidence, encourage innovation, and foster sustainable business practices among micro-SMEs. By showcasing real success stories, we sought to build confidence, foster innovation, and create a strong foundation for sustainable business growth. Additionally, we wanted to create a supportive learning ecosystem where entrepreneurship was not only encouraged but also made more accessible, practical, and adaptable to the challenges of the 21st-century economy.
DIGITAL CHEF Ltd. applied for this project because Balkan countries, e.g. Bulgaria / Greece, had faced a lack of experience and training for young entrepreneurs. A 2017 survey showed that 65% of respondents identified this gap, while an OECD report (2018) indicated that fear of failure prevented 38.1% of youth from starting a business. Additionally, sustainable entrepreneurship was mostly embraced by larger companies, leaving micro-SMEs without proper guidance. The project addressed these needs by creating a practical training handbook featuring insights from experienced entrepreneurs and successful peers through video interviews and case studies. It tackled key challenges such as the absence of specialized courses, unclear business opportunities, low motivation due to limited success stories, and inadequate institutional support. By offering training in multiple formats and hosting awareness workshops, the project ensured broad access to knowledge, fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Moreover, the awareness training workshops and livestreaming expanded the outreach, helping to foster a more innovative and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. Example-driven learning methods made entrepreneurship education accessible.