Digital Internationalisation and Financial Literacy Skills for Micro Entrepreneurs (DIFME)

Funding information

Project duration: 01/2019 – 12/2021

Project code number: 600834-EPP-1-2018-1-MT-EPPKA2-KA

Funding guideline: Erasmus+ KA 2

Project concept

Initial situation

The creation of new jobs is essential for the economic development of the European Union (EU). Self-employed micro-entrepreneurs, who account for around 14 per cent of the total population in the EU, are of particular importance here. However, studies show that the survival rate of newly established businesses is relatively low. Within the first five years, most fail, partly because the barriers to expansion are relatively high for micro-enterprises due to complicated administrative procedures, high delivery costs and the search for business partners. This poses a challenge in the initial phase that can be overcome through better access to basic knowledge of business management and strategy. This also involves learning how to use digital tools and platforms, as these are now essential for entering foreign markets.

Target groups and their benefits

The DIFME project is aimed at micro-entrepreneurs who want to make their businesses financially stable and internationally successful. In particular, young entrepreneurs and start-ups are addressed, who can learn the basics of business management and exchange ideas with established and experienced entrepreneurs within the framework of the project.

Project goal

The DIFME project aims to promote entrepreneurship among young people and thus create high-quality new employment opportunities. Based on an initial study, a university training programme and a standardised curriculum will be developed, which will serve as a recognised standard for European universities. It is designed to provide young micro-entrepreneurs with the basic business skills and digital business opportunities in an international environment in order to develop their business. Betrieb auf eine solide Finanzbasis zu stellen und internationale und digitale Möglichkeiten der Expansion zu finden. Hierfür entsteht eine qualitativ hochwertige, leicht nutzbare und öffentlich zugängliche Lernumgebung zu Konzepten des Unternehmertums, die Gründer:innen ermutigt, Erfahrungen und Lösungen zu teilen. Zudem fördert das Qualifizierungsprogramm den Austausch zwischen Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft.

Role of ISOB

ISOB takes over the Quality assurance and internal evaluation of the project. In addition, ISOB supports and advises in the development of the innovative continuing education programme and its dissemination.

Products and publications

  • Conduct an initial study to identify the skills needs of entrepreneurs and the gaps in university training programmes, and identify good practices. 
  • Preparation of a research report on the qualification needs in university training programmes and the needs of microentrepreneurs 
  • Develop a training programme with a standardised curriculum for micro-entrepreneurs (including basic business skills such as finance, digital business opportunities, internationalisation) and facilitate an exchange of experiences in a learning management system.
  • Development of a toolkit for micro-enterprises with "edutainment" elements and publication as Open Educational Resources (OER)
  • Conception of a collaborative learning model for the cooperation of universities and companies and the transfer of competences and learning outcomes
  • Organisation and implementation of events with the target groups from all partner countries and transfer of the project results to the target groups

Partnerships

Partners

  • Malta (project coordination): Malta Business Bureau
  • Malta: University of Malta
  • Ireland: Dublin Institute of Technology
  • Ireland: FaB Practice Limited
  • Greece: IDEC S.A.
  • Greece: Piraeus University of Applied Sciences
  • Italy: Eurocrea Merchant
  • Bulgaria: University of National and World Economy  
  • Netherlands: Inqubator Leeuwarden (Stichting Incubator)
  • Germany: Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg
  • Germany: Institut für sozialwissenschaftliche Beratung GmbH

Associated partners

  • Germany: Digitale Gründerinitiative Oberpfalz

Website and social media

News

Erasmus+ Projekt DIFME erfolgreich beendet

Wir freuen uns, mitteilen zu dürfen, dass das Erasmus+ Projekt DIFME erfolgreich abgeschlossen wurde. Das Erasmus+ Projekt DIFME hat zum Ziel, Unternehmertum bei den jungen Menschen zu fördern und damit...

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Abschlusskonferenz im Erasmus+ Projekt DIFME

Im Rahmen des Erasmus+ Projektes DIFME fand die Abschlusskonferenz statt. Der Vice President des Europäischen Parlaments MdEP Roberta Metsola hielt eine Rede auf der Abschlusskonferenz zum Thema „Empowering Micro-Entrepreneurs to...

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We will be happy to provide you with the project results on request. For further information, please contact our Team.