IN-HABIT Riga. 2023 – Bridge for Billions

Do you have a business idea which might thrive in Riga planning region or Āgenskalns market?

We will support 40 entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into successful businesses, offering structured 4-month long online programme along with mentorship, digital educational tools and connections.

Connecting the people of the Riga region through the art of food, wellness and the beauty of sustainability.

As part of the EU Horizon 2020 project, this is our second year supporting initiatives that seek to transform the Riga region and the Āgenskalns local market. We’re looking to support more businesses that can bring more quality of life to people.

From fresh, locally sourced food to vibrant recreational and educational public spaces, we aim to assist businesses that champion local innovation, eco-friendliness, and well-being. We want to support businesses that foster economic growth through meaningful interactions, playful cultural activities, and enriching community experiences.

We believe in the power of togetherness. The way we engage with public spaces can make a lasting impact on our community's health, happiness, and sustainability. So we’re launching a second cohort to keep supporting entrepreneurs in the Riga region!

Last year, 19 entrepreneurs with various business ideas successfully completed our entrepreneurship program, benefiting from mentorship, engaging community events, expert sessions, collaborative workshops, and even a chance to vie for an opportunity to present their projects at an international conference in Nitra, Slovakia.

0 %

of businesses had a focus on health and wellbeing

0 %

of entrepreneurs would like to keep in touch with their mentors after the program

0 %

of participants would recommend this experience to someone else

0 %

of entrepreneurs said the program has been useful, important or critical for their business

Meet some of the ventures we’ve supported already:

Kristīne Jacino
CEO of Food Education School

Food Education School is an innovative institution where children delve into the fascinating world of food production technologies through engaging books and animated videos, while also cultivating their culinary skills, sensory appreciation, and knowledge of food safety. With a comprehensive curriculum encompassing nutritional education and a specialized program on "Design thinking for developing entrepreneurship," the school not only empowers young learners but also equips educators with enhanced expertise in food production and its nutritional value.

Elīna Zandere
CEO of Legomo

Legomo is a nutrient-rich ready meal that helps customers to maintain a healthy and delicious diet. The Legomo innovative technology effectively preserves the nutritional value of vegetables without losing taste and appeal, avoiding preservatives, and excessive production processes. According to statistics, 81% of Europeans regularly consume ready meals. However, there is still a lack of options that are healthy. By creating Legomo, I have maintained the belief that convenience does not have to equal compromise.

We believe you can succeed.

We know your idea has the power to transform the way we live and enjoy life.

We’re looking to support 40 business ideas to bring this vision to life and yours can be one of them. Are you ready to dedicate 4 months to improve and set the foundations to grow your business with the latest entrepreneurship tools? Here’s what we have to offer:

Build friendships and a professional network with entrepreneurs in Lucca, Riga and Nitra to expand your business opportunities and community support.

Receive personalized mentorship that will help you guide your business decisions with leading experts.

After completion, you could be selected to travel to the IN-HABIT Consortium to present your business and the impact you make.

Connect to a network of organizations focused on business development, investment funds and many more opportunities!

This is what the entrepreneurs and mentors from the first cohort have to say about IN-HABIT program:

“Great thanks to the structure of the program. The level of knowledge of experts was very high. Experience with my mentor was beyond expectations and the level of his professional expertise is amazing, and I cannot be more grateful to meet him and to receive his experience and options. Overall a very professional tool to connect knowledge and mentors, businesses and focus on learning”

“Exciting. Empowering. Meaningfully. If you are motivated, incubation program modules can help you a lot in your way to reach measurable results.”

"The programme as a whole is very well structured. Especially for young entrepreneurs who are just starting up any kind of activity, this is very useful to be aware of all the risks and the viability and potential of the business. This programme helped us to understand our target audience more, to re-establish and reinforce our values, to make new contacts, to go into various important nuances that we don't get to think about on a daily basis. Overall, I am very satisfied with the programme and with the mentor assigned to me. Thank you very much for your time and effort!"

“The program is like a trampoline that prepares young entrepreneurs to jumpstart their businesses.”

"A great programme for young and aspiring entrepreneurs. The programme helps to structure the mind and thoughts of a young entrepreneur, taking them step by step from idea to product, marketing, market understanding."

"IN-HABIT is an excellent program that helps entrepreneurs grow in a relatively short period of time and in a structured way towards the goal! I recommend using all the possibilities provided by this program to the maximum. Good luck!"

