SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MATTERS

Follow Up Moldova

Follow Up Moldova

The Moldovan team transformed their SCRATCH-PRO experience into two impactful follow-up events in Chișinău, empowering local youth with tools for sustainable entrepreneurship. Through interactive workshops led by passionate facilitators, participants explored the Sustainable Development Goals, calculated their ecological footprint, and applied creative methods like the Business Model Canvas and brand archetypes to develop business ideas with real social and environmental impact. From pitching innovative concepts to engaging in reflective activities, these sessions boosted confidence, skills, and motivation, inspiring young people to take action for a more sustainable future.

FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY REPORT_MOLDOVA

Facilitators: Diana Antir, Cristian Ermurachi

Date: June 27, 2025, 9:30 – 16:30

Location: Chisinau

Number of participants: 15 (youth workers and young volunteers aged 18 to 41)

Purpose of the event:

Development of youth skills in the field of sustainability, business and branding through interactive and educational activities. Dissemination of information regarding PDA SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MATTERS: from scratch to pitch, Erasmus+ and the European educational opportunities.

Event development:

The event began with an introductory session, followed by the presentation of the general objectives: understanding the concept of sustainability, applying the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in business and developing a business idea with social and ecological impact. Participants discussed the concept of "ecological footprint" and used the website footprintcalculator.org to calculate their own ecological footprint. This activity generated reflections on consumer behaviours and their impact on the planet. After the presentation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, participants analysed Moldova's progress in implementing the SDGs using data from sdgindex.org. The discussions highlighted the need for concrete actions at the local level.

The integration of sustainable values ​​into the business model was discussed. Examples of good practices from companies such as Airbnb, H&M, IKEA and Nestle were presented. Participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities in combining business with the SDGs. Groups worked to identify social or environmental issues, correlating them with one of the 30 "value elements" proposed by Bain & Company. On this basis, each group began to outline an impactful business idea. Participants used the visual framework "Business Model Canvas" to structure the business idea: value proposition, customer segments, distribution channels, revenue sources, key partners and costs.

The young people identified the right archetype for their business idea (e.g. Hero, Innocent, Explorer) and created the logo, mission and slogan. The activity stimulated creative thinking and brand identity coherence. Each group estimated the costs for the first year of activity (initial investments, monthly expenses, human resources, etc.). This stage contributed to understanding financial viability. The participants projected the development of their business idea in the long term, establishing annual objectives, market expansion, potential partnerships and estimated impact. During the marketing activity, the participants discussed the market, products and promotion. Each group prepared a short advertisement or a visual concept to promote the proposed product or service. The emphasis was on the message conveyed and creativity.

Participants outlined the minimum version of the product/service they would launch for initial market testing, highlighting key benefits for early adopters. The workshop ended with the pitch session – each group had a few minutes to present their business idea to the other participants. The feedback was constructive, offering suggestions for improvement.

Results and conclusions:

3 sustainable business ideas were developed, each with clear elements of social and environmental impact. Participants demonstrated an increased understanding of the concepts of sustainability, business model, branding and marketing. The event contributed to strengthening team spirit, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills.

Recommendations for the future from workshop participants:

  • Extend the event to two days to deepen the topics.
  • Invite local entrepreneurs to provide real perspectives.
  • The possibility of transforming the ideas developed into a local incubator for social start-ups.

2nd Follow Up Activity

Facilitators: Țurcan Elena, Nicov Alisa
Date: July 8, 2025
Location: Youth Center, Chișinău
Participants: Young people and youth workers aged between 16 and 35

Contextual Information:
Among those present:
• 3 young participants mentioned they had previously heard about the Erasmus+ program
• 2 young participants had already taken part in an Erasmus+ project

Event Overview:
The activity began with an ice-breaking session, during which we presented the mission and values of the organization "SENSE." We then introduced participants to the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ program, explaining its key components: what an Erasmus project involves, the importance of non-formal education, the benefits of Youthpass certification, and other significant advantages for young people involved in such initiatives.

To help participants better understand the Erasmus+ experience, we shared our personal stories — what we learned, what we experienced, and how intercultural evenings left a lasting impression on us. As one of the facilitators who won a "pitch" competition held at the end of the project, we also shared this experience and explained what a pitch presentation entails, offering tips, ideas, and practical advice for developing a successful business idea. Additionally, we introduced participants to the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). None of the participants were previously familiar with this topic, so we explained what the global framework entails, how the goals are structured, and where they can find relevant resources for their own projects, research, or initiatives.

We then conducted a workshop focused on the SMART method for goal setting. Only two participants were familiar with this technique, so we provided a clear explanation followed by a simple example. Afterwards, participants created and shared their own SMART objectives with the group. The session concluded with a reflection exercise called the "Circle of Trust." During this activity, participants held hands, closed their eyes, breathed deeply, and connected with their inner feelings. Each person then spoke a word that described their inner state at the end of the session.

Outcomes and Conclusions:
The activity had a significant impact, reflected in the key words shared by participants at the end: knowledge, curiosity, inspiration, joy, motivation, interest, etc. These reflections clearly show that the session was appreciated, useful, and impactful for both the young people and the youth workers involved.

Evaluation Paragraphs from Moldovan participants

Diana Antir

The "SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MATTERS: from scratch to pitch (SCRATCH-PRO)" was an amazing project that brought together youth workers from 9 countries, helping participants and organizations connect, learn, and grow. From the start, information was shared clearly and on time. The use of a project webpage and What's Up group helped maintain visibility and engagement, while the pre-activities and structured flow of the project contributed to a strong foundation for learning. The PDA was implemented successfully, providing a rich, hands-on learning experience that went far beyond business theory. It fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and sustainable innovation. It was a deep dive into how non-formal education can foster entrepreneurial thinking, resilience, and sustainable action among young people.

