Micro-SME oriented sustainable innovative business management training

<< Background >>DIGITAL CHEF Ltd. applied for this project because Balkan countries, e.g. Bulgaria / Greece, had faced a lack of experience and training for young entrepreneurs. A 2017 survey showed that 65% of respondents identified this gap, while an OECD report (2018) indicated that fear of failure prevented 38.1% of youth from starting a business. Additionally, sustainable entrepreneurship was mostly embraced by larger companies, leaving micro-SMEs without proper guidance. The project addressed these needs by creating a practical training handbook featuring insights from experienced entrepreneurs and successful peers through video interviews and case studies. It tackled key challenges such as the absence of specialized courses, unclear business opportunities, low motivation due to limited success stories, and inadequate institutional support. By offering training in multiple formats and hosting awareness workshops, the project ensured broad access to knowledge, fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Moreover, the awareness training workshops and livestreaming expanded the outreach, helping to foster a more innovative and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. Example-driven learning methods made entrepreneurship education accessible.<< Objectives >>By implementing this project, DIGITAL CHEF Ltd. and consortium aimed to equip micro-SME entrepreneurs with the necessary skills. Our goal was to bridge the knowledge gap by offering practical, case-driven training that moves beyond academic theories and focuses on real-world applications. The project introduced modern, accessible learning methods through mobile and online applications, ensuring that aspiring and existing entrepreneurs could easily integrate new knowledge into their business strategies. By leveraging insights from experienced entrepreneurs and showcasing successful business cases, we sought to build confidence, encourage innovation, and foster sustainable business practices among micro-SMEs. By showcasing real success stories, we sought to build confidence, foster innovation, and create a strong foundation for sustainable business growth. Additionally, we wanted to create a supportive learning ecosystem where entrepreneurship was not only encouraged but also made more accessible, practical, and adaptable to the challenges of the 21st-century economy.<< Implementation >>The project partners developed a Sustainable Innovative Business Management Training Handbook tailored for micro-SMEs (8 Chapters + Annexes +Assessment) providing practical guidance on integrating sustainability and innovation into business strategies (https://platform.sustainable-silver-knowledge.eu/?lang=en). We also created 30 Silver and Peer Knowledge Training Videos, capturing insights from experienced entrepreneurs and successful peers. These videos were integrated into the H5P formatted course via online/mobile learning platforms, ensuring accessibility and engagement. After successfully completing 8 chapters and achieving a minimum score of 80% on the assessment, a Certificate of Knowledge / Skills / Autonomy is issued to the trainee, based on the requirements outlined in the Certification Scheme of the SIBMT Training. This certification is language-specific, meaning that participants can earn a badge for the Bulgarian section and an additional badge for successfully completing the Greek or English section. We organized 3 blended awareness training workshops in Sofia, Plovdiv (Bulgaria), and Athens (Greece), attracting aspiring entrepreneurs and micro-SME owners to interactive learning sessions. We held 4 project meetings.<< Results >>The project resulted in a comprehensive learning solution for both teachers and learners, integrating modern technologies to improve the engagement. Participants could access not only core training content but also supporting video footage created by project partners. Key outputs included: an online learning platform with micro-credentials and digital badges/certificates for verified achievement; mobile learning apps for iOS and Android, published on App Store (https://apps.apple.com/app/sibmt/id6464308836) + Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sibmt.mobile&pli=1); 30 training videos featuring experienced entrepreneurs (silver knowledge) and entrepreneurial peers, showcasing best practices + pitfalls in sustainable innovative entrepreneurship. We support a dedicated project website providing access to learning materials, training resources, and certification opportunities. All interfaces and content were adapted for English, Bulgarian, and Greek, ensuring broad accessibility for the target audience. Internal dissemination was achieved through internal mailing, demonstrations and the project's e-flyer. Representatives from VET centers expressed interest in incorporating this training into their portfolio.