50+ Entrepreneurship for Rural Areas Sustainability (ENTRUST Project)

ENTRUST sought to foster entrepreneurial mindsets, innovation and business creation and improve the economic situation of unemployed and underemployed seniors. Supporting seniors to create their...

To support users, particularly people aged 50+ to bring ideas for a sustainable tourism, cultural and heritage-based business from concept to commercialisation. The project targets senior entrepreneurs (whether retirees, those made redundant or others seeking a career change and who have identified a new opportunity) who are interested in researching the potential for a new sustainable tourism business idea with a social and/or cultural heritage focus. These persons may wish to challenge their own skills & cognitive abilities while also contributing to the economy and their communities and who want to sustain the social, cultural & heritage fabric of their respective regions, particularly those in rural communities. The outcomes will be supported via: 1. A blended training programme around bringing an idea for a sustainable tourism business from concept to commercialisation, towards social sustainability, especially in low population territories; 2. Interactive tools with a view to connecting and engaging the target group 3. An interactive learning platform containing relevant training and support material; 4. Deliver guidelines for VET providers on using the developed materials and resources

Result 1 - Curriculum Development Firstly, research in 2 dimensions (Senior Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurship for Tourism Sustainability in Rural Areas) was carried out followed by a literature review led by P3/FI Haaga-Helia. The findings from this research then influenced and shaped the curriculum structure and content. The curriculum was developed and reviewed firstly by project partners (internal), and then by stakeholders via validation workshops in each partner country. Partners then translated the curriculum which was reviewed by an External Pool of Experts (EPEs). Suggestions and feedback were taken on board and reiterations were produced. From this the curriculum was finalised and the structure for the course was decided. The final curriculum report, structure and other outputs are available in the SharePoint folder. Result 2 - Course Development The course consisted of two main elements; the best practice documentaries (8) and the learning manual. A working plan for Multimedia Best Practices was completed firstly. Guidelines were then produced for the 8 Best Practice videos to ensure consistency and entrepreneurs were then shortlisted to be considered for the best practice videos. Once the subjects were selected, these videos (2 per partner country) were then filmed, edited and produced. Internal test & feedback improvements were undertaken on the videos followed by an external evaluation based on experts feedback. Once complete, suggestions were implemented which led to the Multimedia Best Practices Finalisation. Translation/subtitling into all languages and its final cut edition was carried out and short trailers in English were made available and disseminated across social media channels. A working plan for Curriculum implementation & templates were also created. The structure for the Course design was developed. The Learning Manual was then developed with each partner drafting one unit each (apart from P3 who did the lit review). This draft then went through a peer review where feedback was used to improve the units. The learning manual was integrated to the ENTRUST platform and website and subsequently a course pilot was conducted to test and validate the course. 10 to 12 participants (adult educator/trainers) were carefully selected to test the course in each country. Once the evaluation by experts was completed the final version of the Manual was translated into the languages of the partners and made available in pdf format via the platform. Result 3 - Platform Development R3 was led by P1/PT while the E-tools element was lead by AO/IE. Firstly, a working plan for E-Tools was developed. Next, initial text versions of the e-tools for further discussion and brainstorming were suggested and shared with partners. Other partners' ideas and improvement suggestions in the text versions of the tools were applied. The first version of the R3 was submitted to partners for internal peer review. All partners translated the tools into national languages. An external evaluation with EPEs took place and an overall evaluation report for the Consortium was prepared. Alongside this, a working plan for platform development was created. As the project developed, and other results were completed the partners continuously reviewed and evaluated its structure, in order to ensure the virtual learning environment was well adjusted to the ENTRUST training. The template for e-platform and e-tools was reviewed internally and the platform and e-tools were improved in line with partners recommendations. Following this, the programming of the self assessment e-tool, the collaborative forum, the creative lab and other tools took place. The platform went through an evaluation Beta Test when experts reviewed and provided feedback again. Taking all feedback into consideration, the platform and tools were further refined and improved, leading to the final version. All partners then translated the e-platform into national languages. The platform was then integrated within the project website to ensure visibility and easy access. Result 4 - Guidelines Lead by P4/NL. To begin, a working plan for R4 Guidelines was developed. P4/NL created draft guidelines for VET Providers to introduce the ENTRUST rational approach to the target audience and to illustrate how to flexibly use the assets in the ENTRUST pack. It also presents the session plans for the modules and units of the training program to be applied in full and suggestions of activities that adult educators/trainers can use in their training activities, taken from the Course. Using peer review templates developed by P1, all partners reviewed the guidelines and provided feedback. Once given the go ahead, all partners translated the guidelines into national languages. The Guidelines were then evaluated further at the multiplier events (E6-E8) - the document was presented to stakeholders alongside the ENTRUST training materials. The partners used this feedback to further improve the Guidelines. All partners proofread and finalised R4 in national languages. Evaluation An evaluation strategy was developed and evaluation activities carried out throughout the project duration. An internal bi-annual, an interim and final evaluation reports were conducted by P1/PT. Regular feedback from various evaluation measures that provided analysis of project activities, results, partnership related aspects, lessons learnt and how they can be used to broaden the impact of the Entrust project across the transnational partnership were also carried out. It involved a review of project activities, results, questionnaires, interviews and discussions with partners and key staff. Evaluations took place after every partner meeting, with generally positive results. Five project management evaluations took place throughout the project lifetime - these reports are available upon request. Partners created a panel of external experts (15 external experts per partner - available on SharePoint) for validation and reviewing activities & documents in areas of Curriculum Development, Course Development and Pilot Testing etc. Dissemination A dissemination strategy was prepared by BDF at the outset. The project has its own website and also social media accounts on Twitter/X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Project dissemination was led by BDF whilst social media management was carried out by all partners on a rotational basis. Project dissemination was monitored throughout the project lifetime and this log is available on the SharePoint. A final dissemination report was also completed and is accessible on the SharePoint. Transnational Partner Meetings Five TPMs took place with an additional 15 online progress meetings during the project lifetime. Minutes for the progress meetings are available upon request. Google Drive was the main project management tool utilised by the project partners. This is where all files were stored and how the partners carried out collaborative work together.

