On May 12-13, Oslo was the stage for an inspiring and dynamic entrepreneurship bootcamp, a key event under the Nord Connect project. This initiative aims to empower migrants by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to start their own businesses in Norway, a country celebrated for its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Following the success of the previous bootcamp in Copenhagen, the Oslo event continued the mission of fostering entrepreneurial skills among migrants living across Norway. 12 incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds living in Norway, joined in to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. The 2-day bootcamp was tailored specifically for the first-time immigrant founders. This intensive workshop aimed at the BMC framework, providing participants with the skills and confidence to launch and scale their businesses navigate the complexities in the new country.
The bootcamp commenced with a welcome address from the organizers, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship in fostering innovation and economic growth. The workshop began with emphasizing the transformative power of having a Founders Mindset. The proceeded with importance of assessing the viability and validity of the business idea breaking down the components of the BMC. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to identify their target customer segments and compelling value propositions. The interactive session with in depth and practical discussions on the business ideas of the participants was held. The session included practical activities such as conducting market research with in the group and customer discovery process to have a hands on understanding.
Industry expert, Steven William Tilley, guided the participants on the legal aspect of starting and conducting business in Norway. The session was highly interactive with many interesting discussions and follow-up questions.
A highlight of the bootcamp was the pitch practice session. Participants had the opportunity to present their refined business ideas to a Jury of experienced mentors and experts; Susana Meza, David Frew and Terhi Toikkanen. This session provided constructive feedback on clarity, feasibility, and overall presentation, helping entrepreneurs enhance their pitches for future funding opportunities.
The bootcamp concluded with a closing ceremony where participants were awarded certificates of completion. The Business Model Canvas bootcamp for first-time immigrant founders was a tremendous success, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to build robust business models. The interactive workshops, personalized mentorship, and networking opportunities created a supportive environment for immigrant entrepreneurs to thrive. As these founders embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, they do so with a clear vision, a strategic plan, and a strong network of support, ready to contribute to the economic and cultural fabric of their new communities.
The success of the Oslo bootcamp underscores the importance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurship among migrants. By providing targeted support and resources, the Nord Connect project is helping to unlock the potential of migrant entrepreneurs, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape in the Nordic.
