BiEM Institute students conducted a series of trainings and webinars for residents of the Sumy urban territorial community within the socially oriented learning course “Entrepreneurship and Digital Business Communications”. It is implemented under the international project “Service-Learning in Higher Education for Ukraine’s Recovery” (ServU), No. 101128922 – ServU – ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE.

Under guidance of Anastasiia SAMOYLIKOVA (PhD, senior lecturer at the Department of Financial Technologies and Entrepreneurship), first-year students successfully mastered conceptual foundations of entrepreneurship and business digitalization. They also formed a modern system of skills in entrepreneurship and digital business communications.

Practical training and community involvement

The methodology of service learning covered progressive types of educational activities (interactive lectures, case studies, development and presentation of individual project, reflection and joint creativity). Applicants joined the Online Business Laboratory 2025 and the intensive “Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship”.

Training for women within the NGO “Girls”

On 4 December 2025, students conducted an offline training for women of different age categories, including representatives of socially vulnerable groups. Participants received step-by-step instructions on opening a sole proprietorship. Advantages of online registration through the “Portal Diya” was explained. Opportunity to work on their own business ideas via the Canvas model template was represented.

The training provided an opportunity to receive specific, practical tools to start own business. Everyone obtained support and motivation to move from ideas to real steps. Consequently, the participants could overcome digital fears, increase confidence, and consider their own business as a path to self-employment and economic independence. The long-term community effect is rise of potential female entrepreneurs and economic empowerment of women. It contributes to economic community development and reduction of unemployment and social vulnerability.

Webinar within the NGO “Center for Lifelong Education”

On the same day, students held a webinar for community residents, where they presented own business projects. They shared experience in developing business ideas and planning business model components.

Participants received accessible, understandable and maximally applied information that reduces barriers for those who are going to launch own business. A really working project motivates, inspires trust and confidence. This format gave participants an understanding of how to build a viable business idea from scratch that will contribute to development of local entrepreneurship in the community.

Entrepreneurial attitudes study

From September to December 2025, students developed a questionnaire and conducted a study among local entrepreneurs and potential startups. Via modern digital tools and the MIX platform, they raised interest in own business and digital literacy.

The results may be useful to management of strategic and socio-economic development of the Sumy City Council when planning and improving business support programs.

Final presentations and dissemination of experience

On 8-19 December 2025, during final practical classes, students will present business idea projects within academic groups. Partners and community residents are invited.

Thus, integration of academic knowledge, practical activities and community service based on service-learning promotes critical thinking, adaptability and innovation in response to real challenges.

SumDU students not only acquire competence, but also apply the obtained learning outcomes to solve local problems and requests. It can contribute to local development during martial law and to future post-war recovery.