In November 2023, a group of youth workers gathered in Berlin, Germany, to take part in an Erasmus+ project called “EmpowerInnovate: Inclusive Entrepreneurship for All.” This international training was more than just a course. It became a shared experience of learning, growing, and connecting for people who wanted to bring real change to their communities. The goal of the program was to help youth workers support inclusive entrepreneurship, especially for young people from different backgrounds who often face barriers in starting their own business. Through practical sessions, group work, mentorship, and open discussions, the training offered new tools, knowledge, and motivation to promote entrepreneurship that is fair, diverse, and full of opportunity.
In Lithuania, where the participant lives and works with the NGO Green Hope, young people from marginalized backgrounds often find it hard to enter the world of entrepreneurship. Many of them face financial difficulties, lack of information, or social stigma. In smaller towns and rural areas, there are even fewer chances to meet mentors or take part in innovative programs. Entrepreneurship still feels like something that is only for those who are already successful or who come from wealthy families. Young people with different ideas, especially those who are part of minority groups or come from low-income families, are often not seen as future entrepreneurs. This creates frustration and discouragement, and many stop dreaming before they even start. Before the project in Berlin, Green Hope was already trying to support youth through workshops and motivational events, but there was still a need for better methods, more connection with Europe, and stronger tools to break down the real barriers young people face.
The training in Berlin was a turning point. It brought together youth workers from different parts of Europe and opened up a new world of learning. One of the most powerful parts of the project was understanding how entrepreneurship can look different depending on the background of each person. It was not just about business plans or market research. It was about listening to stories, understanding challenges, and finding strength in diversity. Sessions focused on how to support young people not just with skills, but with confidence, mentorship, and real-life examples. Local entrepreneurs from Berlin shared their journeys and spoke openly about the ups and downs of creating something from nothing. There was also a visit to a community initiative that helps young refugees and immigrants develop small business ideas using local networks and support systems. This showed the participant how powerful mentorship can be, and how important it is to feel that someone believes in you.
The training also showed new ways of creating partnerships. Networking became more than a task—it became a mindset. Participants were encouraged to build connections not only with successful business people but also with each other, forming a support circle that continued even after the training ended. The workshops also focused on understanding the obstacles that different groups of young people face, and on developing methods that are flexible, creative, and open to innovation. Diversity was not seen as a problem but as a source of energy, ideas, and new solutions. The idea of creating a sustainable impact—something that lasts and grows—was at the heart of each activity.
After returning to Lithuania, the participant brought home many new ideas, but one of the most important actions was the creation of a local mentorship circle for aspiring young entrepreneurs. With the help of Green Hope, a new program was started called “Start Here, Grow Anywhere.” It offers regular mentorship sessions where young people meet with experienced entrepreneurs, many of whom are from minority or underrepresented backgrounds themselves. The aim is to show that success can have many faces and that every story matters. These sessions are held both in person and online to reach youth in different parts of the country. Young people can now ask questions, share their ideas, and receive practical advice on how to start and grow a project, even with very few resources. The training in Berlin was the inspiration behind this idea because it showed that mentorship and trust can make a real difference.
The impact of this local action was quickly visible. Young people began to return to the meetings, bringing friends and new ideas. Some of them started small projects, like online stores or local eco-friendly services. Others joined local competitions or applied for youth grants. But more than that, there was a change in attitude. Entrepreneurship no longer seemed like a distant dream. It became something real and possible. Even those who were unsure about their abilities started to feel more confident and curious. The mentorship program also helped build new partnerships between schools, youth centers, and local business owners. A few local politicians even showed interest and asked for updates, which opened new doors for including inclusive entrepreneurship in youth policies.
The most beautiful part of the journey was seeing how change can start from one shared experience and grow into something bigger. The training in Berlin was not only a chance to learn but also a moment to believe in the power of inclusive entrepreneurship. It taught youth workers that supporting young people means more than just giving them information—it means guiding them, listening to them, and helping them feel seen. In today’s world, where many still feel excluded or forgotten, this type of support is more important than ever.
Looking into the future, the work continues. The goal is to keep growing the mentorship program, bring more youth into the circle, and develop new partnerships across Europe. There are also plans to organize a youth-led conference in 2025 that will highlight stories of successful young entrepreneurs who once felt invisible. Youth have the ideas, the passion, and the creativity to build a better world. What they need is the chance to begin. With strong support, open minds, and shared experiences like the one in Berlin, inclusive entrepreneurship can become not just a concept, but a new way forward. It is time to build a future where everyone has a place, a voice, and a path to grow.