Auhinnaalbum: Best Project 2024 Entrepreneurship Course

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Best Project 2024 Entrepreneurship Course

JCI TOOMPEA

 

Objectives and Planning

Together with Tallinn English College, JCI Toompea has a course on entrepreneurship. This year was the 7^th year the project has taken place. The purpose of the course is to teach high school students entrepreneurship. The course takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. The course is held in Estonian and English.

The program focuses on three pillars: the journey of creating their own business, that is, the process through which the whole course is told. This was their focus on acquiring new knowledge, which they immediately applied to the business idea they created; cooperation in a team, utilization of different abilities, management and competencies; presentation and constant feedback, correction and testing. As a result, they lived with their project for its entire 7 weeks, had time to train their team, roles and responsibilities, and test what works and what doesn't.

Main topics covered: Introduction to business; Validation of business ideas and market research; Business model; Communication; Action plan and roles in the organization; Law; Marketing; Sales, Competition; Product and service design; Risk analysis (swot) Financial management; Successful teams and HR management; Financing and grants; Sharing entrepreneurial experience.

Benefit to and Participation of Local Organizations and Members

Since 2016, assembling and running the project has given 14 members of JCI Toompea invaluable experience and courage. Every semester, approximately 10 people are involved to assist and give lectures in the project; this includes JCI members from JCI Toompea and other chapters and practitioners of their field outside JCI. The courses end with the final competition - the students presented their business plans in front of the jury, which also included members of various chambers and practitioners from companies. All participants have had the opportunity to contribute to shaping today's youth, i.e. tomorrow's leaders. The ability to share knowledge to different target groups and a sense of mission about contributing to the education of young motivated everyone involved in the project. 

Public Relations, Visibility, Partnerships and Finances

The business course is one of the many electives that Tallinn English College offers to its 10th grade students. Information about the course and its quality spreads mainly by word of mouth. The years-long duration of the project is a good proof that the project speaks to the target group and that the information flows successfully from young people to young people. Lecturers are another important part of the project. Most of the JCI members are aware of the project and gladly agree to contribute. The main cooperation partner of the project is the Tallinn English College. Every year, many entrepreneurs are asked to share their experiences with the students to give them valuable advice and experience, including those of established business people and start-ups.

Results and Impact of the Program

Since the broader goal of the project is long-term – interest in entrepreneurship and the initiation of positive changes in society through it, for example, in addition to risk and financial analysis, we have given the children knowledge about social entrepreneurship, sustainable business management and, for example, the circular economy. Our hope is that if, in addition to traditional entrepreneurship education, we also introduce alternative forms of entrepreneurship to children, they will be able to make more sustainable choices based on this knowledge in the future. Not everyone has to become an entrepreneur, but knowing the basics definitely gives an advantage in the future, regardless of whether someone becomes an entrepreneur or participates in a process that affects entrepreneurs. This project also helps connect the chamber's people and call out those who might otherwise be so active haven't been lately. Every year, approximately 60 students go through the course.