In November 2023, a meaningful international training brought together youth workers from across Europe for the Erasmus+ project “EmpowerInnovate: Inclusive Entrepreneurship for All.” Hosted in Berlin, Germany, this initiative focused on equipping youth workers with practical tools and knowledge to support young people—especially those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds—in their journey into entrepreneurship. The training explored ways to overcome barriers, develop mentorship, and promote diversity and sustainability through innovation and collaboration. For one youth worker from Romania, representing the NGO Green Hope, this experience became a powerful turning point both personally and professionally.
In Romania, young people often struggle to find their place in the world of entrepreneurship. The national context presents many challenges, particularly for those coming from rural areas, minority communities, or low-income families. Many young people feel that starting a business is not for them. They lack role models, support systems, and access to practical education on how to build something of their own. Entrepreneurship is often seen as something only for the privileged or already successful. Before joining the project in Berlin, Green Hope had already observed this inequality in many regions of Romania. While some efforts existed to promote youth initiatives, they were usually small, underfunded, and not fully inclusive. The gap between urban and rural youth was growing. Many talented young people had ideas but no platform, no mentor, and no belief that their dreams could become reality.
The training in Berlin offered a new perspective. Over the course of several days, participants explored what inclusive entrepreneurship really means. It was not only about teaching how to write a business plan or find investment. It was about understanding the deeper social challenges that prevent young people from even trying. It was about showing that diversity is not a weakness, but a strength. The trainers focused on capacity building, mentorship excellence, and ways to create sustainable change through small but powerful steps. The youth worker from Romania found inspiration in the stories of local Berlin entrepreneurs who had overcome significant obstacles to build their own projects. Some were immigrants, others came from low-income backgrounds, yet each story proved that with the right support, anything is possible.
One of the most moving parts of the training was the visit to a community center in Berlin that helped young refugees explore entrepreneurship through creativity and skill-sharing. It was a simple idea: gather people with limited resources and offer them a space to learn, share, and dream. The atmosphere was full of hope. Seeing how local initiatives in Berlin connected youth with mentors, tools, and encouragement gave the Romanian participant the idea to do something similar back home. The experience showed that entrepreneurship does not begin with money. It begins with support, belonging, and belief.
When the participant returned to Romania, the energy from Berlin was still strong. With the support of Green Hope, a new local program called “Roots of Change” was launched. The goal was to create small entrepreneurship circles in three Romanian towns where young people could gather regularly, share their ideas, and receive mentorship from local professionals. Each session focused on building confidence, exploring creative ideas, and learning basic entrepreneurial tools in a friendly and inclusive way. A storytelling format was used, inspired by Berlin’s community center, where young people could talk about their personal journeys, including struggles and dreams. The aim was to help youth understand that failure is part of the process, and that entrepreneurship is not a straight line but a journey full of learning.
The impact of “Roots of Change” was quick and clear. Young people who had never spoken publicly before began to share their visions. Some started small projects, like handmade jewelry, recycled fashion, or eco-friendly local food delivery. Others applied for youth competitions or partnered with local businesses. The sense of ownership and pride was visible. Young people felt heard, and that changed their attitude completely. They stopped seeing entrepreneurship as something far away and began seeing it as something real and reachable.
The initiative also caught the attention of local schools and municipalities. Educators saw the benefit of including entrepreneurial thinking in their extracurricular activities. A few teachers began inviting the Green Hope team to organize workshops during school hours. In one town, the local government expressed interest in supporting the program by offering a community space for future sessions. This kind of support helped the project grow, reaching more young people and encouraging other NGOs to join the movement.
The positive changes did not stop with the youth. Local mentors—business owners, artists, and professionals—shared that the program helped them reconnect with their own purpose. They remembered the struggles of starting out and felt proud to now be in a position to support others. The shared learning between generations built trust and new relationships, making the community stronger and more united. Parents, too, became more supportive as they saw their children gain confidence, structure, and passion.
The training in Berlin had done more than transfer knowledge. It had planted a seed of change, a belief that every young person deserves a chance to succeed—no matter where they come from. For the Romanian youth worker, it became a mission to keep growing that belief into a real path forward for those who had previously been left out.
Looking forward, the plan is to expand “Roots of Change” into more communities, create a mobile entrepreneurship unit that can travel to rural areas, and begin an online mentorship platform to reach even more young people. Discussions have already started with partners from the Berlin training to organize future exchange visits, where Romanian youth can meet peers from other countries and learn from different contexts. The goal is to make inclusive entrepreneurship not just a temporary project but a long-term movement supported by local action, European cooperation, and a deep respect for each person’s potential.
The journey from Berlin back to Romania brought more than just memories. It brought new tools, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Youth are full of ideas, energy, and courage. What they need is the chance to be seen, heard, and supported. Through projects like “EmpowerInnovate,” youth workers become not only guides but also bridges between dreams and opportunities. With patience, teamwork, and a belief in inclusion, they help build a future where every young person can thrive. The work is just beginning—but the path is clear, and the vision is strong.