"I am very glad that I participated in the mentoring program "Bridge for Billions" as a mentor, because this experience was very pleasant and exciting for me. I was impressed by the valuable interaction that takes place between the mentor and the young entrepreneurs and how much support can be provided by sharing your experience and knowledge."

What makes us so successful?

Step-by-step learning and development

Our program is designed to guide you through each stage of your business journey. You will learn by doing practical exercises that can be applied to your business from the first day.

FLEXIBLE ONLINE LEARNING

Work from anywhere and at anytime using our online platform. All you need is an internet connection. Focus on your entrepreneurial journey without compromising your other responsibilities!

A MENTOR JUST FOR YOU!

We'll pair you with a mentor who will guide you personally, through weekly video calls. They'll provide an external perspective to help you with your business and its potential.

EXPERT SESSIONS

Join our industry-led webinars with experienced professionals. Get actionable advice and wonderful tips to grow your business from the best experts!

BE PART OF A COMMUNITY

Join a friendly community of entrepreneurs and business mentors. Share resources, make business alliances, and work through challenges together.

BUILD YOUR BUsiness PLan

After finishing all the modules on our platform, the system will automatically create your executive summary. Just download it and share with banks, investors or other stakeholders. A necessary tool to take your business to the next level!

FINAL EVENT

By the end of the program, we'll host a closing event where top finalists will get to present their business ideas to relevant stakeholders locally. All participants will be able to share their projects and network with the program partners.

What can I expect to gain from the program?

As an entrepreneur

As a mentor

Proven methodology

You will learn by doing with an approach inspired by MIT's Disciplined Entrepreneurship. More than 2900 entrepreneurs from 120+ countries have already gone through our methodology!

Mentorship guidance

You will work closely with a mentor who will guide you throughout the length of the program. Have weekly video sessions where you will review their work, get feedback, and resolve any questions.

Global Network

You will connect with the rest of the program participants, a community of peer entrepreneurs working in your city towards the same goals as you. Connect with them throughout the different program sessions to share resources and tackle challenges together.

Your own executive summary

Founders will work on their business step by step while generating a validated business plan and executive summary. You will be able to download a PDF version to later present it in front of investors, other co-founders, etc.

Anytime, Anywhere

Collaborate from anywhere at any time through our online platform; no barriers, limits, or excuses; just an internet connection!

Exclusive perks

Access to expert masterclasses + more than 30K in discounts on HubSpot, Amazon WS, Google Suite, MailJet, IBM…

Pitch your business

At the end of the program, you will join our pitch competition during the final Demo Day with relevant stakeholders from the ecosystem.

Requirements for entrepreneurs

Have idea/project/start-up under development/ recently launched/ early stage.
Potential implementation place: Riga planning region or Āgenskalns market.
Motivation to have a social impact on communities.
Your project is in line with IN-HABIT values of health and wellbeing.
Impact in the following sectors:
sustainable food production, locally sourced food, local food market economy, recreation and education, nutrition, physical activities,cultural tourism (tours, guides, apps, audio guides, games), integration of different population groups, waste management, communal food spaces or solutions, e-markets for food, circular economy ideas (creative reuse of food and non-food waste or "upcycling"), pilot projects linked to science and leisure, crafts business ideas.
Motivated to devote approx. 8 hours per week for 4 months (individual work on platform, mentoring sessions, extra meetings).
Access to a computer/tablet and a stable internet connection.
The whole programme will be online with possible activities in Āgenskalns market.
Fluent in Latvian. English will be a plus too but not mandatory!

Requirements for mentors

Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in business or coaching, management, start-up, project management or in any of the targeted business areas for this program.
Voluntary commitment of approx. 1h/30 per week for 4 months (mentoring sessions and entrepreneur work review).
Motivation to have social impact on communities and support early-stage entrepreneurs that are looking to secure a sustainable business.
Interest and/or knowledge in IN-HABIT project topics/themes and readiness to demonstrate empathy, tolerance and dedication.
You can be based anywhere as all the program will be online with possible networking events in Āgenskalns market.
You have access to a computer or tablet and internet connection.
You are fluent in Latvian. English will be a plus too but not mandatory!

What will I learn during this program?

By completing the 8 modules of the platform, you will create a clear and structured business plan and executive summary.

Value proposition

Define how your product or service is different and valuable to your customers.

Competition Map

Make your product or service stand out from your competition when selling to the same customers.

