As part of the SHIFT: From Solo to Startup Success project, EDUMANSHA  invites professionals, youth workers, mentors, and freelancers in Portugal to participate in a national Focus Group discussion.

This session will explore how Portugal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — including incubators, accelerators, and startup support programmes — serves young freelancers and self-employed individuals, and where important gaps still exist.

Portugal has a vibrant startup scene, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto. However, many young freelancers, migrants, and underrepresented groups still face challenges in accessing structured support and scaling their work beyond solo activity.

This focus group aims to gather qualitative insights on:

• How incubators and accelerators operate in Portugal

• Accessibility of these programmes for freelancers and self-employed youth

• Barriers faced by migrants, NEET individuals, and disadvantaged groups

• Availability of mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities

• Good practices that support inclusive entrepreneurship

The findings will contribute directly to the development of:

• The Freelancer-to-Startup (F2S) Toolkit

• SHIFT Bootcamps

The Portuguese focus group will follow this format:

• Small group discussion (3–6 participants)

• Duration: 60–90 minutes

• Facilitated by EDUMANSHA staff

• Combination of desk research and guided reflection

• Organised in person, online, or hybrid depending on accessibility needs

Show your interest at: admin@edumansha.eu