Regional Government invests over €500,000 in programme to boost “young people’s confidence in their ability to dream, create and make an impact” - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

Since the 2021/2022 school year, the Regional Government has invested more than €500,000 in the Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders, whose edition this year will culminate in the i9.Açores - Youth Academy of Innovative Ideas, to be held from May 18 to 21 on Graciosa Island, announced the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth (DRJ).

Maria João Carreiro highlighted the "success of this programme" for training school-aged children and young people in entrepreneurial skills. In this regard, she pointed out that 33 schools are enrolled in the 2025/2026 edition, including basic education schools, secondary schools, vocational schools, and two Private Social Solidarity Institutions, involving around 1,000 participants, 63 technicians and teachers from eight Azorean islands.

“The Entrepreneurial Academy is a programme that believes that younger generations will be able to make things happen, rather than waiting for things to happen,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. She explained that this programme was created to encourage children and young people to take the lead, offer practical tools and develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, project management and innovation.

"Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business: it IS about having the attitude, creativity and courage to do things differently, make an impact and contribute to a better society," she stressed.

Among the activities developed during the Entrepreneurial Academy are initiatives such as "Entrepreneur for a Day," "Christmas Markets," and the "Local Ideas Competition," currently running until March 20, which qualifies the winning team for the I9.Açores – Youth Academy for Innovative Ideas.

The Entrepreneurial Academy programme, which is implemented through the DRJ and is now in its fifth edition, includes two sub-programmes.

The Entrepreneurial Academy – School of Leaders, created by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government, covers all levels of education, from basic education to secondary school, including vocational education,  Private Social Solidarity Institutions and higher education. It also has a university edition and a programme tailored to each level of education, aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Entrepreneurial Academy – Turn on Your Potential is aimed at young inmates at the Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo correctional facilities.