BOOST - Development of businesses founded by refugees in Estonia
Up to 25 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) founded by refugees or individuals with previous entrepreneurial experience will be selected to participate in the programme. At the end of the programme, 3 teams selected by an expert jury will receive an individual item-based grant of €1,000. The grants will be awarded based on participation in the training programme, homework and final pitch. Participants are expected to attend all training sessions.
Online information session | 29 January 2025, 18:00-19:30 |
Application deadline | 05 February 2025, 23:59 |
Announcement of participants | 10 February 2025 |
Programme launch event in Tallinn | 20 February 2025 |
Two-week training and mentoring sessions | 28 February - 30 May 2025 |
Study visits | March - June 2025 |
Community events | April - June 2025 |
Demo day | June 2025 |
Who can participate?
The programme is open to all refugees who reside in Estonia, have established a small or medium-sized business in Estonia or have previous experience of entrepreneurship. You can apply as an individual or as part of a team. The training will be conducted in Russian and/or English, depending on the preference of the applicants.
How it works?
The Business Development Programme runs from February 2025 to June 2025 and consists of two-week training sessions in Tallinn. Each training session is a 1-day workshop that includes presentations on selected topics by experienced trainers, practical exercises, as well as individual and group learning. Workshops usually take place on Thursday or Friday. Each workshop will be followed by a group mentoring session on the same topic online. Mentoring sessions will usually take place at the beginning of the week. The programme will consist of 5 modules on different topics. Initial indicative thematic focus of the sessions (subject to change):
- Legal, ethical and cultural aspects
- Strategic business development, financial planning and sources of funding
- Partnerships, sales and customer relations
- Marketing and brand building
- Digital tools and artificial intelligence
Two study groups will be created, and simultaneous on-site training and online mentoring sessions will take place. The launch and demonstration day will be held jointly in Tallinn. The programme will be supported by study visits to various companies and community events.
To learn more about the programme, please join the online information session on 29 January from 18:00 to 19:30.
During the programme, you will have the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge on how to implement and further develop your business in Estonia and thus increase your sustainability, competitiveness and growth potential. The knowledge you will gain will be a long-term asset that will help you take the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey as well as in your life in Estonia.
Once your application for the programme is approved, you will receive all necessary instructions. Participants will be announced on 10 February. The programme kick-off event will take place on 20 February in Tallinn, and the programme will end with a demonstration day in June 2025.
How to apply
If you are interested in participating in this programme, please apply through this platform by 23:59 on 5 February. Please note that you will need to create a user account.
Applications will be evaluated by a jury of entrepreneurship and labour market experts based on their business potential and social and economic vulnerability.
If you have any questions, please contact grete.karelsohn@pagulasabi.ee.
BOOST - Development of businesses founded by refugees in Estonia is funded by WISE.