By implementing STEP, we wanted to develop and test a concrete, structured programme that supports vulnerable young people (16–24) in building both entrepreneurial competence and the soft skills needed to move towards education, work and active participation in society. A key objective was to co-create the programme together with young people who represent the target group. Their input, feedback and lived experience helped shape the content, the language, and the learning activities, so the final model is realistic, engaging and relevant to their everyday life. We also aimed to develop a clear modular structure with practical, creative and team-based exercises that are easy to facilitate and adaptable to different contexts in Norway and Portugal. Through this, we wanted to strengthen young people’s confidence, communication, collaboration, problem solving and ability to take initiative in a safe learning environment where they can try, reflect and learn. Finally, we wanted to produce usable outputs that can live beyond the project period, including a method manual, facilitator resources, and a set of tested activities that can be further scaled and improved.
We applied for STEP because we saw a growing group of young people (16-24) who are outside education and work, and who often lack arenas where they can build confidence, motivation and practical skills in a safe setting. Many of the support measures they meet are either too theoretical or fragmented, and they do not always strengthen the everyday soft skills that are needed to take the next step towards training, employment or active participation in the community. STEP addressed this by developing and testing a structured, youth-friendly entrepreneurship programme that combines creativity, teamwork and real-life problem solving. The need was to create a method that is practical, inclusive and easy to facilitate, and that can be adapted to different contexts in Norway and Portugal. Through the project we also responded to a need for stronger cooperation between local youth stakeholders and partners across countries, so learning and improvements could be shared and scaled.