Youth Exchange: FOODBACK Entrepreneurship Youth Exchange in Italy

From September 2 to 15, 2024, the charming town of Passignano sul Trasimeno, Italy, hosted the FOODBACK Entrepreneurship Youth Exchange, organized by Associazione Kora. The event brought together young entrepreneurs from various countries to collaborate, learn, and develop business skills while embracing the local culture. Here’s a recap of the activities that took place during this enriching international exchange.

Day 0 – September 2, 2024: Arrival and Welcome

On the arrival day, participants from different countries were welcomed at the train station and transported to the venue. They settled into their rooms and tents, ready for the exciting days ahead.

Day 1 – September 3, 2024: Introduction and Team Building

The first full day began with warm-up activities to help participants learn each other’s names and feel comfortable. A seminar introduced the project, providing an overview of previous activities in Jordan, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Morocco, Italy, and Germany, and outlining the schedule for the exchange. After a coffee break and a tour of the local farm, participants enjoyed lunch and took part in team-building exercises to further strengthen bonds. The afternoon concluded with energizing activities, discussions to establish house rules, and an introduction to the format of the exchange.

Day 2 – September 4, 2024: Expectations and the European Green Deal

This day focused on sharing participants’ expectations, fears, and contributions to the exchange. After a coffee break, the group engaged in a discussion about the European Green Deal, exploring its impact on business and sustainability. Following lunch, the participants were introduced to the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) course, which was vital for those interested in the food industry.

Day 3 – September 5, 2024: Values and Business Ideas

After a morning warm-up, participants dove deeper into discussions on the European Green Deal, with groups presenting different perspectives and business ideas that aligned with sustainable practices. In the afternoon, they continued their HACCP training, steadily building their knowledge.

Day 4 – September 6, 2024: Economic Experience and Business Analysis

This day began with discussions on the experience economy, followed by group work analyzing different companies. Each group applied SWOT analysis and developed a business model canvas for the companies they studied. After lunch, the participants took the HACCP exam and proudly received their certificates.

Day 5 – September 7, 2024: Free Morning and Event Planning

Participants enjoyed a free morning to explore the town, go hiking, swimming, or simply relax with activities like music, film, and a BBQ. The afternoon shifted focus to event management, where participants learned about the STEP method and the seven fundamentals of event organization. In preparation for upcoming cultural and pizza nights, the group divided into teams to plan these events.

Day 6 – September 8, 2024: Personal and Business Resources

The day’s focus was on personal resource analysis, followed by sessions on how to create business and financial plans. Participants began working in groups to develop their project ideas, applying the knowledge they had gained so far.

Day 7 – September 9, 2024: Business Plan Development

In the morning, the progress of each group’s business plans was reviewed, and an example financial plan was provided for guidance. The rest of the day was dedicated to refining the business projects, culminating in a fun and interactive pizza night.

Day 8 – September 10, 2024: Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Participants had a relaxing morning with optional activities like swimming, hiking, or shopping. Later, they attended a seminar on Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, learning how to apply for the program and what outcomes to expect. The day ended with a marketing seminar, featuring a mood board exercise, and the distribution of the “Food Back” T-shirt. In the evening, a vibrant cultural night showcased traditions from Germany, Montenegro, Spain, France, and Macedonia.

Day 9 – September 11, 2024: AI in Business Planning

On this day, participants explored how to integrate AI tools into business planning. They continued to work on their business plans, applying AI techniques to improve their projects. The day concluded with another cultural night, this time highlighting Bosnia and Morocco.

Day 10 – September 12, 2024: Finalizing Business Plans

With the end of the exchange approaching, participants focused on finalizing their business plans. They worked on creating visual posters to present their ideas, bringing their entrepreneurial visions closer to completion.

Day 11 – September 13, 2024: Entrepreneur Bazaar

One of the most exciting days of the exchange was the Entrepreneur Bazaar, where participants presented six unique business projects. The event was a vibrant showcase of the innovative ideas and hard work developed over the past days. The day ended with a celebration to honor the achievements and friendships formed during the exchange.

Day 12 – September 14, 2024: Evaluation and Farewell Party

On the final full day, participants reviewed the remaining project ideas and evaluated their experiences during the exchange. The event concluded with the distribution of EU Youth Certificates to all participants, followed by a farewell party where they celebrated their accomplishments and enjoyed their final evening together.

Day 13 – September 15, 2024: Departure

The final day marked the departure of the participants. As they left for their respective countries, they took with them invaluable memories, new skills, and lasting friendships.

The FOODBACK Entrepreneurship Youth Exchange was an inspiring experience, equipping young entrepreneurs with practical business knowledge while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and sustainable thinking. The exchange’s combination of hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and entrepreneurial development left a lasting impact on all who participated.