mijnLeuven 'the Start-up'

‘The Start-up’ develops youth entrepreneurship. Youngsters build experience by executing a business from step A to Z.

We’re aiming to start a new two year project in 2016 which develops youth entrepreneurship, the project is called ‘the start-up’.The start-up is built around a “learning by doing” method, focussing on how to start a business from scratch.

Basically we want to set up 3 different startups with 3 different groups of youngsters (14 – 18 years) in 3 different business fields. The main starting point with this project is that we already decide in advance which product in which product field will be created. That way we can implement a very clear idea in the heads of the youngsters.

For instance: one group works on ‘building a foodtruck’ and starts a foodtruck business for festivals, another group works on a ‘fixed-bike-shop’ and makes their own bikes, another group works on a ‘touristic guide’ for the city they live in, by building various communication tools and f.e. a smartphone application.

We start each startup with a very clear, main idea and a variety of possibilities. After that it’s up to the youngsters to live up to the challenge and make it work. Off course with a lot of coaching, workshops, inspiring lectures and so on. We consciously choose for ready-made start-ups, so youngsters understand the concept / the idea from day one.

Next to creating their own start-ups (which gives great opportunities in non-formal learning) we also offer a variety of trainings. On top of that communiation through newspapers, radio, websites, television and social media is a significant part of the project. It’s important for us to get the word out and keep all stakeholders informed about the everchanging start-ups.
We would be delighted to add an international partner to this project which would give the whole project an extra dimension. An international partner would broaden the horizon of the youngsters, it would stimulate intercultural learning and it would offer various opportunities to create an exchange of insights, knowledge and experience.

We’re searching for a similar partner / project who wants to set up an international partnership between 1/1/2016 and 31/12/2017. An international partnership would mean an international exchange visit of the participating youngsters in each country. On top of that we want to work out new possibilities in conversing youthwork & entrepreneurship.

If you feel this project would form a suitable match with your organisation or project, then please let us know.