The 2-day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp held in Copenhagen, Denmark on March 12th and 13th, 2024, achieved outstanding success. This Bootcamp was organized by NordConnect project, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers in collaboration with three Nordic partners; Charge Incubator, Crossing Borders and Saimaan ammattiopisto. The event was meticulously designed to provide participants with crucial business skills, valuable networking opportunities, and essential resources to launch their entrepreneurial ventures in a new country. The bootcamp brought together around 30 participants from nearly 17 different nationalities, highlighting its global appeal and impact.
The bootcamp kicked off with a warm welcome from the organizers, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and fostering cultural diversity. The content focused on developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset along with the fundamentals of starting a business with a specific focus on the Business Model Canvas and Legal considerations of related to starting new businesses. Technical and practical aspects of Cross Cultural Communication were also emphasized throughout the workshop as a means of navigating effectively through an unknown business ecosystem.
The participants were led through the process of validating their business ideas, conducting market research, and identifying target customers. In addition a Legal professional, Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire, provided insights into the legal requirements for starting a business, including permits, licenses, and compliance with local regulations. The sessions were highly interactive and activity based, providing the participants to exchange valuable insights and idea with fellow entrepreneurs.
Networking lunch on both days allowed participants to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts. This session fostered a sense of community and provided opportunities for exchanging ideas and experiences.
Participants were given the opportunity to practice their business pitches in front of a panel of Jury; Terhi Toikkanen, Charles Kinga and Ransom Lekunze (PhD); consisting of industry experts. The session provided valuable feedback on presentation skills, clarity of the business concept, and potential improvements.
The bootcamp concluded with a closing ceremony where participants received certificates of completion. The two-day entrepreneurial bootcamp for first-time immigrant entrepreneurs was a resounding success. Participants left with a wealth of knowledge, new skills, and a network of supportive peers and mentors. The bootcamp not only empowered immigrant entrepreneurs to pursue their business dreams but also highlighted the significant contributions they can make to the economy and society. The organizers expressed their commitment to continuing support for these budding entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in their new ventures.
