📅 Implementation:Mar 2025 – Mar 2026 (12 months)
💶 Total Budget: €201,178.60 | ERDF Contribution: €160,942.88
🤝 Partners:2 NGOs
🎯 Type: People-to-people | P2P | ISO6.3

Summary

INSPIRE boosts entrepreneurship in the Romania–Hungary cross-border region by helping business support organisations work together, share expertise, and offer better services to young entrepreneurs.

Operating across Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Hajdú-Bihar, Bihor, and Satu Mare, the project tackles real challenges faced by start-ups, from limited access to mentoring to a lack of coordinated support. INSPIRE connects institutions, strengthens their capacity, and helps them guide entrepreneurs more effectively.

The project analyses the existing network of business support services, identifies overlaps and gaps, and designs a joint action plan to make those services more efficient. It also gathers European good practices, such as the Enterprising Launchpad Barnsley model, adapting them to local needs.

Through training sessions, networking events, and pilot programmes, INSPIRE creates a stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem, where innovation and cooperation go hand in hand.

Project Aim

To improve cooperation and capacity among business support organisations in the Romania–Hungary cross-border area, making services more effective and accessible for young entrepreneurs.

Objectives

✅ Map and analyse existing business support systems in both countries
✅ Identify gaps and overlaps to improve service efficiency
✅ Adapt and apply successful European best practices
✅ Train local institutions and test a joint support programme
✅ Strengthen networking and cross-border partnerships

Key Activities & Results

🔹 Service mapping and analysis – A comprehensive overview of existing support organisations and their services, leading to a joint cross-border analysis.
🔹 Good practice collection – Identification of effective European models adaptable to local business environments.
🔹 Joint Action Plan – Strategic roadmap aligning local gaps with proven solutions, prioritising quick wins and sustainable actions.
🔹 Networking and collaboration events – In-person and online meetings connecting business support experts and start-ups.
🔹 Training and pilot testing – Development of a training programme and pilot initiative tailored to young entrepreneurs.
🔹 Final conference – Presentation of findings, outcomes, and a vision for a lasting cross-border business support network.

Partnership

Lead Partner: Network for Regional Development Foundation (HU)
Project Partner:  Association for Business Promotion in Romania (RO)

INSPIRE empowers institutions to help entrepreneurs thrive. By connecting professionals, sharing know-how, and designing smarter support systems, the project builds a resilient, innovative business environment where young entrepreneurs can grow confidently across borders.

For more details, consult the project fact sheet available in English and check out the project's LinkedIn page. 

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