LLI-143 Ready for Business (ReforB)

Project Duration: 01.05.2017 - 30.09.2019

Project ERDF Financing: 397359,26 EUR

Project call: 1st call

The overall objective of the project is to facilitate sustainable development of entrepreneurship in cross-border areas through asset of innovative entrepreneurship support solutions and tools. The partners will develop and conduct Business Simulation Games imitating real-life situations most newly-established companies face and “Be involved” seminars designed according to the interactive “Get inspired – help – share – analyze” concept. ICT Business Simulator imitating a process of business start-up and development will be launched.

Target groups who will benefit from the project are students and recent graduates in business science, young people who have a business idea and/or willing to start their own business and founders of newly-established enterprises.

The project goes beyond the existing practice and is new and original in terms of its integrated approach that incorporates
multiple elements. The format of the solutions allows looking at entrepreneurship from different angles, thus providing an all-round understanding of it. It is expected that the project will revitalize entrepreneurship environment leading to the creation of new businesses and workplaces, thus reducing unemployment and facilitating economic growth of the region. It is estimated that 12-15 new
businesses will be established as a result of the project activities.

Business Simulation Game Video

Posted by ReforB on Ceturtdiena, 2019. gada 7. februāris

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

View project on map

Contacts Project news Social media feeds Partners structure Calendar Project results

Social media and contacts:
Phone: +371 63005693
E-mail: projekti@llu.lv
Website: https://www.llu.lv/
Address: 2 Liela Street, Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvia

6 May 2019

Project closing Management & Project and Steering group Meeting in Jelgava

On 25 April 2019, all Project partners met at the project closing management meeting in Jelgava to discuss the 4th reporting period achievements and finalization of the project

The Lead Partner made a general presentation of management, implementation and communication activities carried out during the period, as well as provided an overview of project financials.

Then,all partners gave main/final deliverables and achievements of Output 1: “Business simulation games” and Output 2: “Be involved” seminars”.

The main focusations for all partners finalizing the project activities and durability and transferability of Project Main Outputs.

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

Business Simulation Game (Services) in Klaipeda

The 9th and the last business simulation game within the ReforB project took place on 31 January 2019 in Lithuania at Klaipeda Science and Technology Park. Young people from six Latvian and Lithuanian regions gathered together to immerse into the world of entrepreneurship and also compete for the first prize – the title of the best team.

At the beginning of the game, six mixed teams with representatives from each region were created and their leaders were appointed. Afterwards, the players came up with team names and ambitious slogans:
1) B-Boys – “Think bigger! Ask better questions!”
2) Gideons – “Time to take the wheel.”
3) Dream Team – “Dreams come true.”
4) Business Grizzly – “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
5) The Winners – “You can do anything!”
6) The Money Makers – “Our fate is money made.”

Then, the teams had to analyze a case of a beauty parlour recently established by three friends in Klaipeda and provide their solutions to challenges faced by the business during its first year of operation. Additionally, the players suggested how to deal with problems encountered by an interior design studio, restaurant and fitness club. In their answers, the teams stressed the importance of effective communication both with colleagues and clients, necessity to meet and exceed customer expectations and the need to use modern promotional methods, including attraction of Internet opinion leaders and influencers.

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

BUSINESS SIMULATION GAME (SERVICES) IN JELGAVA

The 8th business simulation game dedicated to services took place on 13 December 2018 in Jelgava at the Faculty of Economics and Social Development of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. Players from six Latvian and Lithuanian regions met in an auditorium named after professor Kazimirs Špoģis.

Participants were divided into six teams and got their first task – to come up with a team’s name and a slogan. The players successfully passed through the first stage and in just 25 minutes all teams and their mottos were presented:
1) 7 stars – Serving the best with the best.
2) Latuva – Two friends may have different culture, behaviour and thoughts, but live in one friendship.
3) Slow Turbo – Maybe we are slow and shy, but our business will always be fine.
4) Blowminders – We will blow your mind.
5) 5 senses – You will have everything you need.
6) Equality – Every person matters.

