Calling All Mentors: Join the ST3ER Initiative Empowering Tourism SMEs
A collaborative vision of 6 diverse partners representing 5 countries:
- Ireland — Údarás na Gaeltachta and WestBIC
- Slovenia — Razvojni center SRCA Slovenije
- Portugal — UPTEC Science and Technology Park of University Porto
- Spain — Centro Europeo de Empresas e Innovación Bahia de Cadiz
- Denmark — Creative Business Network
In the dynamic landscape of global tourism, resilience and adaptability have become paramount. The challenges facing the industry, ranging from environmental concerns to the digital transformation, necessitate innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. Recognising this imperative, the ST3ER (Scaling Twin Transition in Tourism by harnessing the Experience Economy for Greater Resilience) project emerges as a beacon of hope, uniting six diverse partners from five countries to foster resilience and innovation in the tourism sector.
Partnership for Progress
ST3ER embodies a collaborative vision, with partners from Ireland, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark. These partners, including entities such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, UPTEC Science and Technology Park of University Porto, and Creative Business Network, bring a wealth of expertise and resources to the table. Together, they aspire to equip tourism-oriented SMEs with the tools and support needed to navigate challenges and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
At the heart of the ST3ER project lies a commitment to harnessing the power of collaboration-driven innovation. By facilitating a network of stakeholders and fostering synergies between diverse entities, ST3ER aims to create resilient, competitive, and sustainable tourism ecosystems. Through coordinated efforts, the project endeavours to address pressing challenges while unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.
Empowering SMEs for Success
Central to the ST3ER initiative is its focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector. These SMEs, often the lifeblood of local economies, will benefit from tailored business support models designed to accelerate innovation and foster growth. Through capacity-building grants and targeted measures, ST3ER aims to empower SMEs to embrace digital transformation, adopt sustainable practices, and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
Activities and Impact
The ST3ER project outlines a comprehensive set of activities aimed at supporting tourism-oriented SMEs and fostering collaboration within the innovation ecosystem. From innovation projects and workshops to mentoring programs and matchmaking events, ST3ER offers a diverse range of opportunities for SMEs to thrive and succeed. With a total budget of 3.2 million euros, including substantial funding directly allocated to SMEs, the project aims to make a tangible impact on the tourism industry across participating countries.
The ST3ER Call for Mentors and Experts is Ongoing — Apply now
Are you a seasoned professional, either in mid-career or a senior role, with a passion for advancing the pivotal twin transition (Green and Digital) within the tourism industry? If so, you are invited to become a mentor in the ST3ER project! Join by applying now.
Selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) receiving support from the ST3ER project will benefit from a mentoring program. All participating SMEs will be required to complete a mentoring program, lasting a minimum of 30 hours. This program will offer personalized guidance on topics relevant to their innovative project plans, particularly focusing on their green or digital transition. Coordinated by the ST3ER consortium partners, this 30-hour mentoring initiative aims to provide SMEs with invaluable one-on-one advice. Depending on the specific needs of the SMEs, multiple mentors may be assigned, subject to the budget allocated.
In light of this, the ST3ER project warmly welcomes driven and experienced mid-career and senior professionals, including entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and industry experts with expertise in the digital or green sectors, to apply for inclusion in our mentor pool.
Upon selection, mentors and the tourism SME beneficiaries will formalise their collaboration through a ‘Mentoring Agreement.’ This agreement will outline the tasks to be undertaken, desired outcomes, the value of the contract, duration of service provision, and payment conditions, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding between all parties involved. For more information see here: https://www.st3er.eu/calls-for-projects/mentors-experts/
For more information and to get involved, contact your nearest ST3ER partner today. Let’s embark on this journey of innovation and resilience together.
Any questions? Contact your nearest ST3ER partner:
1. Ireland, Údaras na Gaeltachta
Caitlín Breathnach, c.breathnach@udaras.ie
2. Ireland, WestBIC
Eunan Cunningham, ecunningham@westbic.ie
3. Portugal, UPTEC — Associação de Transferência de Tecnologia da Asprela
Rita Reis, rreis@uptec.up.pt
4. Spain, Fundacion Bahia de Cadiz para el Desarrollo Economico
Ana Suárez Lena, asuarez@ceeicadiz.com
5. Slovenia, Razvojni center Srca Slovenije, d.o.o.
Mojca Štepic, mojca.stepic@razvoj.si
6. Denmark, Fonden Creative Business Cup (CBN)
Catarina Reis, car@cbnet.com
