Background information

Start Smart training programme is aimed at developing and presenting AI tools to upskill migrant youth in Estonia. The programme provides participants with training and knowledge on business development and on ways in which AI tools can help increase competitiveness.

The programme is part of UPBEAT project – Upskilling Immigrants for Business Planning and Entrepreneurship using AI Technologies. Project partners are Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Startup Refugees (Finland) and Estonian Refugee Council. Project is co-funded by the European Union, through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme.

Content of measure

The programme is aimed at youth aged 15–29 with refugee or migrant backgrounds. It accommodates a group of 15 participants. Individuals must apply to join, and applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts in digital tools, entrepreneurship, and the labour market.

The training runs from April to May 2025 and includes four workshops, preceded by a kick-off event and concluding with an online cross-border hackathon in collaboration with participants from Finland. The sessions consist of weekly three-hour workshops, each accompanied by assigned homework.

Participants will gain skills in using generative AI for business planning, ideation, operational tasks, branding, and marketing. The programme aims to foster entrepreneurial competencies and create opportunities for networking.

The monetary value of support provided through the programme is not disclosed in available sources.

Use of measure

As the programme started in April 2025, there is no data on use of measure available yet.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Youth (18-25) Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs) EU (Council, EC, EP)	European Funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	No involvement
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Social partners are not involved.

Views and reactions

Social partners have not expressed any views.

Sources

• 01 March 2025: Start Smart - Be the Next Ge (livelihoods.pagulasabi.ee)