The Business Pride project, aimed at empowering and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth entrepreneurs, officially commenced with a meeting held from July 13–15, 2023, in Nuremberg, Germany. Hosted by Highlights e.V., the project coordinator, the meeting brought together representatives from partner organizations, including three members from TIR Consulting Group & FFE Poland, to collaboratively plan and set the groundwork for the initiative’s success.

The Business Pride project focuses on equipping LGBTQIA+ youth with tailored guidance to help them establish or expand their business ideas. A key feature of the initiative is connecting these young entrepreneurs with seasoned business leaders who can guide them as mentors, offering expertise and support throughout the process.

The three-day meeting was structured to maximize collaboration and understanding. The first day served as a formal kick-off, during which partners were introduced, and the project’s vision was outlined in detail. This session provided an invaluable opportunity to align on objectives and discuss the broader implementation of the work plan.

The remaining two days were dedicated to participatory visits, fostering interactive engagement and in-depth exploration of the project’s goals. These activities not only allowed for meaningful dialogue but also deepened participants’ understanding of the methodologies and strategies needed to achieve impactful outcomes.

Key discussions during the meeting revolved around finalizing the work plan, establishing a dissemination strategy, and solidifying the methodology for developing the project’s core results. Among these deliverables are an interactive handbook and the Business Pride Platform, both of which aim to provide practical tools and resources for aspiring LGBTQIA+ youth entrepreneurs.

The meeting marked an important milestone in the project, setting a strong foundation for future collaboration and the successful realization of the Business Pride vision.