Afterwards, the players got acquainted with a business of a beauty parlour that had recently been established by three friends: Ivo, Vilius and Luna.

The highlights of the event were comments of an invited expert Valdis Janovs, who is extremely experienced in entrepreneurship. Valdis emphasized the importance of considering the financial aspect while generating new ideas and making decisions.

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

Be involved! seminar in Daugavpils

The sixth and the last “Be involved” seminar in the framework of ReforB project was conducted in Daugavpils University, which celebrates more than 90 years of providing high-quality education. Participants from six Latvian and Lithuanian regions came to the event to listen to all kinds of entrepreneurs – starting from those who only have a business idea and ending with those who have been successfully running their companies for a substantial period of time. As usual, the seminar was held in 4 sessions.

The first speaker was Artūrs Čipats, the Chairman of the Board of the construction company “Builder Industry”, which now employs more than 50 persons and paid more than 100 000 EUR in taxes in 2017. Artūrs demonstrated entrepreneurial skills already during university years. He moved to Daugavpils because of his future wife and decided to open a hotel 2.5 years ago. Then, the entrepreneur spent one year examining statistics and demand. “Why don’t you study hospitality business?” – he said to his spouse.

The second speaker was Jans Rimvids-Mickevčs, a co-owner of “EU-Trader” – a wholesaler of electronic devices throughout the EU. He started entrepreneurial activities at the age of 14, when he was buying broken phones, repairing them and selling at a higher price. “I am a real patriot of Daugavpils, – he said enthusiastically, – and I have always had a burning feeling that I must create something.”

The third speaker was Valerijs Efimovs, the Chief Technical Officer of ZIEGLER GmbH production plant in Daugavpils. As an example, the plant produces spare parts for Mercedes cars, trailers for Moghome by Mercedes and camper shells that can be put on top of various cars by those who enjoy travelling in the wild nature. Importantly, interior design of the trailers and camper shells, which resemble homey little apartments, was also created by Daugavpils staff.

During the 2nd session, representatives of newly-established companies presented their businesses, including achievements made and challenges faced.

“Movement is life” is a motto of Alexandr Podyava, whose life has always been connected with sports. His club “Intense Fitness” in Daugavpils offers a variety of trainings, including martial arts, qigong, TRX and functional workouts.

Eduard Kirpichev is an owner and a Manager of a popular café/bar in Daugavpils – “Ezītis Miglā” or “Hedgehog in the Fog”. The business operates according to a franchise agreement and belongs to a network of 11 “Hedgehogs” in Latvia, most of which are located in the capital.

Arnis Celitāns tackles a social and economic problem of youth unemployment with the help of a mobile app “Partly”. The app links households that need someone to help them with daily tasks with young people who wish to earn extra money.

During the 3rd session dedicated to potentially successful start-ups, Olesja Sobolevska presented her project “Wastethic” (ethical waste), which deals with wise usage of thrown away clothing, including establishment of a clothing recycling plant.

During the last session, an interesting business case from another country was considered. Anton Jevtiuchov told about his company “LitWild”, which offers extreme, recreational and romantic tours in the Aukštaitija region, Lithuania.

All presentations and speeches delivered during the seminar were very inspiring and informative for the participants. Moreover, the speakers were inspired by the audience as well. When leaving the event, everybody felt that there is something important waiting for him or her in the future.

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

BUSINESS SIMULATION GAME ON PRODUCTION IN PANEVEZYS

The 7th business simulation game with a topic “Production” took place on 30 October 2018 in the hotel “Šermutas” only a few kilometres away from Panevezys. The premises were located near an important road connecting the capitals of Latvia and Lithuania. Representatives of these two countries met at the event to learn more about real-life entrepreneurship and, of course, compete for the top prize.

The teams got acquainted with a business of a newly-established manufacturing company “PlayGame” offering three board games: Memory (Memo) Game, “Create your fairy tale” Game and Port of Riga Quiz. The participants also had a chance to hold real games in their hands. During three sessions, the players came up with numerous ideas and recommendations, which could improve the performance of the young producer.

Traditionally, the teams also had to solve three short verbal tasks related to manufacturing business in general. After three-minute discussions, the players were able to present a variety of interesting ideas, which impressed the jury.

During the concluding part of the event, the best teams were announced and awarded. Everybody received lovely gifts and certificates from the seminar organizer – Panevezys Labour Market Training Centre.

See you soon at the next game dedicated to services!

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

ReforB MANAGEMENT AND STEERING GROUP MEETING IN PANEVEZYS

On 24 October 2018, the partners met at the project management meeting in Panevezys to discuss results achieved during the 3rd reporting period and define goals and tasks for the last implementation period.

The Lead Partner made a general presentation of management, implementation and communication activities carried out during the period, as well as provided an overview of project financials. Then, all partners delivered presentations about their roles in the activities. Special attention was paid to the development of a business simulation game No. 4 (Services) and ICT business simulator.

Steering group members, who attended the meeting, gave a positive feedback regarding the implementation activities and elaborated a set of recommendations for successful project finalization.

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

Business Simulation Game (Production) in Daugavpils

Current business simulation game took place on an unusually hot autumn day, 19 September 2018, in Daugavpils. Six teams containing players from six different Latvian and Lithuanian cities met in a modern audience of the Daugavpils University to emerge into the reality of a production company “PlayGame”. Before the battle, the players invented names for their teams: Fantastic Six, Quizzers, Life is a Game, Starting 6, Super Team and LARROM. The bright sun cheered them up from large panoramic windows and the game began.

This time, project partners prepared a game about a manufacturing company “PlayGame” offering three board games: Memory (Memo) Game, “Create your fairy tale” Game and Port of Riga Quiz. The participants had a chance to hold the games in their hands and even play them for a short while. Afterwards, a story behind the company creation was revealed.

More information:https://reforb.eu/business-simulation-game-on-production-in-daugavpils/

“BE INVOLVED” SEMINAR IN KLAIPEDA

The fifth “Be involved” seminar designed according to an interactive “Get inspired – help – share – analyze” concept took place in Klaipeda on 12 July 2018. The event was held at Klaipeda Science and Technology Park, a centre focused on promoting an innovative entrepreneurship environment in the region. Participants from six Latvian and Lithuanian cities arrived to the venue to listen to success stories of major businesses in the area, meet representatives of newly-established companies and discuss positive and negative scenarios of their further development, get acquainted with potential start-ups, and consider an interesting business case from Lithuania.

The first one to take the floor was Algirdas Sabaliauskas, a Talent Scout from Baltic Talents Academy – a vocational educational institution providing courses in programming, design and other digital disciplines. During the event, he emphasized how crucial it is to bring value to students, employers and state, as well as mentioned that building a brand recognition in the field of education is a long and complicated process that can take several years.

Afterwards, Mr. Darius Šoparas presented his company Creative Partner, which has been offering IT solutions, including websites and mobile applications, since 2000. Darius also gave a valuable advice to seminar participants regarding launching new products. “If you have an idea, it must be on the market within three months! Do not try to do something complex at once: create a minimal viable product (MVP) and test your concept,” – he said.

For more information about seminar in Klaipeda: https://reforb.eu/be-involved-seminar-in-klaipeda/

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

ReforB Cartoon

The Promotional Cartoon was created for better illustration and attractiveness project activities ReforB LLI 143. Characters of the cartoon is target group representatives from the Programme area. At the
beginning, the video showed problems representatives of the target groups from both sides of the border are facing, but then they engaged in the project activities, united together and reached a very happy end together. Take part! Enjoy! Be ready for business!

ReforB LLI-143 PROMO video

Business Simulation Game, Wholesale in Jelgava

The second business simulation game with a topic “Wholesale” was conducted in Jelgava on 14 June 2018. Players from six Latvian and Lithuanian regions splitted into five teams: Sveiki, Transformers, Future, Super 8 and Shining Stars. “Every step you take can change the world,” – that is how a slogan of one of the teams sounded. The captain of another team emphasized the necessity to look ahead and act rapidly. “Don’t look at the past, look at the future. Technologies are developing very fast, so should we,” – he said. After all the teams presented themselves, the game began.

