Project kits

17 September 2025

From idea to enterprise: building our own business

This project invites young people in IVET to explore entrepreneurship by working in international teams to develop and shape their own business ideas.

Close-up shot of a person holding a paper plane with the message 'Startup'

Kindel Media / Pexels

Students in initial vocational education and training (IVET) will learn how to transform an idea into a business concept, design basic branding and present a pitch to potential ‘investors’ (teachers and peers). The project fosters creativity, teamwork and real-world career skills while promoting cross-cultural learning and digital collaboration.

Objectives

identify and describe a business idea that meets a need in the local or European context

collaboratively develop and present at least one business plan per international team by the end of the project

strengthen communication and collaboration skills through regular/weekly peer interaction and shared tasks

improve understanding of entrepreneurship fundamentals such as market research, branding, budgeting and pitching

reflect on personal skill development through self-assessment and peer feedback

Introduction of partners

Partner schools may come from various vocational sectors – such as IT, fashion, culinary arts or mechanics – offering students diverse perspectives on how entrepreneurship works in different industries.

Before the first joint activity, each student prepares a virtual business card, which is then uploaded to a shared TwinBoard. Students indicate an area of business they are most interested in, along with their personal details. This activity helps participants learn about each other and spot shared interests or complementary skills.

Based on the stated interests, students form international teams of two to four, where they introduce themselves, share interests and start exchanging early business ideas.

Orientation

The first 2-3 weeks are dedicated to team building and exploring what entrepreneurship means in different countries, cultures or sectors. To inspire students and help them connect the project to real-world experiences, teachers can invite one or two entrepreneurs, either in class or online, to share their personal journeys, challenges and lessons learned.

Students are encouraged to take initiative in their own learning by searching for and sharing relevant materials, such as short videos, articles, podcasts or infographics on topics that form the foundation of entrepreneurship. The topics may include recognising market needs, developing innovative solutions, building a strong team or communicating a business idea effectively. Teachers also contribute resources to provide all groups with a varied selection.

Students take part in a cross-country online quiz or a shared online poll on TwinSpace about well-known entrepreneurs and start-ups in Europe. This playful activity encourages interaction and introduces real-world business examples.

Communication

Communication takes place through the TwinSpace forum and online meetings using the BigBlueButton. Each international team creates its own private discussion space (e.g. in Padlet, Discord or Slack) for internal communication.

Live video meetings are organised at key stages of the project, enabling teams to brainstorm ideas, exchange progress updates and provide feedback. Each team agrees on its preferred way of working asynchronously, allowing schools to progress at their own pace. Teachers support and guide the process through regular check-ins.

Collaboration

Students work in international teams, each forming a ‘start-up group’. Collaboration takes place through the following three flexible stages.

Business idea generation

Teams brainstorm problems or needs observed in their daily lives, schools or communities. After open brainstorming, each team votes on one virtual business idea to develop. Each student contributes by creating one customer profile or scenario where the product or service could be useful.

Business plan development

Teams co-create a virtual business plan that includes

a clear description of the product or service

branding elements: name, logo, slogan (designed together)

a risk assessment for starting and running a business

simple market research (each student interviews two to three people locally)

a basic budget including costs, pricing and financial forecast

a marketing campaign

considerations on the societal and environmental impact of their ventures and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The plan is developed using a collaborative tool such as Google Docs or Canva whiteboard, allowing all members to contribute, comment and revise continuously.

Pitching and feedback

Each team prepares a short business pitch (3-5 minutes), which they present live with slides or other visuals. It would be beneficial for teams to present in front of a jury comprising young entrepreneurs, who can comment and give their feedback.

Evaluation & Assessment

Assessment is ongoing and formative. Teachers use a shared rubric to evaluate students’ engagement, collaboration and creativity, as well as the final pitch and business plan.

Students reflect on their learning and progress through peer feedback activities. Additionally, receiving expert feedback on their work or final product provides a valuable form of evaluation, enabling students to better understand what they have learned, how they have progressed and how they can further develop their skills.

Follow up

After the final presentations, each school can organise a local event where students share their business ideas with classmates, teachers or community members. This event provides an opportunity to showcase their skills and raise awareness of their achievements.

The most promising business ideas could be further developed by entering them into local competitions, presenting them in entrepreneurship classes or connecting them with other relevant opportunities.

A few months after the project ends, partner teachers may organise a follow-up survey or a brief online meeting. This activity would give students the opportunity to look back on the experience, share any progress made and reflect on how the experience has shaped their understanding of entrepreneurship, strengthened their skills and influenced their future career ambitions.

Additional information

Age from:

15
Age to:

20+
Difficulty:

Intermediate
Target audience:

Teacher

Student teacher

School leader

Teacher educator
Education levels:

Upper secondary - School education, Post-secondary non-tertiary, Upper secondary - Vocational education

From idea to enterprise: building our own business

Additional information

Topics

Education levels