Stakeholder map

Confidently identify the individuals or groups that have a strong interest or involvement in your project.

Business model & marketing

Promote your products effectively and sell more at the right price.

Pricing & Business Availability

Ensure that your business stays profitable over time.

Financial Projections

Plan the financial stability and money management for the next 3 years of your business.

Impact Plan

Design how your business will contribute to your sector and region and set how you'll measure it.

Growth Plan

Set growth goals and priorities and monitor your advancements in achieving these as time passes.

Apply before the date!

Days

Hours

Minutes

November 30th 2023

Timeline

Apply to the program

25th September - 30th November, 2023

Tell us more about you and your start-up (for entrepreneurs) or your professional experience (for mentors) by applying below. Our team will assess all the entrepreneurs and mentors applications and select the necessary profiles.

Apply now >

Announcement of selected candidates

Beggining of December 2023

We will review all the applications and we will select the start-ups and mentors to participate in the IN-HABIT Riga Incubation Program.

Onboarding Entrepreneurs and Mentors

Beggining of December 2023

If selected, we will invite you to participate in an information session to welcome you to the incubation program. In this session we will cover the role of program participants, what the relationship between mentors and projects will be like, the use of the Bridge for Billions incubation platform, and much more!

Mentors and Entrepreneurs Matching

Beggining of December 2023

Take part in our matching process! Entrepreneurs and mentors will have the possibility to meet in different virtual sessions of their choice. Once you have been able to meet different profiles, both will send their preferences to let us know who they want to work with and make the best teams.

Online Incubation Program

From 9th January to 31st May, 2024

Start the online incubation experience with mentoring sessions, work tools and structured development. Entrepreneurs and mentors will have 4 months to complete the incubation cycle and develop your validated business plan.

Entrepreneurs will cover the most important parts of their business (from refining the value proposition to generating a clear growth plan).
Mentors will meet weekly with your entrepreneur in one-on-one sessions to go through the 8 business modules.
Ventures will finish the program by developing a business plan and executive summary ready to present to investors, for example.
After completing the program, participating ventures will be invited to present and pitch their projects in our final Demo Day.

Learn how you can be part of our program to support entrepreneurs in Riga and join our online info session. Leave us your details and our Program manager will contact you.

What is IN-HABIT?

IN-HABIT is an EU Horizon 2020 project that aims to foster inclusive health and wellbeing (IHW) in four peripheral small and medium-sized cities (SMSCs): Cordoba (Spain), Riga (Latvia), Lucca (Italy) and Nitra (Slovakia).

In each city, the project will mobilise existing undervalued resources (culture, food, human-animal bonds and environment) to increase IHW, with a focus on gender, diversity, equity and inclusion.

The integrated approach will combine technological, digital, nature-based, cultural and social innovations in selected urban public spaces. These solutions will be co-designed, co-deployed and co-managed with and by local stakeholders.

Project Coordinator

Partners

The best methodology

As the backbone of the program, the program offers a gamified and step-by-step experience that allows entrepreneurs to create their business plans and validate their models.

Far from theory, our pedagogy pushes you to formulate your ideas and answer the tough questions. It invites you to “get out there”, talk to people, research, and validate your ideas. Your mentor will be there for you every week to support you by challenging assumptions and offering a fresh perspective.

At the end of the program, you will not only have a business plan to present to potential investors or new co-founders and team, but you will have total peace of mind that you are building a business validated by your potential clients.

Questions about the programme?

For entrepreneurs

How long it takes to participate in the program?

The more time you are able to dedicate, the better the results. We have structured the program so that you can complete all the activities in 6-8 hours a week, including a one-hour video call with your mentor and participation in the different sessions, this is your program.

Also, remember that you will have to commit to dedicating at least 6 hours a week for the duration of the program (4 months) and that there will also be online sessions where you will meet with the other program participants to share challenges and learning.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

Any! This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 869227.

What do I need for the program?

We recommend you have a laptop or desktop computer and preferably one of these browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Even so, our platform also adapts to cell phones.

Also, we hope that you have a stable and reliable internet connection both for your weekly review on the platform and to participate in calls with your mentor by video call.

What will be the role of my mentor or mentor?

Your mentor will act as your guide throughout the program. Week after week, it will help you validate your strategy and design your growth plan. Mentors support you within the platform and meet with you once a week (usually via video calls) to validate your progress.

Can my partner or teammate work with me on the project?

