The first implementation of the EMI training programme in spring 2026 provided valuable insights into the learning needs and motivations of young adults with a migrant background in South Karelia. The training programme is developed as part of the EMI – Empowering Migrant Youth Through Development of Entrepreneurial Mindset project, which aims to support the inclusion of young migrants and boost their employment by developing their entrepreneurial mindset. (LAB 2026.)
The LAB University of Applied Sciences leads the Central Baltic Interreg funded international project and has actively participated in content creation and training implementation. The article describes experiences from the first implementation cycle based on the pre- and post-assessment survey results.
Addressing Real Development Needs
The programme brought together young migrants aged 18–24 with diverse personal and cultural backgrounds. While many entered the training with strong interpersonal and intercultural skills, most participants expressed uncertainty regarding entrepreneurship and business development in Finland at the beginning of the training programme. The baseline survey reported limited confidence in areas such as starting a business, understanding business models, networking in Finland, and recognising opportunities within the local labour market.
One of the most significant findings was the clear alignment between participant needs and the training content. The strongest improvements observed in the post-assessment were exactly in competency areas where participants initially reported low confidence. Notable progress was reported in understanding business models, networking in Finland, identifying and presenting business ideas, and understanding the difference between traditional and social entrepreneurship.
The findings indicate that the training programme responded effectively to the participants’ needs. Combining entrepreneurial education with mindset development, issues of cultural integration and resilience, the training supported both knowledge acquisition and confidence-building.
The survey results additionally suggest that the programme supported broader personal and professional development. Participants reported improvements in goal setting, problem solving, and independent initiative. At the same time, the findings remind us that integration and entrepreneurial development are long-term processes. Challenges connected to language acquisition and future uncertainty remain relevant for further support.
EMI Training Programme as Part of Regional Development
Implementation of the EMI training programme demonstrates how educational institutions can position themselves as regional development actors by addressing societal and economic needs. Strengthening entrepreneurial readiness contributes to local innovation capacity, labour market participation, and social inclusion.
Skills strengthened by the EMI training not only prepare participants for business creation but also build on their transferable competencies relevant for employment, network, and active participation in local communities. Many participants reported a substantially better understanding of the local context for entrepreneurial development and opportunities for professional progress.
The first EMI training cycle demonstrates encouraging results regarding the entrepreneurship-focused educational initiatives. The positive changes observed across multiple competency areas suggest that the project succeeded in creating educational material that boosts young participants’ entrepreneurial confidence, professional readiness, and social integration.
As the project continues, further training cycles will provide additional opportunities to explore how higher educational institutions and international cooperation can contribute to regional development through the development of an entrepreneurial mindset, participation in cross-border programmes, and practical skills training.
Author
Mariia Baliasina, M.Ed., teacher, works as a Research & Development & Innovation (RDI) Specialist and the EMI project’s Project Manager in the Faculty of Health Care and Social Services at the LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
LAB. 2026. EMI – Empowering Migrant Youth through Development of Entrepreneurial Mindset. Project. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Cited 20.5.2026. Available at https://lab.fi/fi/projekti/emi
