Some opportunities come along when we least expect them. That is exactly how the story of young entrepreneur Daniela began. Through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, she travelled to Singapore and gained valuable experience that she now applies to the development of her own business.
She discovered the programme while searching for alternative European Union support opportunities for her own project. Among the many funding schemes and initiatives available, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs particularly caught her attention. She saw the opportunity to go abroad and gain first-hand insight into international business as a unique experience worth pursuing.
At the time of her departure, Daniela had already completed her studies and was fully focused on building her own business. Her entrepreneurial activities span several sectors, including IT, construction, and trade. For her, diversification and the continuous search for new opportunities are a natural part of doing business.
Her main motivation was to gain new knowledge, establish valuable contacts, and acquire practical experience that could help her access international markets and create new business opportunities beyond Europe.
Why Singapore?
When it came to choosing a destination, Daniela knew from the very beginning where she wanted to go. Her journey led her to Singapore, one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
“I see Asia as a place with endless opportunities, where the phrase ‘it can’t be done’ simply doesn’t exist. I also appreciate the fact that people focus on solving problems instead of trying to cover them up,” she explains.
Her stay gave her the opportunity to experience an environment where innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and a solution-oriented mindset are part of everyday life.
Her host entrepreneur was Ben, a business owner working in the field of innovative hygiene technologies. His laboratories developed probiotic-based cleaning products that protect against viruses, bacteria, and biofilm without the need for harsh chemical substances. The combination of innovation, science, and entrepreneurship offered Daniela a fascinating insight into a sector whose potential she had previously underestimated.
Mentorship that brought a new perspective on business
One of the greatest benefits of the exchange for Daniela was the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. She particularly values the advice she received from her host entrepreneur, who studied business at Harvard University. In addition, she had the chance to meet business owners who have been building and running companies for decades.
Their experience helped her take a more critical look at her own business and gain fresh perspectives on strategic decision-making. Many of the insights and recommendations she received are now applied in her day-to-day operations.
“I received valuable advice that I use on a daily basis. It helps me improve my business not only for customers but also to create a better working environment for employees.”
Beyond professional knowledge, the experience also gave her a deeper understanding of herself, greater humility, and the confidence needed to pursue new projects and opportunities.
New opportunities after returning home
After returning from Singapore, Daniela sees her business as both more stable and more open to new opportunities. The contacts, knowledge, and experience she gained helped her broaden her horizons far beyond the European market.
One of the most significant outcomes of the exchange was the opportunity to introduce probiotic cleaning products from Singapore to the European market. For Daniela, this represents a new avenue for business diversification and an entry into a sector whose potential she only fully recognised during her stay abroad.
“Singapore opened up an incredible number of opportunities for me. It helped me become more stable in business and more open to new projects.”
Her story demonstrates that Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is far more than an exchange programme. It is an opportunity to gain valuable experience, build international networks, and develop the confidence to view entrepreneurship from an entirely new perspective. Sometimes, all it takes is one unexpectedly discovered opportunity to open the door to projects we had never even considered before.
Do you have a business idea and are looking for a mentor abroad?
Join the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme through us and become part of a growing network of entrepreneurs. We look forward to hearing your success story, too.
If you have any questions about the programme, feel free to contact us at viktoria.durisova@cike.sk.
The Green & Digital EXCITE project is co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme.