Tuesday, November 05th: “Igniting Innovation: Kick-off meeting of the Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: International Businet Start-Up Competition Program” (Virtual Component)

Paul Bartels, Avans University of Applied Sciences

Email: [email protected]

Ria Slingerland, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Email: [email protected]


Workshop Description:

An engaging virtual course designed to meet the participants and introduce them to the program of the BIP. At the same time, this session will tackle the intercultural aspects of doing business in Türkiye (the entrepreneurial spirit in Türkiye). This interactive session will cover key topics such as business model development, market analysis, and effective marketing strategies for Türkiye. Participants will benefit from expert-led discussions and practical exercises that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.

Objectives:

  • Participants will benefit from expert-led discussions and practical exercises that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Participants will be asked to also briefly introduce their start-up idea. As a prelude to the physical mobility phase, this session will lay the groundwork for teamwork and innovation, fostering a vibrant community of entrepreneurs ready to take on the global market.

Sunday, November 10th: “Arrival Day: Meet and Greet”

Key Sessions:

  • Meet at the IAU International Office for internal registration
  • Campus tour
  • Tour to Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Shopping (Optional sightseeing tour – check the social activity program)

Monday, November 11th: “Mastering Negotiation: A Hands-On Journey in Türkiye’s Marketplace and Startup Ecosystem”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Efe İralı, Istanbul Aydin University

Email: [email protected]

Gürkan Donat, Istanbul Aydin University

Email: [email protected]

Paul Bartels, Avans University of Applied Sciences

Email: [email protected]


Workshop Description:

The program for Monday focuses on experiential learning with activities designed to enhance practical skills, specifically in negotiation and understanding the startup ecosystem. The workshop will start with an introduction outlining the agenda, group assignments, and a brief overview of the lecturers. Participants will then join a negotiation skills training session focusing on negotiating with Turkish people. Next, they will engage in a hands-on negotiation game at the Spice Bazaar, where teams will use a limited budget to purchase items from a list, with the goal of obtaining the most valuable and high-quality products. The afternoon includes a visit to a startup incubator, where IAU lecturers will lead a session on the startup ecosystem. The day will wrap up with a group dinner.

Key Sessions:

  • Negotiation Skills Training: A session on how to effectively negotiate with Turkish people.
  • Negotiation Game in Spice Bazaar.
  • Visit to an Istanbul-based Incubation Center with a startup session and a meeting at the incubator ecosystem.

Objectives:

  • Introduce participants to the workshop agenda and team structure.
  • Teach negotiation skills, particularly in a Turkish business context.
  • Provide hands-on experience through a negotiation game in a real-world marketplace setting.
  • Expose participants to the startup ecosystem and the role of incubation centers in fostering innovation.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Participants will gain practical negotiation skills tailored to Turkish culture.
  • Teams will develop collaborative skills and strategic thinking in a real-world marketplace setting.
  • Participants will understand the functioning of incubation centers and the startup ecosystem in Turkey.
  • Enhanced knowledge of integrated marketing communication through interactions with specialists.

Tuesday, November 12th: “Entrepreneurial Edge: Pitching Ideas, Shaping Futures”

Prof. Marco Lamas, ISLA – Polytechnic University of Management and Technology

Email: [email protected]

Gürkan Donat, Istanbul Aydin University

Email: [email protected]


Workshop Description:

The second day of the workshop is focused on entrepreneurship, with a mix of lectures and practical activities that culminate in a “Dragons’ Den” style pitch competition.

Key Sessions:

  • Entrepreneurship in Europe Lecture: The day begins with a lecture on entrepreneurship in Europe, discussing business developments across various European countries and comparing them with Türkiye, particularly from an Islamic business perspective. The session will also explore opportunities for internationalization of businesses.
  • Advice on Entrepreneurship Education: Participants will work in teams to create a video providing advice to universities on entrepreneurship education. This activity involves brainstorming recommendations on how to better prepare students for entrepreneurial ventures.*
  • Dragons’ Den Pitch Competition & Award Ceremony: In the afternoon, participants will pitch their startup or company ideas to a panel of judges (“Dragons”). Each team will deliver a 3-4 minute pitch, followed by a 5-10 minute Q&A session with the jury. The winner of the competition will earn the opportunity to present their idea at the Businet Conference.

Objectives:

  • To provide insights into entrepreneurship in Europe and the opportunities for international business expansion.
  • To encourage critical thinking and team collaboration in developing educational strategies for universities to foster entrepreneurship.
  • To offer practical experience in pitching business ideas through the Dragons’ Den competition, simulating real-world entrepreneurial challenges.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape in Europe and Türkiye, including business opportunities and cultural differences.
  • Teams will develop skills in advising and communicating strategies for improving entrepreneurship education.
  • Students will enhance their pitching skills by presenting their business ideas to a panel of experts, receiving valuable feedback, and preparing for potential real-world entrepreneurial ventures.

*NB: Video of Advice will be presented Friday during the special interest group Entrepreneurship (without students being present)

Wednesday, November 13th: “Full-day Tour: Historical Peninsula”

Key Sessions:

  • Visiting the Topkapı Palace.
  • Visiting the Archeology Museum.
  • Visiting the Basilica Cistern.
  • Visiting the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
  • Visiting the Blue Mosque.

Thursday, November 14th: “Pitch & Networking”

Workshop Description:

The final day of the workshop focuses on pitching, networking, and reflecting on the lessons learned throughout the program.

Key Sessions:

  • Pitch Presentation at the 37th Businet Annual Conference: The day begins with a transfer to the venue, where participants will set up individual tables at the Businet Conference to showcase their projects and ideas. The winning team from the Dragons’ Den competition will give a 10-minute pitch to the conference audience, summarizing the lessons they learned during the workshop.
  • Networking Opportunities: Participants will engage with attendees of the Businet Conference, providing an opportunity to network, present their ideas, and make professional connections.
  • Closing Ceremony: After the conference, participants return to Istanbul Aydın University to conclude the workshop and a closing ceremony.

Objectives:

  • To provide participants with the opportunity to pitch their ideas in a formal conference setting, gaining exposure to a broader professional audience.
  • To facilitate networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with industry professionals and expand their entrepreneurial network.
  • To reflect on the lessons learned throughout the workshop and celebrate the participants’ accomplishments.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Participants will gain confidence in presenting their ideas in a formal pitch setting and learn how to summarize their experiences effectively.
  • Students will develop networking skills and build connections that could support future entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • By engaging with a wider audience at Businet Conference, participants will enhance their ability to communicate and pitch ideas in a professional environment.

Friday, November 15th: “Departure Day: Take Care, Everywhere”

As the program draws to a close, we reflect on the journey we’ve shared. From insightful discussions to memorable moments, each segment has contributed to a rich tapestry of learning and connection. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their invaluable contributions. Until we meet again, we bid you farewell and wish you continued success and inspiration in all your endeavors 😊❤️.