Even though short verbal tasks were definitely an exciting part of the game, which boosted analytical and creative thinking, the main focus was placed on BLOOM – a young Latvian wholesaler offering unique products from South Korea. The company sold rice cookers for various kinds of rice that keep it fresh and warm for up to 3 days, funny animal-shaped air moisturizers, portable mini ventilators that can be used outside and inside, and electric blankets.
The players had to analyze three complex situations concerning BLOOM, discuss them in teams, identify solutions and present them in front of the audience. The work of the teams was assessed by the jury and an invited expert in entrepreneurship.

More information and detailed seminar report in www.reforb.eu: https://reforb.eu/business-simulation-game-on-wholesale-in-jelgava/

Publicity created by Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 within the project LLI-143 Ready for Business/ReforB

The project lasts for two years: from 01/05/2017 until 30/04/2019.

Total project budget is 467 481.49 EUR (ERDF co-financing is 397 359.26 EUR).

Information: www.latlit.eu, www.europa.eu

#LATLIT

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of LLU Faculty of Economics and Social Development and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

“BE INVOLVED” SEMINAR IN JELGAVA

The fourth “Be involved” seminar designed according to an interactive “Get inspired – help – share – analyze” concept took place in Jelgava on 31 May 2018.

The event was organized at the Faculty of Economics and Social Development of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

More than 40 participants from Latvian and Lithuanian cross-border regions gathered together to immerse themselves in the world of entrepreneurship.

More information and detailed seminar report in www.reforb.eu: https://reforb.eu/be-involved-seminar-in-jelgava/

Publicity created by Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 within the project LLI-143 Ready for Business/ReforB

The project lasts for two years: from 01/05/2017 until 30/04/2019.

Total project budget is 467 481.49 EUR (ERDF co-financing is 397 359.26 EUR).

Information: www.latlit.eu, www.europa.eu

#LATLIT

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

Business Simulation Game in Visaginas!

On 26. April The third Business Simulation Game has already been successful. Main theme for Business Simulation Game was- wholesale. The aim of the game is to prepare target group representatives for start-up and/or gradual and successful development of their businesses in the real world.

At the same time Business Simulation Game is an activity carried out for a group of people broken down in teams. Every team will have representatives both from Latvia and Lithuania. Games will help participants assess themselves as entrepreneurs in terms of knowledge, competencies and skills they possess or need to improve. The game will also show that real-life business
often brings surprises, thus making game participants more resistant to unexpected situations and problems they will eventually come across when starting or developing their businesses.

Publicity created by Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 within the project LLI-143 Ready for Business/ReforB

The project lasts for two years: from 01/05/2017 until 30/04/2019.

Total project budget is 467 481.49 EUR (ERDF co-financing is 397 359.26 EUR).

Information: www.latlit.eu, www.europa.eu

#LATLIT

Information about project: https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB/; www.reforb.eu

“Be Involved” in Panevežys

On 22.March was No.3 seminar “Be involved “ seminar programme was developed and conducted according to the interactive “Get inspired – help – share – analyze” concept, which is a new and effective solution to the activation of entrepreneurship environment. There were 8 different entrepreneurs invited to share their business establishment and development story: background, knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for this. The lectures were chosen to represent different kind of business models, activities, channels and volumes: manufacturing, agriculture, HoReCa, beauty services, light industry.There was 66 participants from Latvia and Lithuania cross border territory in project event.

For more information: www.facebook.com/LLIReforB ; www. reforb.eu

Ventspilī satiekas jaunieši, lai izmēģinātu savas spējas un zināšanas simulācijas spēlē “Gatavs biznesam!”

7.martā Ventspils jauniešu mājā pulcējās 36 jaunieši no Latvijas un Lietuvas, lai projekta Gatavs biznesam! (LLI-143) ietvaros izmēģinātu savas spējas un prasmes biznesa ideju attīstīšanā.

