In today's world, updating skills and competencies is essential for increasing competitiveness and facilitating integration into a changing labor market. It also promotes inclusion in the creation, start-up, and development of one's own business.
The research aim - to outline the experience and methodology of a training course designed to develop business skills for starting and operating a micro or small enterprise. The training has been specifically designed for long-term unemployed women with children belonging to the largest ethnic minorities in Latvia and Estonia, who are between 15 and 29 years old. The course is designed for a total of 60 participants, equally from Latvia and Estonia. The training methodology is based on a step-by-step approach with two training cycles. The first cycle focuses on developing self-competence and includes a conference to stimulate initiative. The second cycle rounds off the series of training sessions that specifically develop business competencies. This methodological approach is meticulously customized to the specific target audience. The research methods: the monographic method, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation for group dynamics and engagement level measurement. The results indicate that the initial phase – the first training cycle, comprising personal development, is the most valued by the participants. However, the observational method suggests that engagement in this activity was at the lowest level of enthusiasm and excitement. Conversely, the second cycle of activities exhibited a high level of engagement but received a lower rating from the participants.

Authors:
Andra Zvirbule, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Anita Auzina, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Natalja Sterhova, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

About the Presenter(s)
Andra Zvirbule is a Latvian academic and professor, specializing in economics, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. She serves as a professor and program director at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), where she leads the Master's degree program in Business Management within the Faculty of Economics and Social Development.
Dr. Zvirbule has a strong academic presence in the area of sustainable rural and urban development. She frequently researches how agricultural practices can be adapted for environmental sustainability and social impact, especially in the context of Latvian and EU policies.
Her research often intersects economic growth with sustainable planning and innovation in rural communities.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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