Benalmádena Hosts “Inspire & Impact” Erasmus+ Partnership-Building Activity to Strengthen Entrepreneurship Communities Across Europe
Benalmádena, Spain, 26th May 2025
Leaders of youth entrepreneurship-related organisations from 12 countries came together in Benalmádena for Inspire & Impact, a 5-day Partnership-Building Activity (PBA) coordinated by local NGO Costa Connect Asociación.
The event, held from 19–24 May 2025, aimed to foster international collaboration on entrepreneurship education for young people in remote and rural areas of Europe. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the PBA offered a strategic platform for NGO leaders, project managers, and youth workers to share expertise, map common challenges, and co-design new projects that will empower the next generation of entrepreneurial youth across Europe.
Key objectives of Inspire & Impact included:
Discussing the challenges of youth entrepreneurship education in remote areas.
Strengthening cooperation between youth-focused NGOs.
Showcasing Benalmádena Pueblo as a case study of a geographically isolated yet dynamic community.
Creating a shared map of opportunities for youth organisations across Europe.
Designing joint Erasmus+ projects for submission in 2025–2026.
“As a newly established association working to promote youth entrepreneurship in Benalmádena Pueblo, hosting 12 like-minded organisations from across Europe was a milestone for us. It allowed us not only to share the challenges we face locally, but also to explore solutions, exchange strategies, and build real partnerships for future international cooperation.” — Inna Tagirova, president of Costa Connect Association (Spain).
Participants engaged in interactive workshops, simulations, and collaborative planning sessions designed to spark meaningful dialogue and practical outcomes. Highlights included peer-led sessions such as “Product or Marketing?” and “Are Your Surroundings Business Supportive?”, which helped organisations reflect on how to align their impact with visibility and build more supportive youth entrepreneurship ecosystems.
The programme also extended beyond the training room. Participants visited Benalmádena Pueblo, where they met with local entrepreneurs to discuss their needs, challenges, and opportunities. This direct exchange offered valuable insight into the realities of running businesses in remote areas — a key focus of the project.
To deepen the connection with the host community, the group explored iconic local sites including Colomares Castle, Parque de la Paloma, Castillo El-Bil-Bil, and the vibrant Puerto Marina. These visits allowed participants to immerse themselves in the town’s heritage and daily life, sparking enthusiasm for future collaboration.
Across all activities, participants expressed a strong desire to continue building cooperation between their organisations, countries, and across Europe, turning this short-term activity into the foundation for long-term partnerships.
“With over two decades in European cooperation, I’ve had the privilege to work with many European entrepreneurial organisations, from the island of Azores to the mountains of Norway. My passion and mission is to create a platform for organisations to connect, engage, inspire. What made Inspire & Impact in Benalmádena so special was the energy in the room — organisations eager not just to exchange ideas, but to build lasting connections. My role is to mentor these like-minded teams, helping them turn shared visions into concrete, impactful projects.” — Anna Webster, Facilitator, Life Zone Group (Estonia).
Participant Insights
Quotes from participants featured in a special podcast episode recorded on site reflect the spirit of the event:
“We have so many ideas for new projects. This was a chance to connect with others and make something truly inspiring and impactful.”
“The workshops, but also the informal moments — like small talks over lunch — were just as meaningful for building trust and partnerships.”
“It was great to explore entrepreneurship education and share experiences from different corners of Europe.”
Participating Countries and Organisations:
COSTA CONNECT (Spain)
LIFE ZONE (Estonia)
SYNERGY BULGARIA (Bulgaria)
FUNDACJA HERBATEKA (Poland)
WORLD SOCIETY BUILDERS GGMBH (Germany)
JAUNATNES LIDERU KOALICIJA (Latvia)
JEDI MOVEMENT (Republic of Serbia)
NOW ASSOCIATION (Portugal)
INTERNATIONAL VOLDA (Norway)
START NOW (Georgia)
WAKEBOARDERS FOR THE FUTURE (Ukraine)
ASSOCIATION OF CITIZENS CEFE MACEDONIA SKOPJE (North Macedonia)
About Costa Connect Asociación
Costa Connect is a grassroots NGO based in Benalmádena Pueblo, working to empower entrepreneurs and initiative people in remote areas of Spain through education, mentorship, and international cooperation. The organisation focuses on supporting migrant, refugee, and minority communities, bridging geographic isolation through leadership development, peer-to-peer learning, and EU-funded opportunities.
Operating in an area with limited non-formal education opportunities, Costa Connect envisions becoming a local hub for entrepreneurial ideas and initiatives, helping communities grow, connect, and lead through innovative local and European projects.
Contact Information: Please let us know if you have any questions; we can organise interviews with the association founders, project facilitators, team or participants, and answer any of your questions.
Photos are available here: LINK