Project NatureBizz designed and implemented a cross-sectoral professional training programme for green entrepreneurship and business development. The training programme is targeted at established and future micro-entrepreneurs exploiting business opportunities and implementing business operations based on local natural resources.

The needed skills were identified by performing research activities in four countries. The identified skills were aligned and translated into professional training programme of green entrepreneurship and business development. The NatureBizz Handbook that can be used both by learners and teachers, was designed.

The training programme consists of eight modules with the assignments. The modules form a solid basis for green micro-entrepreneurs to develop their business. Each module includes a practical tool to support business development. The modules are the following:

1.           Managing Green Micro Business
2.           Understanding Green Consumers
3.           Building a Green Brand
4.           Steps Towards Sustainable Quality
5.           Green Product Development and Service Design
6.           Managing Supply Chains in Green Micro Business 
7.           Communication in Customer Journey
8.           Green Entrepreneurs Go International
 
The new training programme was piloted in the four participating countries: Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Sweden during spring 2020. Training days exploring the content of the modules were organised for future and established green entrepreneurs to increase their business skills. In total, certificates were issued to 175 participants.

The results of the research which were done in all participating countries before developing the training programme, have also significant value. They gave valuable insights to green entrepreneurship and business and can be used as a basis in curriculum and course design.  All the partners use research results and case examples in their courses as study material.

In addition, during the implementation of the project, new industry-academia relationships were established with micro entrepreneurs and their umbrella organisations and universities. By developing training programme for green entrepreneurship, project also supported sustainable development and enhanced the possibility of integrating sustainability values in entrepreneurship and business education.

Project website: www.projectnaturebizz.eu