On Thursday, February 27, CGE Erfurt e.V. and Plattform e.V. hosted an event at Salinestraße 34 in Erfurt, dedicated to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship. The gathering was part of the TASK4ISI initiative, which aims to address structural barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women, migrants, and young people. By promoting inclusive business support structures, policy innovation, and tailored training programs, TASK4ISI is working to create a more accessible entrepreneurial landscape across Central Europe. The event began with CGE presenting the outcomes of the previous Interreg Central Europe project, TASK4COME, and its Social Impulse Academy, an initiative that laid the foundation for the upcoming program for social entrepreneurs. Following this, Lara from Werkhaus Inclusion introduced the TASK4ISI project, outlining its core objectives and highlighting the development of five transferable toolkits designed to provide structured guidance on training, mentorship, and business development for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Throughout the evening, several guest speakers shared insights into the various support services available for entrepreneurs in Thuringia. Prof. Dr. Annette Hoxtell, Professor of Business Administration and Marketing at FH Erfurt, provided an overview of entrepreneurial education opportunities. Huong Vo from FH Erfurt’s start-up services discussed resources available to early-stage entrepreneurs. Oliver Krahl from ThEx Enterprise elaborated on the financial support structures and business launch services available in central and northern Thuringia. Michael Saad from MigraNetz Thüringen e.V. spoke about the importance of migrant-led networks and their role in strengthening community-based entrepreneurship. Atifa Tokhi and Olena Havrysh from KAUSA-Landesstelle Thüringen, BWTW, contributed to the discussion by presenting their initiatives aimed at supporting business development for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
To engage participants in a more interactive experience, Vlad led an energizer session designed to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. This was followed by a gamified discussion, facilitated by Vlad with support from CGE volunteers, which focused on gathering feedback to refine the TASK4ISI Framework Program. Participants were divided into different groups and asked to sit at designated tables, where they were provided with a set of structured questions about entrepreneurship. These questions encouraged them to reflect on key challenges such as securing funding, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and accessing mentorship opportunities. Using the World Café method, each group engaged in discussions and shared insights based on their experiences. The discussions emphasized the necessity of peer-to-peer mentoring, particularly for migrant and female entrepreneurs, who often struggle to find culturally relevant business support networks. Participants highlighted the need for targeted programs addressing the specific barriers these groups face.
A key theme of the evening was TASK4ISI’s contribution to aligning inclusive entrepreneurship with regional economic development strategies, particularly through the Smart Specialization Strategy . By establishing a transnational network of 108 Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Hubs , the project is creating spaces for skill development, stakeholder collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. The pilot initiatives tested in five regions have provided valuable insights that are now informing the creation of five action plan packages, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program beyond its 30-month duration. The evening concluded with an informal networking session, providing a relaxed space for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Entrepreneurs, support organizations, and stakeholders engaged in discussions on strengthening regional entrepreneurial networks and ensuring continued support for underrepresented business founders.
By the end of the event, participants had gained valuable insights into existing entrepreneurship support structures, contributed to the refinement of the TASK4ISI framework, and reinforced the importance of inclusive economic development. The feedback collected during the discussions will directly shape future training materials, policy recommendations, and business support services within the initiative, ensuring that underrepresented entrepreneurs across Central Europe continue to benefit from sustainable and inclusive growth opportunities.
