Training in Cyprus

Project Name: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MATTERS: from scratch to pitch (SCRATCH-PRO)

Agreement No: 2024-1-CY01-KA153-YOU-000214340

Duration: from 1st of August 2024 till 31st of July 2025 (12 months)

Applicant organisation: Active Cypriot Programs and European Learning Into Acceptance, ACPELIA, email: acpeliacy@gmail.com

Activity: Training Course at Cyprus for 36 youth workers (4 from each organisation, 9 organisations) which focus on promoting sustainability in all its aspects using educational tools.

Period: from 17 to 25 of May 2025 (7 days plus 2 travelling days)

Accommodation: Hylatio Tourist Village, Pissouri village, Limassol, Cyprus, www.hylatio.com.cy

Project Manager: Nikolas Nikolaou email: nicckolas44@gmail.com;

Trainers: Kateryna Kulyna, Boghos Avetikian,

Topics: Sustainable Development Goals, Critical Thinking, social entrepreuneurship,sustainability method, SDG's.

The project aims to foster sustainability and entrepreneurship through educational tools within a framework that resembles an informal business incubator. This initiative is rooted in the recognition of several critical needs and issues in contemporary society and the business landscape. We aspire to engage, connect and empower young people to create sustainable businesses.

Project Rationale:

• Increasing Environmental and Sustainability Concerns: The urgent need to address environmental degradation is evident. According to the Sustainable Development Report 2023, global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been static for the third year in a row, and none of the goals will be achieved by 2030 at the current rate. The report shows that less than 20% of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved, and progress has stalled since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and simultaneous global crises and setbacks. Businesses play a crucial role in this context, both as contributors to environmental challenges and as key players in implementing sustainable solutions. This project seeks to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs who are environmentally conscious and equipped to develop sustainable business practices.
• Economic Resilience and Sustainability: The global economy faces unprecedented challenges, including resource depletion and a growing recognition of the limitations of traditional, linear economic models. There is a pressing need for innovative business models that emphasize circularity, resource efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Educational Gap in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability: While there is growing awareness of sustainability issues, there is a notable gap in education that combines entrepreneurial skills with a deep understanding of sustainability. This project aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Empowering Underrepresented Groups: Many communities, particularly those in underprivileged or marginalized areas, lack access to the resources and knowledge necessary to participate in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This project seeks to democratize access to entrepreneurial education, focusing on inclusivity and diversity.

Monthly timetable of Activities

Objectives:

• Educate Youth Workers on Sustainable Business Models and Practices: This involves providing comprehensive training to youth workers on various aspects of sustainable business models step by step in group activities.
• Foster Entrepreneurial Skills Focused on Ecological and Social Responsibility: The project aims to instill a sense of ecological and social responsibility in potential entrepreneurs. This means encouraging youth workers to prioritize sustainability alongside profitability. Skills such as ethical decision-making, responsible resource management, and community engagement will be emphasized.
• Encourage Innovation in Sustainable Products and Services: Innovation is key to sustainability. The project will encourage the development of new, eco-friendly products and services through creativity-enhancing exercises and ideation sessions. Collaborative projects will be organized to stimulate thinking around sustainable solutions to real-world problems. It should be underlined that sustainability is not a barrier but a creative opportunity to use in entrepreneurship.
• Enhance Inclusion and Diversity in Entrepreneurship: This includes discussing the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in business creation and leadership. Networking activities will be held to connect aspiring entrepreneurs coming from different backgrounds, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Build a Network of Youth Workers and Organizations Committed to Sustainability: The project aims to establish a strong network of youth workers and organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. This network will serve as a platform for sharing resources, best practices, and collaboration opportunities.

In conclusion, this project is not about creating successful businesses as such, as most of the participants will be young people who are just getting acquainted with the basic notions of entrepreneurship, it's about shaping a future where economic growth and sustainability are intertwined. By addressing the educational gap in this field and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs and those who pay attention as employees to the values of their employers, the project aspires to make a significant contribution to both the economy and the environment.

Timetable of the PDA