Startup Stories: A Youth Entrepreneurship Journey in Rome

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

Overview and purpose

Rome has always been a city of visionaries — and now it’s your turn.
Startup Stories is an immersive 8-day program for young Gulf changemakers who are ready to think big, solve problems, and craft businesses with real impact. Set in one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, this workshop blends entrepreneurial strategy with cultural inspiration.

Each day is designed as a step in your founder’s journey: from finding your “why” to designing, testing, and pitching your idea. You’ll build your concept in hands-on morning sessions, and each afternoon you’ll explore the city through the lens of innovation — meeting creators, visiting local ventures, and experiencing the entrepreneurial spirit of Rome in action.

By the end of the week, you’ll walk away with more than a business plan — you’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and the story of your startup, ready to share it with the world.

The program is delivered in English with full Arabic-speaking support, includes halal-friendly meals and prayer accommodations, and is tailored to young GCC citizens and residents aged 20–40.

Learning Outcome

Participants will:

Explore personal motivations and discover their entrepreneurial “why”
Learn to identify customer needs and frame business ideas effectively
Gain practical tools for prototyping, branding, and digital storytelling
Design and deliver a compelling business pitch
Understand the entrepreneurial ecosystem through real-world visits
Develop a venture concept rooted in values, creativity, and cultural insight
Leave with a clear business story and an action-ready roadmap

Admission information

Language: English (with Arabic-speaking support throughout the program)
Target Group: GCC citizens or residents aged 20–40 interested in launching a business or social venture
Requirements: No prior experience in business is required. Motivation and curiosity are key.
Maximum number of participants: 20

location

Rome, Italy — Sessions are held in innovation spaces, creative districts, and cultural venues across the city.

Duration and Daily Schedule

8 days, including entrepreneurship workshops, thematic city visits, and a final pitch showcase.

Daily Schedule

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome

Morning: Individual arrivals and hotel check-in
Afternoon: Welcome orientation with Alfa Edu staff and Arabic-speaking guide. Icebreaker, program overview, and cultural walk through the Monti creative district.

Day 2 – From Passion to Purpose

Morning: Discover your entrepreneurial “why” and personal story. Workshop on values-driven entrepreneurship and identifying meaningful problems.
Afternoon: Visit to Città dell’Altra Economia, Rome’s sustainable startup hub. Explore how purpose-led entrepreneurs turned values into ventures.

Day 3 – Ideas That Matter

Morning: Ideation session — techniques for generating ideas, understanding needs, and finding your niche.
Afternoon: Guided deep-dive through Testaccio Market to observe real customer behaviors and spot unmet needs in daily experiences.

Day 4 – Design, Prototype & Create

Morning: Learn how to build quick prototypes, visualize ideas, and get early feedback.
Afternoon: Workshop visit to Fablab Lazio, where participants sketch, mock up, or digitally design their concept using real tools and maker space support.

Day 5 – Free Afternoon / Optional Exploration

Morning: Peer-to-peer reflection and open mentoring on idea development. Time to refine and reflect.
Afternoon: Free for personal exploration — suggested: visit MAXXI Museum, shop local design boutiques, or relax in Villa Borghese gardens with your cultural buddy.

Day 6 – Brand It Boldly

Morning: Workshop on storytelling, brand identity, and using social media as a launchpad for your business.
Afternoon: Immersive visit to Spazio Chirale, a hybrid space where design meets tech. Dialogue with creative founders on how branding turns ideas into movements.

Day 7 – Pitch & Polish

Morning: Final pitch prep — structure, voice, visuals, and timing.
Afternoon: Feedback rounds in small teams. Final adjustments and rehearsal for the showcase.

Day 8 – Startup Showcase & Farewell

Morning: Each participant presents their startup story and pitch in a celebratory, supportive setting.
Afternoon: Certificate ceremony and farewell experience at Palazzo delle Esposizioni. Group photo walk and closing reflections.

Why Choose This Course

Designed for Gulf youth with bold ideas and international ambition
Combines strategy, creativity, and cultural immersion in one unforgettable experience
Explore the real startup ecosystem — not just classroom theory
Arabic-speaking support, halal meals, and prayer accommodations built-in
Walk away with a real startup concept and the tools to bring it to life

What Sets Us Apart

Not just a course — a founder’s journey from idea to impact
Real stories, real places, real entrepreneurs
Built for connection: every moment designed to spark creativity, community, and action
A stylish, Instagrammable, and purpose-filled experience
You’ll leave not just inspired — but ready to start