In November 2023, a meaningful journey began in Berlin, Germany, as youth workers from across Europe gathered to take part in the Erasmus+ training “EmpowerInnovate: Inclusive Entrepreneurship for All.” This project was created to strengthen the abilities of youth workers to support inclusive entrepreneurship, especially among young people from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Through practical workshops, mentorship activities, and group discussions, participants were given tools to help young people access new opportunities, develop their entrepreneurial potential, and become part of a sustainable and inclusive economy. The training brought fresh inspiration and real knowledge that continues to grow and create change long after the final session.
In Bulgaria, especially in smaller cities and towns, many young people still face real difficulties when it comes to entrepreneurship. Before the training in Berlin, Sevlievo Municipality had already noticed a serious gap between urban and rural youth. While cities offer some access to entrepreneurial networks, workshops, and events, young people in small towns often feel left behind. They may lack digital access, motivation, or role models. Some come from communities where self-employment is not considered a real option because of financial pressure or low awareness about what it means to be an entrepreneur. For many, the idea of starting a project or business feels distant or only possible for others who have more support, connections, or resources.
In this context, youth workers in Sevlievo were looking for new ways to build confidence and skills among young people who wanted to do more but didn’t know how to begin. They saw great energy and talent in their local youth, but something was missing: access, visibility, and a place to belong. Many ideas were being lost before they could grow. The team knew that entrepreneurship could become a strong path forward if young people were given the space and support to believe in their ideas. But they needed better tools and international experiences to take the next step.
The training in Berlin came at the right time. Over several days, the youth worker from Sevlievo joined others from different European countries in an intensive program that mixed practice with reflection. One of the strongest parts of the course was how it focused not only on business knowledge but on understanding the barriers that many young people face. The training showed that entrepreneurship is not just a matter of skill. It is about access, empowerment, and creating environments where all young people, no matter their background, can feel included and capable.
Through sessions on mentorship, networking, and sustainable development, participants learned how to create support systems that last. They met inspiring local entrepreneurs in Berlin who had faced real-life challenges—such as language barriers, discrimination, or lack of capital—and still managed to build something meaningful. These stories gave the youth worker new ways to think about entrepreneurship: not as a perfect plan, but as a human journey filled with courage and small steps. The visit to a Berlin-based initiative that helped migrant youth develop business ideas using local resources and mentorship was especially inspiring. It proved that great change can start in simple spaces where people feel seen and supported.
Returning to Bulgaria, the youth worker shared these new insights with the Sevlievo Municipality team. Together, they decided to develop a new program called “Start Local, Grow Global.” The initiative began in January 2024 with the goal of bringing entrepreneurship education and mentorship to young people in rural areas of the municipality. The program invited high school students, recent graduates, and unemployed youth to participate in monthly sessions where they could learn about creativity, innovation, and how to start their own small projects. The format was interactive, using storytelling, teamwork, and real examples from the Berlin training.
One key part of the program was building mentorship relationships between local business owners and young participants. Inspired by Berlin’s mentorship approach, Sevlievo matched experienced professionals with young people based on shared interests or goals. These pairs met regularly to discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and support one another. The youth were encouraged to dream big but also take practical steps, such as writing down ideas, researching their community’s needs, and testing simple project concepts.
The effects of “Start Local, Grow Global” became visible within the first few months. Participants began to talk more confidently about their goals. Some developed digital services like online tutoring or small handmade product shops. Others started eco-projects like community gardens or recycling stations. More importantly, they stopped waiting for permission to act. They saw themselves as active citizens who could create value, not just consumers of what already exists.
The community also responded positively. Parents, teachers, and local officials noticed the changes in attitude and energy among the youth. Schools began to ask how they could integrate entrepreneurial thinking into their own programs. Local companies offered support, whether through guest talks or donations of equipment. Some mentors expressed that the experience also changed them, helping them reconnect with their own past and purpose. This exchange of ideas and inspiration between generations created a new kind of community spirit.
Thanks to the positive attention, the Sevlievo Municipality began to include inclusive entrepreneurship in its local youth policy plans. Officials proposed creating a permanent youth entrepreneurship hub in one of the cultural centers, where young people could access resources, hold meetings, and receive guidance. Conversations also began with national networks to scale the program into other towns facing similar challenges.
The journey from Berlin to Bulgaria showed clearly that international training can bring real, local impact when combined with motivation and action. The Erasmus+ project helped the youth worker not only gain technical skills but also change their way of thinking. They returned home with a stronger understanding of how to support youth from all backgrounds and how to build bridges instead of waiting for perfect solutions.
Looking into the future, Sevlievo Municipality wants to grow the “Start Local, Grow Global” program even further. They hope to organize exchanges with other countries to let young entrepreneurs meet and learn from each other. There are also plans to create an online platform where resources, stories, and project ideas can be shared across the region. Most importantly, the municipality is committed to continuing its work toward inclusive communities where no young person is left behind.
Every young person has potential. What they often need is someone to believe in them, space to grow, and tools to take the first step. Entrepreneurship can be that path—not just for making money but for finding voice, meaning, and place in society. Through projects like “EmpowerInnovate” and local actions like “Start Local, Grow Global,” the journey toward inclusive, empowered communities becomes real, step by step. The road is long, but the direction is clear. Change begins locally, grows through connection, and spreads through action.