Laikā, kad individuāla biznesa uzsākšana kļūst ar vien iespējamāka, nepieciešams rast jaunus veidus, kā šajā pasaulē ieinteresēt arī jaunāko sabiedrības daļu – jauniešus. Tieši tāds ir projekta Gatavs biznesam! (Ready for Business/ReforB) mērķis – veicināt ilgtspējīgu uzņēmējdarbību, izmantojot mūsdienīgus mācīšanās un zināšanu iegūšanas risinājumus.

Sekojiet informācijai: www.reforb.eu un https://www.facebook.com/LLIReforB

Pirmā biznesa simulācijas spēle jauniešiem-Jelgavā

13. decembrī no plkst. 10.00 līdz 16.00 LLU Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātē notika pirmā biznesa simulācijas spēle, kurā piedalīsies 36 jaunieši no Latvijas un Lietuvas, lai attīstītu radošumu, trenētu komandas, līderības, diskusiju vadīšanas kompetences un uzņēmējdarbībai nepieciešamo domāšanu. Simulācijas metodikas pamatā izmantota reālu uzņēmumu pieredze un problēmsituāciju risināšanas piemēri.

“Jau iepriekš fakultātē esam attīstījuši sadarbību ar uzņēmējiem, un studentiem organizējuši līdzīgas biznesa simulācijas spēles, taču tām bija cits mērķis – palīdzēt uzņēmējam inovatīvi risināt kādu viņam svarīgu problēmu. Taču tā kā studentiem nebija iespēju detalizēti iepazīties ar uzņēmuma vidi, viņu priekšlikumi ļoti bieži bija attālināti no reālās situācijas un labumu uzņēmējam nedeva. Šobrīd izmantojam citu pieeju – dosim iespēju jauniešiem iegūt informāciju par pētāmo uzņēmumu, piedāvāsim reālu problēmsituāciju, ar kuru uzņēmums ir saskāries un kuru vienlaicīgi risinās vairākas jauniešu grupas, un ļausim viņiem radīt idejas, analizēt un apspriest tās,” stāsta Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātes dekāne Andra Zvirbule.

Simulācijas galvenais mērķis ir veicināt jauniešos biznesa domāšanu, nevis meklēt risinājumus uzņēmējam. Turklāt simulācijas noslēgumā jaunieši tiks iepazīstināti ar uzņēmuma pieredzi, kā tas realitātē ir atrisinājis simulācijā analizēto problēmu.

Biznesa simulācijas spēle norisinājās Interreg V-A Latvijas – Lietuvas pārrobežu sadarbības programma 2014. – 2020.gadam “Ready for Business” LLI 143 ietvaros. Tās metodiku ir izstrādājuši LLU ESAF pētnieki sadarbībā ar visiem projekta partneriem no Latvijas un Lietuvas. Projekta mērķis ir veicināt ilgtspējīgas uzņēmējdarbības attīstību pārrobežu reģionos, izmantojot inovatīvus uzņēmējdarbības atbalsta instrumentus un risinājumus.

Simulācijā piedalīsies jaunieši no LLU, Daugavpils Universitātes, Ventspils Jauniešu domes, Viseginas Radošuma mājas, Klaipēdas Zinātnes un tehnoloģiju parka un Paņevēžu Darba tirgus apmācību centra. Lai īstenotu simulācijas spēles aktivitātes, tiks izveidotas sešas jauniešu grupas, izmantojot lozēšanu un veicinot dažāda vecuma un tautību jauniešu sadarbību vienas grupas ietvaros.

Spēles metodikas izveidē izmantota projekta dalībnieku apkopotā informācija no 60 Latvijas un Lietuvas uzņēmēju intervijām, kurās viņi stāstīja par sava uzņēmuma izveidošanu, darbību, plānošanu, problēmsituācijām un to risinājumiem.

