- Raise awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship and develop key competencies: Entrepreneurship emerges as a viable and necessary alternative to unemployment, especially in a context where the lack of opportunities limits young people’s economic independence. In Spain, the country with the highest youth unemployment rate in the EU (26.6% according to Eurostat, November 2024), many young people view public-sector employment as the only stable option, reducing their capacity to innovate and pursue entrepreneurship. Across Europe, Eurostat data from November 2024 shows the EU’s youth unemployment rate reached 15.3%, with over three million people under 25 unemployed. This figure marks a significant increase compared to the previous year, reflecting a structural problem affecting all of Europe. Besides Spain, in countries such as Italy (19.4%) and Finland (18.6%) (participating nations in the project) the situation is equally concerning, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that provide concrete tools for youth labor integration. In response, this project aims to shift mindsets by promoting entrepreneurship not only as a path to self-employment but also as a tool to generate social and economic impact. - Bridge the gap between the private sector, dependence on public-sector employment, and labor opportunities: To underscore the importance of entrepreneurship, Eurostat notes that SMEs represent 99.8% of the EU’s business landscape and generate over 60% of employment. However, many young people lack the knowledge and training required to start businesses or access these opportunities. Through this project, we will equip them with tools to understand how entrepreneurship works, aiming to reduce the gap between the private sector and labor opportunities for European youth. Thus, the project responds to the employability crisis by promoting entrepreneurship not just as a form of self-employment but as a key driver of innovation and economic development. - Shift mindsets, empower youth as agents of change, and build a network of young European entrepreneurs: Through this project, we aim to help participants develop essential entrepreneurial competencies, including business management, strategic planning, creativity, and leadership. Since hands on learning is most effective, our approach will rely on non-formal education methods such as practical workshops, business simulations, case studies, and teamwork. We seek to transform mindsets and create a network of young European entrepreneurs committed to community development, demonstrating that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business but also about generating societal impact, building skills, and creating opportunities where none existed before. - Promote the use of digitalization and new technologies in entrepreneurship: We will also explore the role of digitalization in entrepreneurship, demonstrating how new technologies can help young people develop innovative and sustainable projects. From a youth-work perspective, the project aims to create a safe, inclusive, and participatory learning environment where young people can experiment, make mistakes, and learn without fear of failure. - Strengthen European identity, respect for inclusion, and cultural diversity: Another core pillar of the project is its intercultural and collaborative focus. We firmly believe that connecting young people from different European countries strengthens European identity and promotes respect for cultural diversity. By bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds, the project will foster mutual learning spaces where participants can explore different realities, share best practices, and learn from the economic and social challenges their peers face in other countries. We aim for this exchange to break down stereotypes and build stronger bonds. - Contribute to the European Commission’s strategic objectives on youth employment, social inclusion, and sustainable development: Furthermore, our project aligns with the European Commission’s strategic goals on youth employment, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Promoting entrepreneurship not only drives job creation but also fosters innovation, self-sufficiency, and economic growth. In a context where youth unemployment remains a challenge across Europe, equipping young people with tools to create their own opportunities is an effective strategy to reduce reliance on public-sector employment and strengthen the private sector.