By what time do we need to submit the business idea?
Business ideas must be submitted through our online system by the date indicated on the entrepreneurship programme page.
I am having troubles with the online application platform – what do I do?
If you’re having troubles with the application platform, please contact ERC (livelihoods@pagulasabi.ee, 067 508 0839) – we will find a solution to your problem!
Should all team members take part in the programme?
Yes, we expect all team members to take part in the full programme. Building a business should be a team effort and if only one person has participated in the programme, that may not look too good when the final selection is made. There are some thematic sessions, however, where you may send just one team member to participate.
Are there any limits to the business sectors that can participate?
No, there are no limits to the business ideas that can be proposed; all business ideas are treated equally. We may deem a business ineligible only if it goes in conflict with our ethical standards and humanitarian ethos, e.g. if it promotes violence, unsustainable practices, etc.
I do not live in the area targeted with the programme – can I still participate?
Our programmes are usually geographically restricted, please see the conditions on the programme page. Teams whose members are living outside of these regions do not qualify for the programme.
Our team includes one man who fills a necessary role – can we still apply?
Yes, as long as the majority of the team members are women and the team is led by a women, you can still apply. But all-women teams are prioritized.
How many business teams are selected to participate in the programme?
Each of our programmes has a set number of teams or individuals who are invited to take part in the full programme. Please check the programme page for details.
How do you select the teams that are invited to take part in the full programme?
Once your business idea is submitted through our application system, 3 separate experts will assess your proposal using an assessment instrument consisting of nine questions. These questions look into the strength of the business idea, how well you have defined the need your service/product solves, how well you have thought through your client base, whether the team has skills and composition necessary to build a successful business, and whether the team members fall under our vulnerability categories. After the experts have done their assessments, a competitive list of all business ideas is formed, out of whom the predefined number of best teams will be invited to take part in the full entrepreneurship programme.
But when can we apply for the entrepreneurship grants to start with the business?
The opportunity to receive the asset-based support and mentorship to build up your business will be open to all teams selected for the full programme. The teams or individuals who will receive the asset-based support and mentorship will be selected at the end of the programme through a competitive process.
Can I apply for the entrepreneurship grant if I did not take part in the full programme?
No, the teams or individuals who will receive the asset-based support and mentorship will be selected among the teams and individuals who participate in the entrepreneurship programme in full.
In what form will the winning teams or individuals receive the grant?
The entrepreneurship grants are given in the form of equipment, tools and materials necessary to start the business. The financial support is not given in cash.