The EU Delegation presents “Where does a startup start?” training

The Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan organised the third in a series of workshops as part of the “Get the right skills” campaign. The “Where does a startup start” training workshop was aimed at people who may have a business idea but don’t know where to start. The workshop featured experts from the field and took place at the Landmark Hotel level 22 from 15:00-17:00 on Friday 26 April, providing young people with inspiration and tools to develop their business ideas.

The main speakers at the event included Huseyn Humbatov, the founder of the “Saatstore” brand; Sarkhan Rustamov, videoblogger and PR manager of the “Libraff” bookstore network; and Afet Yagubova, communications expert. They delved into topics such as: the skills needed to develop and start a small business; the type of books to read to develop skills; and how to use social media effectively to promote ideas and small business.

The European Union announced 2023-2024 as the European Year of Skills, which aims to give a fresh impetus to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation and competitiveness. The series of workshops that are taking place as part of the campaign aim to support young people with career planning, learning and  scholarship opportunities, as well as inspiration to consider startups and entrepreneurship.

The first and second workshops attracted 200 participants who came to learn about different study and work opportunities within the EU including Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corp, College of Europe and many others during the first workshop and “Talent Acquisition and Skills for the 21st Century” in the second workshop. The campaign will culminate with the final “Agora” event in May with a variety of special guests and speakers who will inspire participants with ideas and information on how to get ahead in the rapidly changing job market. 

The aim of the “Get the right skills” campaign “ is to show that it is never too late to gain new skills or the right skills for the jobs of the future. The European Union is a longstanding and strategic partner of Azerbaijan in many important areas such as higher education, vocational education, regional development, culture, health and others. With EU support many people have started businesses, engaged in agricultural production, learned new skills, and received training.