The aim of the study trip was to provide young people with a practical and inspiring overview of how different business models work.
Equally important was understanding how events are created and delivered in ways that bring value to the community.
Over the two days, participants met representatives of various organisations and companies.
The experience helped them better understand the steps needed to turn an idea into reality.
These steps range from defining the concept and target audience to marketing, partners, and hands-on implementation.

The first day offered a broad perspective on entrepreneurship and community initiatives in Tartu County and Ida-Viru County.
A visit to Urbans Garage introduced a highly specialised niche in the automotive world and showed how professional craftsmanship can develop into a strong business.
Meeting Saile Mägi provided insight into how the Tartu 2024 cultural year was planned and delivered on a European scale, and how major events are built through teamwork, timelines, and partnerships.
COSMOS’s marketing manager explained how vocational schools can organise events for both learners and the wider community.
During the day, participants also had the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the La Fourmi training restaurant.
At the visit to the Jõhvi Museum Society (based in the Jõhvi church), participants learned how parish and society activities can be combined and how projects can help keep local heritage alive.
The day ended with a visit to Indrek Kõverik’s Voka Inc home restaurant, where the owner shared his nearly 15-year journey from the initial idea to the present day.
The evening was spent at Toila SPA, which provided accommodation, access to the spa facilities, and a delicious dinner.

The second day began with a visit to Valaste Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the Baltics.
In Tallinn, the “Hack the Border” participants were welcomed by Sophie Coumel, the new Director of the French Institute in Estonia and Counsellor for Cooperation and Culture at the French Embassy.
The meeting focused on how diplomacy, international cooperation, and event organisation work in practice.
After that, the group visited the Eesti Pank Museum to gain a better understanding of the role of money, how financial systems are managed, and the responsibilities of a central bank.
The trip concluded with a visit to the IKEA Swedish restaurant and store, where participants could experience how a large-scale service and business model operates. On the way back, VV Events organised a fun game and quiz.

The knowledge and ideas gathered during the study trip will be applied by the participants in their “Hack the Border” project teams.
The goal is to further develop the young people’s own initiatives and plan the next activities in cross-border cooperation.

Many thanks to the INTERREG Estonia–Latvia Programme (Est-Lat), Valga County Vocational Training Centre, and Jānis Cimze Gymnasium in Valka for the opportunity to take part in such an exciting, educational, and valuable project.

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