Give them a 2 chance

We applied for the 'Give Them a 2 Chance' project recognizing the significant role SMEs play in the European economy and their vulnerability, as highlighted by a McKinsey survey. Prior to the COVI...

The main objective of the Give Them a Second Chance (G2C) project was to promote a culture of second chance entrepreneurship and to support entrepreneurs who have experienced setbacks in their first venture. Specific objectives included: - Encouraging failed and ex-entrepreneurs to learn from their past experiences using tools such as the online self-assessment tool (PR2), which helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses for continuous learning. - Supporting these entrepreneurs in developing skills to rebuild successful businesses through innovative digital training, in particular e-learning modules (PR3) accessible on an online platform (PR1). - Provide VET teachers, educators, trainers and mentors with comprehensive educational resources to effectively support failed and ex-entrepreneurs, such as the manual (PR4). - Encourage policy makers to create SME support policies that help failed and ex-entrepreneurs to re-enter the business world, achieved through resources such as the Guide - How to keep entrepreneurs healthy and alive (PR5). These objectives were designed to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to restart successfully and make a positive contribution to the economy.

The G2C project has implemented a comprehensive set of activities: 1.Dissemination and communication activities. 2.Transnational and online meetings. 3.Project results (PRs): - PR1 (Online Platform): Developed using open source software, this platform served as a hub for the project's target groups and included the online self-assessment tool (PR2) and e-learning modules (PR3). - PR2 (online self-assessment tool): This interactive tool helped entrepreneurs to identify their strengths and weaknesses, encouraging self-reflection and continuous learning. - PR3 (e-learning modules): These modules provided entrepreneurs with knowledge to prevent crises and restart their businesses. They included videos, readings and assessments. - PR4 (Manual for Business Mentors): A comprehensive tool for VET professionals, this manual was piloted in a staff training event before its official release. - PR5 (Guide to keeping entrepreneurs healthy): Aimed at policy makers, this guide aimed to inform about support mechanisms for second chance entrepreneurs. 4.Mobility activities: The project included blended mobility for VET learners and a staff training event. 5.Multiplier events: Eleven local conferences were organised in the partner countries.

The G2C project achieved significant results that impacted both the target groups and the partner organisations. For failed and ex-entrepreneurs, the project led to attitudinal changes, improved risk management skills and the ability to overcome the stigma of failure. The online self-assessment tool and e-learning modules provided structured ways to understand their past failures and develop skills for business success. There was also an emphasis on continuous updating of skills and knowledge sharing among peers. VET trainers, educators and mentors gained educational resources to support these entrepreneurs, increasing their motivation and capacity to promote second-time entrepreneurship. They also developed new skills to bring the voices of failed and ex-entrepreneurs to policy makers at different levels. For the partner organisations, the project integrated new tools and knowledge into their frameworks, enhancing their capacity to support entrepreneurs. This led to innovative learning pathways and training programmes for VET, improved visibility as SME support points and strengthened cross-sectoral cooperation between different organisations in the field of VET.