Result 1 - Curriculum Development Took place from 31/10/21 to 29/06/22. The concrete outputs for R1 were: - The Final Curriculum Report - Final Curriculum Summary available in all partner languages - Survey Report & Results - Final Curriculum Structure - Other outputs i.e., validation workshop feedback etc These are all available in the SharePoint folder. These outputs formed the basis for the course development (R2). The findings from the surveys heavily informed the course structure. Of note, the outcomes from the research undertaken as part of the Curriculum Development and from the Validation Workshops with External Experts as part of that process, led to a slight alteration in the Course Structure. Practically all of the proposed Course Content as outlined in the Project Proposal was delivered as part of the Final Project. However, it was structured or laid out differently based on feedback received. One such difference is some additional focus on (senior) entrepreneurship. The findings from the Curriculum research were presented at the Entrepreneurship Education Conference in Ylivieska, Finland held on 28-29.9.2022, (organised by The Finnish Scientific Association for Entrepreneurship Education, Centria UAS and Oulu University). The Entrepreneurship Education Conference ( https://www.ykts.fi/en/ ) targets researchers, teachers and practitioners interested in entrepreneurship education. A special objective of the event is to bring research and practice closer together. The two-day conference also provides an excellent opportunity for young researchers to practice writing and presenting conference papers. The Finnish Scientific Association for Entrepreneurship Education is a scientific association that supports research on entrepreneurship education as well as national and international cooperation related to entrepreneurship education. The association was established in 2009 and is intended for researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs and influencers in the field of entrepreneurship education. Result 2 - Course Development Took place from 01/12/21 to 29/06/23. The concrete outputs for R2 were: - Learning Manual (139 pages long with 4 units) - 2 versions; one without solutions and one with solutions for VET providers/tutors. - Self-Assessment questions - Resources; free templates for various areas i.e., financial, sales and marketing etc - Summaries and Glossaries etc. - 8 Best Practice Documentaries (2 per partner country) - Trailers for all 8 videos - R2 Evaluation Reports As outlined above, the course consists of two main elements; the best practice documentaries (8) and the learning manual. Based on the Literature Review and Surveys key elements of the course were identified. As work was undertaken during the research phase, including external stakeholder validation meetings, it was possible to refine the ‘look and feel’ of the course learning materials. The learning manual is made up of four units containing content, multiple choice questions, learning methods, useful links etc and resources such as audits, SWOT templates etc. Furthermore, the best practice learning element of the course was completed where partners filmed, edited and produced videos of 8 subjects (2 per partner country), and which are available on the platform and also on the ENTRUST YouTube Channel. As the project progressed and feedback was received, small but relevant alterations were made to the content i.e., the inclusion of AI in marketing in unit 4. Result 3 - Platform Development Started on 01/2/23 and completed by 31/12/23. The concrete outputs for R3 were: - The E-Platform - E-Tools - Pilot Action Reports The platform can be accessed via the project website here: https://entrustproject.eu/?page_id=1200. The Platform is available in all partner languages - the user selects their desired language before entering the platform as can be seen in the link above. For reference, the project website itself is also available in all partner languages. The platform is open access built on ILIAS eLearning and gives access to the ENTRUST package. The platform is home to learning materials and e-tools which consists of four main areas: Course, Videos, Creative Lab and Collaborative Forum Space. Result 4 - Guidelines Completed between 01/5/23 and 16/2/24. The concrete outputs for R4 were: - The Guidelines (25 page document) - ENTRUST Certificate of Achievement The Guidelines for VET Providers introduce the ENTRUST rational approach for target audience and illustrates how to flexibly use the assets in the ENTRUST pack (Curriculum, Course, e-tools within the e-platform). It also presents class methods which showcase how the ENTRUST package can enhance the learning experience and provides suggestions of activities that adult educators/trainers can use in their training activities, taken from the Course. The requirements for receiving a Certificate of achievement on the training end is also presented along with a link to the editable ENTRUST certificate. The guidelines were compiled at the end, or nearing completion, of the development of all Results (R2 and R3) so as to align successfully with the developed materials. It is in the form of a short document, 25 pages in total, and presented in a clear, visually appealing manner. The document is available via the 'resources' tab on the platform with mentors/trainers/VET providers etc having access to this. Evaluation The concrete outputs for Evaluation were: - Pilot Action Report - Result Evaluation Reports - 5 Project Management Evaluation Reports - 5 TPM Evaluation Reports - An External Pool of Experts List (Consisting of 62 experts) Some available on SharePoint, All others available upon request Dissemination - Dissemination Strategy Document - ENTRUST Website - Branding Guidelines and Assets/Templates (inc. project logo, accounts for Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn plus templates for reports, PPTs, etc.) - Dissemination Log - Final Dissemination Report LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrust-project-europe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Entrust-102428782413095 Twitter: https://twitter.com/EntrustEuropa