Integrating Maker Skills in Innovation Ecosystems
Regional EXPO workshops
Practical workshops for budding entrepreneurs and sharing of experiences from those who have success
Overview
What has been done
As part of the local event, the "Boots for roots" project was implemented in the form of 2 workshops with experienced lecturers and one guided discussion at a regional fair, which brought together experts, creators and stakeholders from various industries. The first workshop focused on the influence of communication for the successful sale of one's own products or services, and the second on practical examples of using LinkedIn for business marketing. The morning block was supplemented by a guided debate with 2 award-winning successful start-up entrepreneurs from the Karlovy Vary region - one independent entrepreneur and one small company. They talked about what led them to start a business, what problems they faced and how they manage to further develop their business.
Why was it needed locally
The local ecosystem suffers from a lack of entrepreneurs. Individual small creators who are considering the transition from hobby to business lack certain competencies. Many of them encounter obstacles in starting and developing their own businesses. The aim of the pilot project was to help them in one of the most important areas - promoting their own product and promoting it to customers, and to share the experiences of people who have recently started their own businesses.
Target Groups: How were they activated and their benefits
Other SME – Local creators (various professions - technical, craft, artistic).
Activation: Participants in the "Rozjeď byznys" program (Start Your Business) and entities listed in the Karlovy Vary Region’s creative professionals directory were contacted via direct email; some are members of the Chamber of Commerce and were contacted via a regular newsletter.
Benefit: The event participants received information about the importance of communication for promoting their products and services and the possibilities of using the LinkedIn network for acquiring business contacts and effective marketing.
– Regional Innovation Center of the Karlovy Vary Region, INION Center, Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region.
Activation: Reaching out through the existing regional cooperation network.
Benefit: Direct contact with regional companies and creatives, mapping their needs to set up appropriate support tools (advice, vouchers, activities, spaces, incentives) for the development of innovations, potential for cooperation with the research sector.
Resources Required
Staff
An employee with experience in organizing public events (content, technical support, budget management, marketing). Instructors in the relevant fields
Space
Karlovy Vary, Plavirna Otovice, conference room.
Equipment
Screen, laptop, transport, tables and chairs.
Budget
Medium: 2-10,000 €
Medium: 2-10,000 €
3800 € covering venue rental, moderation, promotion, catering, photography
Methods & Steps
Core Mechanism
Formats applied
Workshop:
A high-quality expert presentation that includes hands-on exercises for participants on the topic and opportunities to interact with the instructor. How to get noticed, be heard, and make sales through effective communication and how to build professional connections on LinkedIn. It enabled them to acquire the soft skills needed to move from an idea to their own business.
Methods used: experiential learning: An educational approach that builds on personal experience and emotions; participants try things out for themselves, leading to a deeper and more lasting retention of information.Scenario-based training: An educational or training method that simulates real-life situations.
Mentoring programme:
Sharing concrete experiences in launching a business—from the initial idea to the implementation of a specific business plan—by a successful entrepreneur and a successful small business (original approaches, teamwork, leveraging one’s own strengths, overcoming obstacles by finding new paths, self-development, etc.)
Methods used: Presentation : An informal discussion between representatives of two organizations, moderated by a host, followed by a Q&A session with the audienceSteps taken
Preparation
1.5 month
- Selection of instructors: Comparing options on the market based on specific needs, agreeing on the workshop terms.
- Target audience: Chamber members, regional entrepreneurs, and creative professionals (participants in the “Rozjeď byznys” program - Start your own business)
- Event organization: Practical planning, including venue selection, catering, a moderator, and photo documentation
- Communication : Registration form, direct email campaigns, social media posts, newsletters, and contacting participants, event evaluation
Event Organization
1 day
- Opening and Welcome: Welcome coffee break with a brief overview of the event program.
- Workshops: Themed sessions led by a facilitator
- Panel Discussion: Sharing experiences about starting a business, challenges, and successes
- Networking: Informal networking during breaks and lunch, facilitated by name tags
After the event
1 month
- Communication: Sending thank-you emails, sharing results, and posting summaries on social media.
