Empowering European Entrepreneurs through Financing Education

About the Project

In the fertile landscape of European enterprises, the SeedFund project sprouts, embodying the vision of new beginnings for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This initiative, rooted in the rich soil of innovation and funded by Erasmus+ (2023-1-FR01-KA220-HED-000156662), symbolizes a seed of knowledge and growth. Like a sapling reaching towards the sun, SeedFund aims to grow robust networks and spread the leaves of understanding about SME financing. It’s a vision of advancing a thriving ecosystem where European SMEs flourish, reaching out confidently into the global market.

Central to the SeedFund project’s objectives is its commitment to strategically mitigate misinformation in SME financing, thereby igniting a broader awareness and understanding of alternative fundraising mechanisms. The project ambitiously plans to introduce a meticulously designed 12 ECTS online course, focusing on EU alternative SME financing schemes.

This educational endeavor aims not only to elevate the knowledge base of young entrepreneurs but also to foster a robust European network, thuscreating an entrepreneurial ecosystem conducive to innovation and growth. Furthermore, the project seeks to pioneer innovative fundraising mechanisms to support startups, thus reinforcing the role of universities in nurturing and supporting the next generation of business leaders.

In doing so, SeedFund aspires to not only amplify the competencies of SMEs but also to champion and propagate EU policies on SME competitiveness and internationalization, positioning European enterprises at the forefront of global economic progress.

Project Deliverables

WP1: Project Management and Coordination

Work package 1 (WP1) forms the operational backbone of the SeedFund project, ensuring smooth execution and effective oversight. It encompasses all aspects of project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and quality control. This work package is pivotal in coordinating the efforts of various stakeholders, maintaining alignment with project objectives, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budget constraints. It is the hub that synchronizes activities across all other work packages, ensuring coherence and synergistic progress.

WP2: Guide of EU and Alternative Financial Schemes

Work package 2 (WP2) focuses on the development of a comprehensive guide detailing various EU and alternative financial schemes available to SMEs. It aims to provide a repository of best practices and real-life case studies, serving as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking insights and guidance in finance-related decision-making. This guide is intended to be an authoritative reference point, illuminating the landscape of SME financing options and assisting in the demystification of complex financial instruments.

WP3: E-learning Platform and Online Course

Work package 3 (WP3) is dedicated to the creation of an E-learning platform and the development of a 12 ECTS online course. This digital education module is designed to impart detailed knowledge about EU and alternative SME financing schemes. The platform itself aims to provide an interactive, user-friendly learning environment for entrepreneurs and students, facilitating access to cutting-edge knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of financial strategies in the context of SME growth.

WP4: European Network for SMEs Support

Work package 4 (WP4) is focused on establishing a robust European network to support SMEs. This network aims to facilitate connections, collaborations, and exchanges among SMEs, financial experts, and academic institutions across Europe. The objective is to create a dynamic ecosystem that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and mutual support among SMEs.

WP5: Dissemination and Policy Recommendations

Work package 5 (WP5) is centered around the dissemination of project findings and the formulation of policy recommendations by communicating the project’s results to a wider audience, including stakeholders, policymakers, and the academic community, to maximize its impact. The policy recommendations are aimed at informing and influencing EU policies related to SME financing and support.