What happens when young people from across Europe come together to rethink what change looks like in their communities?
They listen. They ask questions. They share ideas. And slowly, those ideas start to grow into something real - something with the potential to make a difference.
That’s the spirit behind SPARK, a project that turns curiosity into action and empowers young people to design innovative solutions for the places they call home.
What is SPARK?
SPARK (Supportive Program for Advancing Rural Knowledge) is an Erasmus+ initiative that aims to equip youth workers and young people from rural areas with the tools and confidence to become agents of change.
The project brings together a consortium of organizations from France, Romania, Italy, and Slovakia. Together, they explore how social innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking can help tackle the challenges rural communities face - from limited opportunities to social isolation.
In Romania, GEYC leads the Project Incubator Training, one of the project’s key milestones. The training offers participants hands-on experience in shaping ideas that respond to real community needs. It’s not just about learning - it’s about doing, testing, and growing together.
The Roundtable with young entrepreneurs
An important highlight of the training was the series of roundtable discussions with entrepreneurs and professionals, which opened a genuine space for dialogue and inspiration.
6 young entrepreneurs joined the Roundtable and shared their experiences: how did they start or found courage to start a business. Each entrepreneur shared insights on his or her expertise field:
Denisa Dan, Senior Consultant and expert in public policy and digital transformation, offered insights into how partnerships between entrepreneurs and public institutions can unlock impact.
Gilles Essuman, SPARK Coordinator and EU project consultant, spoke about empowering rural communities through social innovation and design thinking.
Florentina Penescu, founder of Flor de Matcha, shared her experience of turning passion into a mission-driven business combining culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Iulia Rotarescu, communications strategist and certified coach, highlighted how authentic storytelling builds credibility and connection in entrepreneurship.
Sabin Prunău, social innovator and founder of New York Crew, discussed digitalization, sustainability, and collaboration within Romania’s sports industry.
Alexandru Lache, GEYC Changemaker (2020 Awards), reflected on leadership, teamwork, and learning by doing.
Further on, the discussion switched its focus on entrepreneurship and collaboration with the public sector - a topic often perceived as complex, yet full of untapped opportunities. Participants explored how to start a consulting business, navigate public procurement processes, and identify ways to create real impact.
The atmosphere was dynamic and reflective. Participants asked different questions, engaged in dialogues and addressed their fears, curiosities or challenges about their business ideas. The participants felt a sense of shared purpose that transcended backgrounds and expertise.
Pitch Sessions
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The sessions showed that entrepreneurship isn’t only about business models; it’s about empathy, problem-solving, and the desire to create positive change.
SPARK is about people - young changemakers who turn ideas into action and build stronger, more connected communities. The experience showed that meaningful impact starts with collaboration, curiosity, and the courage to take the first step.
To learn more about the projects and ideas developed during the training, read the SPARK Guide.