- Evaluation : Collecting feedback from participants to assess the impact and improve future editions.
Results
Measurable and Direct Outcomes
The local action brought about the following concrete results:
- Improved entrepreneurial / pioneer skills: Participants improved their communication skills (how to communicate effectively), self-presentation and learned how to use LinkedIn to build professional connections.
- Business models: Successful entrepreneurs shared their business models, which participants could adapt to their own circumstances.
Indirect Impacts
Raising the region's profile (place branding) – The event demonstrates that the region is active, innovative, and has a vibrant business community.
PR benefits for companies and organizers – Companies gain publicity even if they do not close an immediate deal.
Connecting companies with institutions – (chambers of commerce, public administration) improving awareness of the needs of local businesses.
Local Outlook / Follow-up
- Repetition of the event: The Karlovy Vary Regional Chamber of Commerce plans to offer this format again once a year. Participants expressed interest in the event even if a fee were charged, which will help ensure its sustainability.
- Best practice: The Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region also anticipates integrating this format, as a best practice example, into the upcoming regional soft skill strategy.
Evaluation
Satisfaction - Overview
The participants’ response was very positive both on-site and in their evaluations of the event some time later. The feedback survey (32% response rate) showed that more than 80% of participants were satisfied or very satisfied. Most participants found the workshops beneficial because they included practical tips that they were able to try out right away.
Satisfaction - Details
- Inspiring instructors: The event reached capacity shortly after it was advertised, as the instructors have an excellent reputation. Their workshops were both inspiring and practical. After the event, they also offered brief one-on-one consultations on-site.
- Ideas from the event: There was a strong desire to hold the event annually, even if it required a financial contribution. It was proposed that each event focus on a specific business sector.
- Key performance indicators: Number of participants
Transfer Hints
- Activate your network: Use your network to reach out to potential event attendees well in
advance. Personal outreach helps motivate attendees and ensures strong participation and engagement. - Instructors: You’ll choose highly regarded instructors, an engaging workshop topic, and the opportunity to try everything out hands-on right there on the spot.
- Inspiring venue: Inspiring venue a well-accessible and suitably equipped venue for the event. Good catering services and a pleasant environment contribute significantly to the overall experience and engagement.
- Making workshops more engaging: Combine the workshops with another larger event aimed at entrepreneurs, such as a trade show, exhibition, or conference.
- Sharing a story: Sharing a specific success story from the region will create a positive atmosphere at the event.
- Workshop Focus: The workshop topic may vary, but it will always be relevant to aspiring entrepreneurs; alternatively, it may cover several related topics.
- Duration and timing of the event : This may consist of a single workshop or multiple workshops on a similar topic, with varying durations and held at different times of the day.
- Workshop topic: Not a very appealing topic for aspiring entrepreneurs or people thinking about starting a business.
- Preparation: Lack of time for sufficient promotion and preparation of the event itself.
- Venue: Unsuitable spaces in terms of size or accessibility can negatively affect participant
engagement.
Participant Testimonials & Impressions
Impressions
📹 Video Documentation
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Access the complete implementation guide and connect with the team
Contact: Barbora Volfova
Phone: +420608887078
Email: volfova@khkkk.cz
Need more information?
Project manager:
Franziska Görmar
IfL - Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography, Germany
Email
This project is supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.
Find more information about the x-Inno Radar project on the Interreg CE projectwebsite.
x-Inno Radar is a project of: 
Creative Region Linz & Upper Austria Gmbh, 
The Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region, 
Padova Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, 
Creative Industry Košice, n. o., 
BSC, Business support centre, ltd., Kranj, 
Regional Development Agency in Bielsko-Biała, 
Stebo Competence Centre Community Developmentm, 
Association of Cultural and Creative Industries Chemnitz and Region (Creative Chemnitz), Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography – Germany, Otelo Cooperative