Heartpreneurs – A Social Entrepreneurship Journey for Youth

Purpose of the Project:
This youth exchange aims to empower young people to explore social entrepreneurship as a tool for community impact and personal growth. Participants will gain practical skills and confidence to take initiative and create meaningful change, while learning the difference between NGOs, social businesses, and traditional enterprises.

Main Problems Addressed:
Young people often face fear of failure, lack of courage, and uncertainty about their future.
Many youth have strong values and ideas but lack the practical tools, peer support or courage to start something on their own.
The concept of social entrepreneurship is still unknown or unclear to many young people in Europe.
Objectives:
Increase young people's motivation and self-confidence to take initiative and become changemakers.
Build entrepreneurial skills with a strong social focus – from idea generation to community impact.
Raise awareness about the role of social enterprises in addressing community challenges.
Encourage intercultural collaboration and promote EU values: inclusion, active participation, and sustainability.
Support youth in creating local action plans to be implemented after the exchange.
Planned Activities:
Over 8 working days, the participants will take part in 4 daily workshops using non-formal education methods (creative sessions, simulation, peer-to-peer learning, storytelling, intercultural exchange):

Topics include:

Difference between NGOs, social enterprises and for-profit businesses
Ikigai – finding my mission and business idea
Business Plan Canvas and MVP development
Branding, logo, values, and vision
Negotiation skills and teamwork
Social media and website content
AI tools for social business efficiency
Video storytelling and communication
Pitching a business idea
Visit to social enterprises in Iasi
Creating a local community action plan
Erasmus+ opportunities and Youthpass reflections
Final activity: Participants will present their social business ideas during a Pitch Day, simulating a real entrepreneurial contest.

Expected Outcomes:
Strengthened entrepreneurial mindset and increased self-confidence
Improved digital, social and entrepreneurial skills
Social business ideas created by international teams
Community action plans to be implemented after the project
Clear understanding of Erasmus+ opportunities and Youthpass competences
Participant Profile:
Young people aged 16-24 from partner countries
Minimum English communication skills
Interest in entrepreneurship, social impact, digital tools or personal development
Youth with fewer opportunities (rural areas, economic or social challenges) are encouraged to join