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 & Orientation

Morning: Individual arrivals, hotel check-in, and rest.
Afternoon: Introductory session outlining program objectives and participant expectations. Interactive team-building activities to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.

Day 2: Finding Your Entrepreneurial Purpose

Morning: Facilitator-led exercises to explore personal passions and link them to potential entrepreneurial opportunities, using reflective self-assessment and group discussions.
Afternoon: Inspirational exploration of Rome’s vibrant Monti district. Participants observe local businesses, noting examples of entrepreneurial passion and purpose translating into successful ventures.

Day 3: Identifying Market Needs & Opportunities

Morning: Interactive session focused on customer analysis, empathy mapping, and market research strategies. Practical exercises and case studies help participants identify clear market needs.
Afternoon: Guided observational experience at Testaccio Market. Participants apply learned market research techniques to observe and document customer interactions and uncover real-world opportunities.

Day 4: Rapid Prototyping & Idea Testing

Morning: Hands-on prototyping activities teaching rapid visualization and concept validation methods, including sketching, storyboarding, and basic mock-ups.
Afternoon: Practical prototype-testing session at Villa Borghese Gardens. Participants gather peer feedback on their prototypes, iterating designs through collaborative discussions and defined improvement criteria.

Day 5: Reflection & Idea Refinement

Morning: Structured peer-review session to evaluate and enhance business concepts through collaborative group discussions and targeted feedback.
Afternoon: Free time for personal relaxation or independent exploration of Rome, offering participants space for informal reflection and inspiration.

Day 6: Building Your Brand & Digital Presence

Morning: Interactive branding and digital storytelling session to help participants craft distinctive brand identities and tailored social media strategies. By session end, each participant would draft a mood‑board mock‑up.
Afternoon: Exploratory group walk through Trastevere, observing successful examples of brand storytelling and digital presence, followed by practical application of these insights to participants’ startup ideas.

Day 7: Pitch Development & Investor Readiness

Morning: Intensive session on pitch creation covering essential pitch elements, clear messaging, and techniques specifically designed for attracting investors and raising capital.
Afternoon: Facilitated pitch practice sessions in small groups at Piazza Navona, receiving detailed feedback to refine presentations, enhance persuasive delivery, and highlight investment potential effectively.

Day 8: Final Showcase & Celebration

Morning: Participants deliver their finalized startup pitches, clearly demonstrating their business model, market viability, and strategic growth potential.
Afternoon: Closing ceremony and certificate presentation at Palazzo delle Esposizioni. Reflective group discussions about key learnings, personal achievements, and future entrepreneurial aspirations.

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