Startup Connect focused on three target groups: students, startups and SMEs. The main objective was to promote economic prosperity of cross-border region by supporting start-up, entrepreneurship, and SME cooperation. Project set a task to develop cooperation platforms, mechanisms, tools, and concrete actions to involve a maximum number of students, startups and SMEs in the business activities and partnerships across the border.
The main results of the project were increased entrepreneurial spirit among students, more options for learning by doing in several start up events and improved cross-border student cooperation. To support further engagement, a written ‘Student’s Manual for Entrepreneurial Activities’ and trainings (Project Management School) was produced, and a cross-border student community has been kicked-off.
Startups were motivated for international activities by building their competences and linking them with investors and potential clients in cross-border region. The key activities were Startup Connect Contest, an international startup competition and LevelUp, a cross-border acceleration program. Further, a Startup Connect Business Club was established to develop business relations between business angels, investors and technology entrepreneurs in Russia, Finland and the EU. As a result, two success stories were seen: startup enterprises ‘Tango Vision’ and ‘Megawatt’ took several steps further by the support of the Business Club.
Altogether the project provided internationalization support for 125 SMEs. Additionally, project partners have integrated their own business development practices, services and events into common cross-border solutions and actions offered to the entrepreneurs on both sides of the border.
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