Sicily, the Mediterranean gem well known for its cultural heritage, now it needs digitalization for its products and services.
Sicily, we all know how the island is rich in tradition, folklore, good food, and hospitable people … unfortunately, from a tourism point of view first and then an economic point of view, it cannot keep up with other territories that boast a similar offer. Our region ranks last in Italy for youth employment, with only 22.3 percent of those under 30 employed, compared to the national average of 38 percent
Regarding digital skills, a 2020 ISTAT analysis revealed that 31.6 percent of Sicilian households do not consider the Internet a useful and interesting tool, compared to 28.3 percent of the national average. In addition, Sicily is among the Italian regions most affected by the digital gap, or the gap in opportunities to access, use, and learn about information technologies.
With these two problems identified, however, our approach always remains proactive … to respond to these challenges, we have selected some programs that can be useful for Sicilian youth:
Course for digital marketing and project management: Digitalizzami for Sicily
It is a project carried out in collaboration by Mostramed and Mostrami; the “Digitalizzami for Sicily” program is specifically designed to address the needs and challenges facing young Sicilians. This program contributes to addressing and reducing the existing digital gap, offering concrete and professional basic training to then open up new job opportunities. Our initiative aims to provide free, hands-on training geared toward digital marketing and entrepreneurship to prepare participants for the modern world of work.
We offer training and concrete, inclusive support to many young people between the ages of 16 and 35 years old. The main goal of the program is to provide the first basics of digital and many in-depth resources, strengthening participants’ skills and facilitating their entry or re-entry into the professional world.
The course will take place online through the Zoom platform from September 2024, allowing participants to access the training with maximum flexibility. The program will include a schedule of lectures given by experts in the field, who will provide a broad overview of techniques and resources in the field of digital marketing and entrepreneurship.
In addition to the theoretical lectures, the course includes in-depth practical projects proposed to enrich participants’ skills and experiences, enabling them to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. In addition, participants will have the valuable opportunity to build a network of professional contacts and interact with other students and experts in the field, which will be extremely useful for their future professional development.
To register, please fill out the participation form available at digitalizzami.
Free courses on StartUp with Innovation Island
Innovation Island is an innovative initiative created through a collaboration between the Sicilian Region and a network of experts in the field of entrepreneurship, designed to stimulate and enhance the creativity and ideas of Sicilians. This program offers a unique opportunity to access free and extensive 100-hour training focused on various key aspects of entrepreneurship. Courses cover essential topics such as business modeling, business planning, market strategies, and more, to provide a solid and practical preparation for those who wish to start or enhance a business.
The program not only provides theoretical training but also includes personalized support for writing business plans, a crucial element in turning ideas into concrete and sustainable projects. Industry experts will offer one-on-one counseling, helping participants outline effective strategies and plan in detail each stage of launching their business.
In addition, for those who demonstrate significant entrepreneurial potential, there is an opportunity to access 50% grant funding through Invitalia’s Restoalsud program. This financial incentive is a valuable resource for those who wish to start a business and need financial support to cover initial costs and successfully launch their project.
Innovation Island aims to be a center of innovation for Sicily; the platform serves as a dynamic hub for the growth and development of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating a fertile space for the sharing and implementation of innovative ideas. The Innovation Island network brings together businesses, government institutions, research centers, and individuals, fostering synergy among different industry players. This integrated approach is designed to facilitate connection among the different components of the Island ecosystem, incentivize the sharing of resources and expertise, and nurture innovation at all stages.
Enrollment in the course is completely free and open to all adults over the age of 18 who are residents or domiciled in Sicily. However, to ensure that support is targeted to those who need it, the program is reserved for those who do not hold roles as partners or directors in registered companies and do not have an active VAT number. Specific requirements for participation are:
- unemployed or unemployable persons who possess a valid Declaration of Immediate Availability (DID) and do not have an active VAT number;
- persons in socio-economic hardship who possess a valid DID;
- people in receipt of unemployment benefits (CIG).
To ensure maximum inclusiveness and accessibility, the courses are available both in-person, at the Palermo and Catania sites, and online, through a distance learning system. This flexible approach allows participants to follow the program with maximum convenience, compatible with their personal and professional commitments.
To participate, simply fill out the online application form, available on the website of the entrepreneurship course.
Do you live in Sicily or want to return there to work? Do you have an idea that you want to turn into a successful startup? This course is the one for you!
Take advantage of the opportunity to acquire extensive training on startup creation and digital marketing, led by top industry experts. Don’t miss this unique chance to bring your entrepreneurial project to life!
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