As a coordinator of projects for children and youth at Caritas Moldova, I see firsthand the importance of equipping young people, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, with tools to shape their future. What I gained from SCRATCH-PRO will directly inform new approaches in our programs, from idea incubation to youth-led community projects. The follow-up activity included the organisation of a one-day offline workshop held on June 27, 2025, at the Caritas Moldova office in Chișinău. 15 project managers, youth workers and volunteers aged 18 to 41 strengthened skills in sustainability, business, and branding through interactive activities and presentations. Participants explored ecological footprint awareness, Moldova's progress on SDGs, sustainable business practices, and developed their own socially impactful business ideas using tools such as the Business Model Canvas and brand archetypes. The session ended with a pitch, showcasing three solid business concepts rooted in sustainability and innovation. This follow-up confirmed the long-term value of the PDA, as participants gained entrepreneurial confidence and practical tools that can be directly applied in local contexts.

The project's added value lies in its ripple effect—empowering youth, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, and encouraging them to take initiative within their communities. Based on workshop participants' feedback, future improvements could include extending follow-up events over two days, involving local entrepreneurs for real-world insight, and exploring the creation of a local incubator for social start-ups. Coming back to Cyprus - I deeply appreciated the high quality of facilitation, the well-managed logistics, and the inspiring group dynamic fostered by Acpelia. While coordination of post-project communication could be slightly improved, overall, the SCRATCH-PRO project has been a model of impactful, inclusive, and forward-thinking youth work within Erasmus+. Grateful to SENSE association for trust, to organizers for perfect arrangements, to facilitators for knowledge, and to participants for inspiration.

Alisa Nicov

Evaluation Paragraph

1. Project organisation:
The project was generally well-coordinated, with timely and clear communication about schedules, roles, and expectations. The internal arrangements were clearly defined and easy to follow. Participants were kept informed and engaged through regular updates via email and the Whatsapp group. Preparatory activities effectively helped participants get ready for the main events, while dissemination was handled professionally throughout the project.

2. PDA implementation:
The Practical Development Activities were carried out effectively and matched the aims of the program. Participants found the tasks engaging and practical, with a strong focus on developing entrepreneurial skills. Feedback shows that the PDA contributed significantly to improving participants' knowledge in business planning, branding, and sustainability, and fostered active involvement.

3. Follow-up activities:
While the online follow-up actions were helpful and maintained participant involvement, there is potential to strengthen the program by adding more face-to-face follow-up events. This would support ongoing learning and encourage participants to apply their new skills in real-life settings.

4. Added value of the project and PDA:
The project provided considerable benefits, enabling participants to acquire important competencies like financial management, sustainable practices, leadership, and crisis handling. The hands-on approach of the PDA was particularly valuable for translating theory into practice.

5. Areas for improvement:
Participants expressed interest in receiving more tailored mentorship and individualized feedback during the PDA phase. Additionally, more structured opportunities for networking would enhance collaboration. Clearer guidance on post-project activities and deadlines would also improve coordination among national teams.

6. Highlights and challenges:
The aspects most valued were the diverse backgrounds of participants, the supportive and cooperative atmosphere, and the opportunity to engage with authentic entrepreneurial experiences. On the downside, participants felt that the instructions regarding follow-up and dissemination after the project could have been clearer.

Cristian Ermurachi

The project was well-structured and professionally implemented. Communication prior to and during the project was timely and transparent, with clear logistical guidelines, internal agreements, and a detailed agenda. These elements significantly contributed to building trust and ensuring full participant engagement from the start. The activities were interactive and relevant, focusing on sustainability in entrepreneurship. Participants explored how to develop business models that generate both economic and social impact. The sessions were facilitated by experienced trainers and guest entrepreneurs, and promoted cross-cultural knowledge exchange between participants from 9 countries. Workshops like "MVP Development" and the creative challenge "Bad Product Marketing" stood out for their practical application and ability to stimulate critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration.

As a representative of Moldova with experience in marketing, advertising, and tourism development, I actively contributed over 24 hours of mentorship during the program. My involvement included hands-on support for business idea development, guidance on branding and promotional strategy, and feedback during pitch preparation. These contributions were well-received and helped strengthen the entrepreneurial outcomes of the project.

Follow-up meeting provided an effective platform to reinforce key learnings. Participants demonstrated visible growth in confidence, presentation skills, and teamwork. We also promoted opportunities for future involvement in Erasmus+ programs, which generated interest and motivation for continued engagement. The project equipped participants with practical tools and strategic thinking applicable to both local and international contexts. In my case, the program facilitated valuable professional connections that will lead to future collaborations. More importantly, it validated the role of youth as change-makers in building sustainable business solutions.

Recommendations for Future Editions:

  • Introduce structured post-program support such as mentorship, micro-incubation, or seed funding for project ideas
  • Include more on-site visits and field experiences (e.g. the originally planned farm visit), as these elements enhance the real-world connection to sustainability and entrepreneurship
  • Continue integrating creative sessions and evening reflections, which proved highly effective in fostering group cohesion and internal motivation

As both a participant and mentor, I consider it a professionally enriching experience that contributed to my personal growth and strengthened my belief in youth-led innovation.

Elena Turcan

Each project is a new opportunity to learn and grow professionally and personally as well. In this PDA we talked about SDG, green and social causes, so in the end we can have a sustainable business. As I am a perfectly blind person I would like to have more adapted and inclusive workshops so I could enjoy more a project and have an accessible and equitable learning process. Thank you for everything.

Online dissemination from Moldovan Participants

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