Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (known as EYE) is one of the most successful initiatives managed by EISMEA: this exchange programme for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs has over 150 local intermediary organisations operating in around 40 European countries and has supported over 12,000 exchanges established between new and host entrepreneurs.
The 32nd Network Meeting, held on April 10 and 11, 2024 in Kaunas, Lithuania, once again highlighted how useful the EYE program is as a learning tool and networking hub for participants, including entrepreneurs and beneficiaries. On this occasion, network participants: EYE Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Award winner. The competition aims to highlight the essence of the EYE program, showcase innovative projects and promote EYE through their success stories. This year, three entrepreneurs were invited to give their presentations.
we, winner The 2024 winner will be a fragrance designer Ramune Gvozdaite.
Her company is Bonodorais leading sensory marketing with innovative scent branding: creating scents for brands. The project was started thanks to an EYE exchange with Till Manthal. Mucho Spanish fragrance agency Ramune used AI technology to curate a collection of 12 visually appealing fragrance cards to enable clients to co-create custom scent solutions.
Bonodora offers the potential to develop compelling brand identities and sensory experiences. The company’s unique approach to scent branding has not only delivered outstanding results, but also driven engagement and differentiation in a competitive marketplace, serving as testament to the company’s innovative spirit and commitment to excellence.
Ramune’s words certainly demonstrate the impact her experience at EYE has had on her entrepreneurial journey.
I have gained the most from it, and what I am most proud of is our innovative methodology of involving our customers in the fragrance creation. Join the program!
Ramune Gvozdaite
Watch her story and learn more about EYE’s adventures.
The exchange was facilitated by the local EYE contact point, the European Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research. Essay/Official Camera of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Santiago de Compostela, Lithuania, Koshi SNS/Spain.
The Network also extends its congratulations to the other two finalists. Narek Harafian and Ricardo Dominguez, a success story In 2023 I will embark on an entrepreneurial journey from Armenia to Romania and from Spain to the USA.
Narek Karafian Founder of Severn Print House Originally from Armenia, his company offers a variety of printing technologies and services, including digital, inkjet, eco-solvent, scanning and lamination. Through the EYE program in collaboration with Daisler Print House in Romania, Narek gained insights that transformed the business, leading to structural improvements and a focus on innovation for the company.
Participating in the program has also had a significant impact on his personal development. Narek said:
This program gives me InspirationWith inspiration, you can overcome anything.
Narek Karafian
Narek and Daniel Deislerwas supported by local EYE contact points Zinishian Memorial FoundationArmenia, Dani Foundation for Management Failure,Romania.
Ricardo Dominguez is the founder of textonality.com, which helps international companies establish a strong brand presence in Spain through localization strategies, marketing copywriting and customized services. The EYE program gave me valuable experience living in the marketing capital of the world, New York, and working with influential figures like Mike Michalowicz.
Ricardo was hosted by Kelsey Ayers. Obsidian Launch LLC, USA.
He summed up his experience:
Use this program to further develop your ideas and build your network.
Ricardo Dominguez
This interaction was facilitated by local EYE Contact Points. Human Expo Foundation,Spain, Union Camere Veneto,Italy.
EISMEA is EYE Support Office In particular, local intermediary organizations Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, European Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research, Connecting Dots (CD), this 32and We organized the EYE Network meetup to provide a platform for successful entrepreneurs to meet and network. We would also like to thank all the other applicants who applied to this competition but were unsuccessful. Failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey. Keep up the good work!
For more details about the program, this year’s finalists and their thoughts, EYE website.
