Breaking Barriers: Empowering Business Students to become future SME Leaders

At its core, the project sought to bridge the skills gap between business education and SME needs by integrating practical, project-oriented training into formal qualifications. The consortium emb...

At its core, the project sought to bridge the skills gap between business education and SME needs by integrating practical, project-oriented training into formal qualifications. The consortium embarked on designing, developing, and submitting for accreditation a Level 7 Postgraduate Award (micro-credential),focusing on EU policy, funding strategies, and project-based learning.Complementing the academic innovation, a digital tool (Funding Connect App) was launched to extend the learning experience beyond the classroom. The app is a centralised, user-friendly platform to help students and SME professionals identify relevant EU funding opportunities and develop collaborative project ideas. Ultimately, the project aimed to enhance employability and entrepreneurial readiness by embedding real-world competences into vocational education. . By promoting a modular, inclusive learning format that aligns with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), and the European approach to micro-credentials, this initiative can set a replicable standard for VET modernisation across the EU.

The project was implemented between February 2024 and April 2025 through a structured timeline ensuring progressive, quality-assured development. Early stages included bi-monthly online PMT meetings and a transnational meeting in Malta (Feb 2024) to align objectives, finalise work packages, and establish a monitoring framework led by INOVA+. Content development for the micro-credential and the “Funding Connect” app began in parallel. The micro-credential was co-created with input from business and academic stakeholders, aligned with EQF/ECTS, and tailored to SME needs. CCIF led app development through user mapping and phased technical implementation. By January 2025, dissemination intensified through strategic digital campaigns and stakeholder engagement. A 3-day bootcamp and mentoring programme for 10 MBA students was delivered, shortly after which, the micro-credential (which had been submitted for approval to the local regulator months before) was finally deemed approved and accredited by MFHEA. At the Business Leaders Malta Conference in March 2025, the app was officially launched, reaching over 500 delegates. Implementation was guided by monthly meetings, feedback loops, and coordinated efforts across Malta and Portugal.

The project successfully met, and in some areas exceeded its objectives. The Level 7 micro-credential was co-developed with a transnational Curriculum Board, piloted through a 3-day bootcamp and 4-week mentoring programme, and submitted (as well as accepted) for accreditation by MFHEA. Participants reported improved understanding of EU funding, enhanced project skills, and greater career readiness. At least 40% of learners came from underrepresented backgrounds, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusion. In parallel, the “Funding Connect” app was developed and launched at the BLM 2025 conference, reaching over 500 delegates and receiving positive feedback for its usability and relevance to SMEs. Dissemination activities throughout ensured visibility and engagement. Partners, including business and employer associations, expressed interest in adopting project outputs, confirming both the demand and transferability of the model. The initiative contributes directly to Erasmus+ goals by promoting digital skills, employability, and modernised, inclusive VET across the EU.