[Translation : EPALE France]

Inclusion and diversity. Are they a reality in today’s world or just wishful thinking? Whatever the case may be, everyone agrees that companies that have implemented measures to promote inclusion and diversity are performing better, attracting more candidates and partners, and resonating more with the younger generation. These initiatives are also a real way of enhancing the company’s image, both internally for its employees and externally for its partners. But what tools are available, both for these companies and for potential candidates?

How can we support under-represented entrepreneurs in their professional careers, particularly in raising funds? 

The MOSAIC project addresses this key question with a series of innovative educational tools that are open to all and will be available online in May 2025 on the project website https://mosaic4investing.eu/.

This work "Mosaic Partners" is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

A project to help “invisible” entrepreneurs

MOSAIC is a European project co-financed by the Erasmus+ Adult Education programme, which brings together partners from seven countries, including LABA and SINGA Bordeaux in France. Its mission is to strengthen the skills of project leaders from under-represented groups, particularly those who do not have access to traditional innovation, funding and training networks.

MOSAIC focuses primarily on people from under-represented groups because this audience is often overlooked by the traditional entrepreneurial ecosystem. These people tend to be isolated from mainstream channels for social, cultural or structural reasons. 

They include, for example, refugees and migrants, isolated women entrepreneurs, people from ethnic minorities, young people without qualifications, and people in vulnerable situations or with disabilities. These people face obstacles that other entrepreneurs do not - and often are not even aware of. 

This is precisely what gives the project its strength and social relevance: starting from the margins to develop tools that are central, accessible, practical and rooted in the realities on the ground.

Free access to practical resources

The ten training modules are now available on the platform in several languages: https://mosaic4investing.eu/online-course/ 

They offer a six-part course. Entrepreneurs and educators can progress at their own pace:

• Module 1 - Introduction to inclusive investment: An introduction to understanding why certain groups remain isolated from funding and how to change this situation.
• Module 2 - Defining your entrepreneurial project: Identifying your values, defining your mission, understanding what you really want to achieve: fundamental work that is often overlooked, but which is brought to the forefront here.
• Module 3 - Reading and understanding investor expectations: A clear breakdown of the criteria used by investors, so that you can be better prepared without compromising your identity.
• Module 4 - Demonstrating the viability of your project: Learning how to build a clear, convincing business model that is in line with your values.
• Module 5 - Preparing and presenting your pitch: Having the confidence to introduce yourself, speak in public and structure your presentation to captivate the audience: a key skill, covered here step by step.
• Module 6 - Training and improving over time: Because access to funding is a journey, not a moment. This module helps to build confidence over time.

Each module is accompanied by practical resources and advice tailored to atypical career paths, and above all to ensure that identities are not smoothed over, but are turned into assets.

This work "Mosaic Modules" is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

Coming soon: a self-assessment tool and a collaborative hub

The mosaic4investing.eu website will soon be enhanced with two new essential tools:

• A self-assessment tool to assess your level of preparation for seeking funding;
• A hub with a wealth of inspiring resources and practical fact sheets for getting involved in inclusive entrepreneurship.

MOSAIC is supported by a European collective

MOSAIC is run by a European consortium with complementary expertise, bringing together organisations working in the field. 

LABA (France) is leading the project, drawing on its experience in European cultural cooperation. 

SINGA Bordeaux (France) shares its in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship support for refugees and migrants. 

FEM-START (Netherlands) promotes access to investment for women

REDI (Romania) promotes the economic inclusion of Roma communities, 

Momentum (Ireland) develops innovative teaching solutions

The Vision Works (Germany) specialises in entrepreneurship and inclusive communication

European E-Learning Institute (Denmark) works on all types of digital content.