Young people from five different countries gained the knowledge and skills needed to start their own business, to write a great business plan or an unrivaled CV. All within the framework of the „Business for Youth is Business 4U” project implemented by the Municipality of Mrągowo. The project was funded by the European Union within the framework of the Erasmus + Programme. The youth also had an opportunity to explore the city and find out why Mragowo is the best country to invest.
A group of 30 young people, between 17 and 26 years old from Poland, Romania, Italy, Turkey and Lithuania, together with 5 leaders, from 3 to 13 September 2015 participated in various workshops related to the process of 
informal education, exchanged experiences and competencies gained for the promotion and development of entrepreneurship. The youth was also discovering cultural differences of each of the participating countries.
For those 11 days in Mrągowo, we had an opportunity to take part in a process during which participants create their own business ideas. The result of their work was 5 business plans. The participants could take them home and use them in their own countries. – says Radu Tîrnăcop Liviu, an expert from Romania – The issues discussed during the workshops can be put into practice by the participants by creating real businesses on the basis of information, abilities and skills acquired during the project. The project contributed to the personal development of participants, as well as to the development of the local community – he adds.
In addition to the workshops with the expert, young people had also the opportunity to participate in the Picnic with the Social Economy, to explore the idea of civil budget and meet with Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Jacek Męcina and Mayor of Mragowo, Otolia Siemieniec.
It is the first project of this kind implemented in Mrągowo in the area of entrepreneurship with the participation of young people from Europe. The Municipality of Mrągowo plans the continuation of the process to still teach young people about the business in an interesting way – says Otolia Siemieniec. – It is important that the government have a program for young people to be involved in the area of business and encourage them to open their businesses in Mrągowo, especially that we have the appropriate resources to do this – adds Mayor.
The participants also visited Mrągowo’s companies and learnt about the experience of those who have achieved success in business. The youth visited e.g „MLEKPOL” – the biggest diary company in the region, AdamS H.Pędzich – the company, which produces windows, and “Fabryka” Shopping Centre with newly created Business Incubator. Thanks to the kindness and support of Mercure Mragowo, Mazuria and Anek Hotel as well as Tourist Information, youngsters could use bicycles to promote the idea of socially responsible business and take part in the local project „Mragowo Rowerowo”, encouraging to the activity of cycling and using two wheels e.g. on the way to work.
Last year I took part in “Young enterprises” project, which took place in Romania. The project was so inspiring that I decided to write “Busienss for Youth is Business 4 You” as its continuation – says Natalia Koptas, coordinator of the project. The exchange program is based on active participation and involvement of participants, and geared toward non-formal education, or learning through exchange of experiences. – says Natalia Koptas, coordinator of the project – We would like to thank everyone for such a warm welcome. It only comfirms that in Mrągowo we can surely pursue similar initiatives at a really high European level.
Speaking about the results of the project, we can mention the increase in awareness of the need to promote entrepreneurship and the growth of knowledge in this field. During the exchange had been established intercultural dialogue, which enabled the creation of a network of international contacts needed to implement similar projects in the future.
Project duration: June 2015 – February 2016
The duration of the youth exchange: 3 -13 September 2015
Place of exchange: Mragowo
Project leader: Municipality of Mrągowo (Poland)
Project partners: Asociatia Initiative Sociale (Romania), Youth4youth (Italy), Local Youth Group Gaziantep (Turkey), We Go Project (Lithuania)
For more information contact e-mail: n.koptas@mragowo.um.gov.pl.
The project is co-financed by the European Union within the programme „Erasmus +”, Action: Mobility Education.
This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained therein.
