In November 2023, a group of youth workers gathered in Berlin for the Erasmus+ project “EmpowerInnovate: Inclusive Entrepreneurship for All.” This international training aimed to equip youth workers with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to support young people from diverse backgrounds in developing entrepreneurial skills. Hosted in Germany’s capital, the project focused on inclusion, mentorship, and innovation, especially for youth from marginalized or underrepresented communities. The experience brought together people from different cultures, regions, and professional experiences, creating a space of learning, reflection, and collaboration. For one youth worker from Hungary, representing the NGO Creative Youth Academy Hungary, this project became a key moment in their professional path.
In Hungary, the topic of youth entrepreneurship still faces many barriers. Although the country has seen some improvements in digital tools and startup initiatives, many young people are still excluded from these opportunities. This is especially true for those living in rural areas, Roma communities, or disadvantaged urban neighborhoods. Before taking part in the Berlin training, the team at Creative Youth Academy Hungary had already worked with youth who felt discouraged from even trying to start something of their own. Some lacked financial resources, others had limited access to information or felt isolated due to social stigma. The idea of becoming an entrepreneur seemed too distant, too risky, or something only possible for people with special skills, education, or connections.
The training in Berlin brought new understanding to these challenges. Through workshops, role plays, and community visits, the youth worker discovered new methods to address the real needs of young people. What was most eye-opening was the emphasis on empathy and human connection as a foundation for entrepreneurship education. Trainers did not focus only on business plans or technical skills. Instead, they talked about the importance of trust, creativity, and personal storytelling. One of the most powerful moments was a visit to a Berlin-based initiative supporting young migrants and refugees. This center provided mentorship, local networking, and small grants to help youth create their first micro-businesses. The focus was not on fast success, but on building confidence and support systems.
Another inspiring part of the training was learning about mentorship excellence. In Berlin, participants saw how important it is to match young entrepreneurs with mentors who understand their journey. Mentors were not only business experts, but people who had gone through similar struggles and wanted to give something back. This kind of relationship helped youth feel seen, heard, and motivated. It was also a reminder that inclusion means more than participation—it means designing systems where everyone can grow in their own way.
After returning to Hungary, the team at Creative Youth Academy Hungary felt ready to make a change. Based on the experience in Berlin, they launched a new program called “Bright Start.” This initiative targeted high school students and young adults from underprivileged backgrounds in southern Hungary. The program was built around workshops, mentorship sessions, and community events that highlighted entrepreneurship as a way to express creativity and solve local problems. “Bright Start” began with small group meetings in community centers and youth clubs. Participants were invited to share their own challenges and dreams, and then worked together to create small projects that reflected their interests.
Mentors were selected from the local area—some were small business owners, others were artists or professionals who had once been in similar situations. These mentors guided the participants not only through the basics of entrepreneurship, but also through the ups and downs of believing in oneself. The program also included storytelling nights, inspired by the Berlin initiative, where participants and mentors could share personal experiences. These nights became very special, creating strong connections and helping youth feel part of a larger, supportive network.
The impact of “Bright Start” became visible very soon. Young people who had never considered themselves “entrepreneurs” began to create simple but meaningful projects. One group started a homemade soap workshop using recycled materials. Another team developed a small social media campaign to promote local traditions. Even those who didn’t continue with a business idea found new energy and confidence in their personal lives. They began participating more in school, volunteering in their neighborhoods, and talking openly about their future. Parents and teachers also noticed the change. They saw young people taking initiative, working together, and gaining soft skills that are valuable in any path.
The program reached beyond youth. Local municipalities expressed interest in supporting the initiative, especially after hearing stories of success. Creative Youth Academy Hungary began working more closely with schools, government offices, and civil society organizations to expand the program. Discussions about youth inclusion and entrepreneurship became more regular in local policy meetings. The Berlin experience had not only helped one youth worker grow but had started a ripple effect across different sectors in Hungary.
Looking ahead, Creative Youth Academy Hungary plans to continue and grow the “Bright Start” program. The next goal is to create a digital platform where young people across the country can access the same tools, stories, and mentorship support. There are also ideas to build partnerships with other Erasmus+ participants from Berlin, in order to create cross-border events and exchanges. Youth from Hungary could travel to meet other young entrepreneurs in Germany, Italy, or Poland, and learn from each other’s experiences. These connections could also lead to more cooperation in European projects and funding for larger initiatives.
This journey shows clearly that inclusive entrepreneurship is not just about the economy. It is about identity, dignity, and equal chances. Young people in Hungary, like everywhere else, are full of ideas, energy, and creativity. They want to make a difference, but they need systems that believe in them and allow them to grow. International projects like “EmpowerInnovate” show that with the right tools and support, youth workers can help unlock this potential and build bridges between people, places, and possibilities.
The story of this training and its local results is a reminder that change starts with people. One project, one workshop, one conversation can light a spark. And when that spark is shared, it becomes something bigger—a movement, a culture of inclusion, and a future where everyone, no matter their background, has the chance to create, lead, and shine.