Advancing Inclusive Mentorship Programs for Higher Education Level

Project AIM wanted to contribute to introducing an inclusive entrepreneurship mentoring model (IEMM), which reflected the concrete context of the entrepreneurship activities and attitudes in the g...

Project AIM wanted to contribute to introducing an inclusive entrepreneurship mentoring model (IEMM), which reflected the concrete context of the entrepreneurship activities and attitudes in the given country and also aligned with the European landscape. The objectives that we wanted to achieve through the development of the IEMM are: 1. Equip students with the skillset necessary to transform innovative ideas into a start-up; 2. Conducted during the study period, seen as a plus to their graduation; 3. Inclusive policy where students from under-represented groups get additional points in the selection process; 4. High quality internships enabled by close collaboration and periodic alignment between universities and employers (industrial companies); 5. Mentorship and one-to-one feedback; 6. Training in presentation skills and preparation for an effective pitch.

A) Online workshops were organized within the scope of promoting entrepreneurship, focusing on 3 key areas, (1) Enhancing business acumen: covering strategic planning and risk management, networking and soft skills, maintaining a growth mindset; (2) Financial literacy: covering budgeting and financial analysis, forecasting, performance monitoring; and (3) Basic digital skills: covering online marketing, digital security. An inclusive entrepreneurship mentoring model was developed; B) Physical training session between Mentors and Mentees; C) Dissemination activities open to the public in general organized in Gävle, Sofia, and Évora; D) Dissemination including a Website, 4 Videos about the Project and the Methodology; E) A detailed Manual and Guidelines (for Mentors and Mentees).