Across Central Europe, many people who seek to improve their work and income opportunities still face structural barriers, including limited access to tailored training, weak professional networks, scarce mentoring, and difficulties in navigating financial and administrative requirements. For “missing entrepreneurs” — people from underrepresented groups who wish to start a business and engage in inclusive entrepreneurship — these obstacles can seriously hinder economic participation and access to employment.
Within TASK4ISI, OPEN Consortium, in collaboration with the Municipality of San Mauro Pascoli, addresses these challenges through the Business Skills Programme implemented within the Italian ISIHUB. The programme supports participants in moving from an initial idea towards a clearer and more feasible project, while reducing the practical barriers that often prevent engagement in training and business development.
The Italian Business Skills Programme recognises that many underrepresented entrepreneurs struggle with the transition from self-employment to financial independence and therefore need targeted support to strengthen competences and access opportunities.
To respond, the programme is designed as a flexible and accessible pathway, combining online sessions, a hybrid format, and access to local spaces. When useful, activities are delivered during weekends, making participation easier for people balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.
The programme totals 30 hours, combining group training with individual support. The learning journey focuses on practical topics such as the Business Model Canvas, Lean Start-up, basic market analysis, understanding customer needs, preparing a financial plan, and clarifying costs and key legal obligations. Overall, the programme combines skills development, personalised guidance, and practical tools through inclusive delivery formats.
Since September 2025, the Business Skills Programme has moved from planning to implementation. By January 2026, five plenary sessions and fourteen small-group meetings had already been delivered. The structured training phase will be followed by more practice-oriented activities, including workshops, mentoring support, teamwork, and networking meetings, allowing participants to build confidence step by step and connect with a wider ecosystem.
In February, TASK4ISI will host an event in Italy designed to connect training outcomes with real employment opportunities. Held in the City of Cesena in a hybrid format, the event will include pitch sessions, an inspirational talk, and practical “toolbox” sessions with partners and institutions, followed by informal networking.
This is where Overcoming Barriers to Employment becomes tangible: participants can present their ideas, meet potential supporters, and build relationships that help turn skills into action. TASK4ISI continues to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and social innovation across Central Europe, ensuring that those facing the greatest barriers are not left behind.
This publication reflects the views of the author(s) only. The programme authorities are not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.