Success Story: Aleksandar Mihaylov travels to France motivated and with an open mind

New entrepreneur: Mr Aleksandar Mihaylov

Country: Finland

Age: 21

Status: Starting a new business

Sector: Hospitality

Who are the entrepreneurs

Finnish new entrepreneur Aleksandar Mihaylov applied for the programme via Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK). He had not established his own company yet but throughout his studies he had worked towards developing his own business idea. After he graduated as a baker and confectioner, he wanted to get more experience on entrepreneurship and that is how he found the programme online. From the beginning, he had clear goals but also many questions waiting to be answered. After finalizing his business plan and registration as a new entrepreneur, he started looking for a suitable host entrepreneur in his own field. 

Host entrepreneur’s, Michael Rispe, company Pan & Gato is located in Annecy le Vieux, France. As an artisan baker and pastry chef Rispe established his company five years ago. In his own words, he saw the opportunities of the programme endless: cultural exchange, professional exchange and all the knowledge and experience to be shared. He was looking for someone curious, open minded and motivated. Rispe had hosted new entrepreneurs before so he had experience of the programme. 

Mentoring towards entrepreneurship

Aleksandar saw the relationship with the host entrepreneur as mentoring towards establishing his own business. They planned the goals and activities together before the exchange and agreed quickly on the main points of the plan. There was help provided from the IO’s in relation to applications and exchange preparations. The exchange lasted for 6 months which is the maximum time for EYE exchange. 

The most important outcome for Aleksandar was the knowledge and courage to keep working towards his dream to establish his own company. He got new ideas and new skills while working in the host company with their skilled team. Still, Aleksandar emphasizes that as a new entrepreneur you need have the right attitude and be ready to adapt into new situations. Jumping into the unknown is where the learning happens. 

 Photo of Aleksandar and his coworkers in Pan & Gato located in Annecy le Vieux, France

Aleksandar’s words on the experience in France

“I went to France with an open mind and curiosity. Before the exchange I was 50-50 whether to start my own business and if I could do it. During the exchange, I got the courage and knowledge to work towards my own business. Now I am sure that I will, in the next few years establish my own company. For the ones who are thinking about applying for the programme I truly recommend it. I had a great experience and I learned a lot.”