LLU Jelgavā plānotā biznesa simulācija būs pirmā simulācijas spēle, kurai sekos vairākas spēles citās vietās Latvijā un Lietuvā. Izmantojot tajās gūto pieredzi, LLU mācībspēki kopā ar partneriem izstrādās IT rīku – biznesa spēles simulatoru -, kuru jaunieši varēs brīvi izmantot kā palīgu biznesa domāšanas treniņiem. Savukārt Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātē spēles metodika tiks izmantota studiju procesā jauno vadības zinātņu, ekonomikas un socioloģijas specialitāšu studentu profesionālo kompetenču attīstīšanā.

Are you ready for business!

With the signing of a partnership agreement and a meeting in Klaipeda (Klaipeda Science and Technology Park) on 30 May, the project LLI-143 Ready for Business (ReforB ) was launched. The Project is supported by the Interreg V-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme 2014 – 2020, the priority – support of labour mobility and employment.

Press realize in Latvian here:

Latest Facebook activity - @LLIReforB

Partners structure

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

27. September 2019

ReforB in Eiropas Zinātnieku nakts 2019

Jelgava, Latvia

25. April 2019

Project ReforB LLI-143 Closing Meeting

Jelgava, Latvia

31. January 2019

Business Simulation Game in Klaipeda

Klaipeda, Lithuania

13. December 2018

Business Simulation Game (Services) in Jelgava

Jelgava, Latvia

Project main outputs are achieved:

1)“Textbook of Business”– analytical report based on interviews with entrepreneurs from the cross-border area: Kurzeme, Zemgale
and Latgale regions in Latvia and Klaipeda, Panevezys and Utena counties in Lithuania. Interviews conduction – 60 business cases, 30 questionnaires filled by respondents from newly-established enterprises and 30 representatives of major business and successful long-standing SME.

Report in EN

Report in LV

Report in LT

2) In the framework of the project , a set out 4 Business Simulation Games on such topics: retail, wholesale; production and services. All Business Simulation Games was developed and conducted in project partners regions: Jelgava, Daugavpils, Ventspils, Klaipeda, Visaginas and Panevezys. Each game gathered together 35-40 participants from Latvia and Lithuania, who competed in cross-border teams during 6-7 hours. A total of 8 Business Simulation Games and one pilot game were played, the total number of participants involved in the Business Simulation Games is 360.

3) Guidelines on preparation and conduction of Business Simulation Games: these Guidelines are oriented at educational institutions, training centres, regional development centres, business incubators, business support organisations, youth centres and all other interested parties who wish to conduct the games themselves.

Guidelines in EN

Guidelines in LV

Guidelines in LT

4) “Be involved” seminars designed according to an interactive “Get inspired – help – share – analyze” concept were conducted in
Jelgava, Daugavpils, Ventspils, Klaipeda, Visaginas and Panevezys. Innovative seminar structure allows participants to try on different
roles and perform various activities during 6-7 hours. Recommended number of attendees: 30-40 people. Events are carried out in
four sessions: Session 1 – Success stories; Session 2 – Cure a business; Session 3 – Start a business; Session 4 – Look at a business from the outside. During the 2017-2019 project period, 6 seminars were organized in Latvian and Lithuanian cities and the gathered practical experience of organizing. The total number of participants involved in the seminars is 261.

These events allowed to develop Guidelines on preparation and conducting seminars. The Guidelines provide information on the structure of the event, its possible content, which business representatives should present their business, how to engage young people actively participate in this seminar and how to conduct a successful seminar step by step. The document is oriented towards educational institutions, business incubators, business support organisations, youth centers and all other interested parties who wish to organize the seminars themselves.

Guidelines in EN

Guidelines in LV

Guidelines in LT

5) Online Business Simulator- is an innovative interactive tool that trains beginners in entrepreneurship how to successfully establish
and run own companies while avoiding painful mistakes. 100 real-life situations in its database allow looking at the world of business from different angles, thus providing an all-round understanding of it. The Simulator is everything but boring! Easy-to-read fascinating
texts combined with humorous illustrations make learning an enjoyable experience.

Total online Business Simulator players (on project period) – 1042 players

Play the game now! http://www.reforbsimulator.eu

6) Project portfolio:

Project portfolio in brochure EN_LV

Project portfolio in brochure EN_LT

Information about project activities and documents in our project website