The STARTArt project seeks to empower young people by developing their entrepreneurial skills, fostering creativity, and enhancing their ability to use art as a vehicle for economic value creation. Through non-formal education, cross-cultural exchange, and innovative learning methodologies, the project aims to equip participants with the tools needed to become proactive, creative entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries (CCI). STARTArt responds to the challenges young people face today, such as high youth unemployment and limited access to entrepreneurial education, especially within the arts sector. STARTArt aims to achieve the following specific objectives: 1. Develop entrepreneurial skills for young people aged 18 to 25: The primary objective of the STARTArt project is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among young people aged 18 to 25. The project employs non-formal learning methods such as interactive workshops, peer-to-peer learning, brainstorming sessions, and practical exercises to achieve a 25% increase in participants’ knowledge of entrepreneurial skills by the end of the exchange. The focus is on teaching participants how to develop viable business models using tools like the Business Model Canvas, marketing strategies, and sustainability principles. This objective aligns with the Erasmus+ priority of developing skills for employability, particularly in the CCI sector, where innovative thinking is crucial for success. By empowering young people with the skills and confidence needed to turn creative ideas into sustainable businesses, the project contributes to a more dynamic and resilient youth labor market. 2. Develop soft skills of the young participants: STARTArt is committed to improving essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among its participants. These skills are vital for young people navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and are often a prerequisite for success in any professional environment. Through role-playing activities, group discussions, and public speaking exercises, the project aims for a 30% increase in these competencies among participants. These skills are not only fundamental to becoming successful entrepreneurs but are also critical for personal development and social integration, contributing to more cohesive communities. The emphasis on soft skills is directly related to youth work practice, where fostering personal growth and social cohesion is key. 3. Foster the use of art as a driving force to create economic value: Another significant objective is to foster the use of art as a powerful tool for economic value creation. STARTArt aims for participants to develop at least five business ideas centred around art by the end of the project. The project provides a platform where participants can explore how art can be integrated into business models, driving both economic and social impact. By utilizing methodologies like Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and creative brainstorming, the project helps young people to see art not only as a form of expression but also as a potential economic driver. This approach encourages participants to consider sustainability and innovation in their creative endeavours, thus aligning with broader European Union goals for economic growth in the creative industries. The STARTArt project adopts a non-formal educational approach, where learning is participant-centred and experience-based. Daily reflection sessions, peer reviews, and feedback loops ensure that participants are actively engaged in the learning process and can continuously adapt and improve. This method guarantees that the project activities are relevant, impactful, and aligned with the participants’ needs and aspirations. The Youthpass certification will be used to help participants document their learning outcomes and competencies, providing a formal recognition of their development during the project. Beyond the reach of its immediate objectives, STARTArt aims to leave a lasting impact on participants and the communities they represent. By providing a toolkit—“STARTArt - Enterprise Your Creativity”—filled with methodologies, best practices, and case studies, the project ensures that its benefits extend well beyond its immediate participants. This toolkit will be disseminated widely to educators, youth workers, and cultural organizations, promoting the continued use and adaptation of STARTArt’s innovative approaches.