Of course! Our program is made to collaborate with your entire team. You can easily invite your teammates to join your project and seamlessly collaborate on its development.

You can work at the same time as a teammate, but please note, however, that our platform does not allow live collaboration like with Google Docs (you will only see a teammate’s edits after you refresh the page and you must have to be careful not to “override” the others’ entries.)

I am concerned about my intellectual property if I apply. Should I worry about this?

We hope our reputation speaks for itself on this topic! We treat your application and program data as confidential information. They are protected by our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and your mentor will also sign a Mentor Agreement that includes a confidentiality clause.

For mentors

How much time is needed to participate in the program?

During the duration of the program, you will have to meet once a week with your entrepreneur to hold mentoring meetings for 1 hour. On top of that, we recommend always spending at least an extra 30 minutes reviewing and validating progress on the platform, and coming to meetings prepared.

What technology do I need for the program?

You must be able to use a laptop or desktop computer (not a tablet or mobile phone) and preferably one of these browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. We hope that you have a powerful and reliable Internet connection both for your weekly review on the platform and to participate in calls with your entrepreneur via videoconference.

What would mentoring this program bring me?

As a mentor, you will have a positive impact on someone’s life. You will meet and connect with students with innovative ideas and develop your mentoring skills, exposing yourself to the latest innovation and entrepreneurship methodologies while helping a start-up company grow.

Can I mentor more than one project?

Yes. However, we ask that you be realistic with your time commitment. We don’t want anyone to overcommit or set expectations that they won’t be able to meet due to lack of time.

How will I find a good project to mentor?

To facilitate the process of matching between mentors and mentees, or as we call it “matching”, we have created the process of “organic matching”.

In this way, you will have the opportunity to meet the different participating projects, invite them to a «Virtual Coffee» to learn about the ideas in detail, and then both parties can decide if they want to work together or not. In this way, we ensure that we create solid and lasting mentoring relationships.

Will I receive any compensation?

No, all mentors in this program are volunteers.

What is my role as a mentor?

Your role as a mentor will be to guide your entrepreneurs throughout the process. Using the online tools as a guide, you will help your entrepreneurs validate their strategies throughout the program and support them throughout the meeting online once a week.

Will I receive a certificate of participation?

At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of participation.

Can’t find your question here?

Contact Anete Grosberga, Incubation Manager of the IN-HABIT Incubation Program if you have any questions.

This program has been built by

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 869227

For more information, please visit our website

Do you have a business idea which might thrive in Riga planning region or Āgenskalns market?

We will support 40 entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into successful businesses, offering structured 4-month long online programme along with mentorship, digital educational tools and connections.

Connecting the people of the Riga region through the art of food, wellness and the beauty of sustainability.

We believe in the power of togetherness. The way we engage with public spaces can make a lasting impact on our community's health, happiness, and sustainability. So we’re launching a second cohort to keep supporting entrepreneurs in the Riga region!

Meet some of the ventures we’ve supported already:

Kristīne JacinoCEO of Food Education School

Elīna ZandereCEO of Legomo

Elvija VanagaCEO of Fat Cat leaves

Liene TurlajaCEO of Skillarize

We believe you can succeed.

We know your idea has the power to transform the way we live and enjoy life.

This is what the entrepreneurs and mentors from the first cohort have to say about IN-HABIT program:

What makes us so successful?

What can I expect to gain from the program?

As an entrepreneur

As a mentor

Requirements for entrepreneurs​

Requirements for mentors​

What will I learn during this program?

Value proposition

Competition Map

Stakeholder map

Business model & marketing

Pricing & Business Availability

Financial Projections

Impact Plan

Growth Plan

Apply before the date!

November 30th 2023

Timeline

Apply to the program

Announcement of selected candidates

Onboarding Entrepreneurs and Mentors

Mentors and Entrepreneurs Matching

Online Incubation Program

Learn how you can be part of our program to support entrepreneurs in Riga and join our online info session. Leave us your details and our Program manager will contact you.

What is IN-HABIT?

Project Coordinator

Partners

The best methodology

Questions about the programme?

For entrepreneurs

For mentors

Can’t find your question here?

Kristīne Jacino
CEO of Food Education School

Elīna Zandere
CEO of Legomo

Elvija Vanaga
CEO of Fat Cat leaves

Liene Turlaja
CEO of Skillarize

Requirements for entrepreneurs

Requirements for mentors