Innovating with Purpose Entrepreneurship for Local Communities
Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) 2026
Celje, Slovenia | 31 August – 4 September 2026
Create impact. Work with real communities. Build something that matters.
Each year, ISSBS organizes an international summer school in cooperation with partner institutions, bringing together students from abroad and from ISSBS. The programme offers a unique opportunity to gain new knowledge, develop practical skills, and experience learning in an international environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and intercultural exchange.
The 2026 Blended Intensive Programme, Innovating with Purpose: Entrepreneurship for Local Communities, focuses on social innovation, entrepreneurship, and intergenerational cooperation in a real local setting. During the programme, students will work in international teams to develop innovative solutions for community challenges in Celje, collaborating with local stakeholders and designing ideas that create social impact, strengthen inclusion, and support sustainable local development.
BIP LEAFLET
Innovating with Purpose
Entrepreneurship for Local Communities
DURATION
5 days physical part 31 August to 4 September 2026
Obligatory virtual part
CREDITS
6 ECTS credits
FUNDING
Erasmus+ Grant from sending institution
WHY JOIN THIS BIP?
Your opportunity for an international experience
Participating in this BIP offers students an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and engage with real challenges faced by local communities. Instead of working only on theoretical cases, participants will explore how entrepreneurship can be used as a tool for inclusion, intergenerational cooperation, and sustainable local development. Through this process, they will gain practical insight into how socially responsible ideas are developed, tested, and transformed into meaningful solutions with tangible value for society.
At the same time, the programme provides a rich international learning experience. Students will collaborate in multidisciplinary and intercultural teams, and further develop skills in design thinking, innovation, communication, teamwork, and public presentation. Successful participation may also be recognised with ECTS credits.
HOW TO APPLY
Participation in the programme is organised through partner institutions. Students should apply via their home university, which publishes its own internal call and selection procedure. Selected students will receive further information regarding participation, preparation activities, and Erasmus+ mobility support.
THE CHALLENGE
- design a business idea with social impact
- conduct field research and user interviews
- co-create services and activities for the community
- develop a business model (Business Model Canvas)
- prepare a financial and sustainability plan
- pitch your idea at the end of the programme
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme is designed as a blended learning experience that combines online preparation with an intensive on-site week in Celje. Before arriving, participants will take part in virtual sessions that introduce key concepts, tools, and the overall challenge, ensuring that all students begin the programme with a shared understanding and readiness to engage (in June and August).
The on-site component will take place from 31 August to 4 September 2026 and will include a dynamic mix of workshops, teamwork, mentoring, and field-based activities. Throughout the week, students will move from exploration and ideation to prototyping and final presentation, supported by academic staff and external experts. This structure enables a gradual and well-supported development of ideas into concrete solutions.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The programme includes organised accommodation in Celje, nearby MCC Hostel, meals in Caffeteria Stolpič arranged by ISSBS, and a social programme, creating a supportive environment for learning, collaboration, and networking. All activities will be conducted in English, and a B2 level is recommended to ensure active participation
LOCATION
The programme will take place in Celje, Slovenia, a city that offers a unique combination of accessibility, local engagement, and a strong network of organisations working in the fields of youth, community development, and social innovation.
Participants will have the opportunity to work directly within this environment, gaining insight into how local communities function and how collaborative initiatives can create meaningful impact. The setting provides an ideal context for connecting academic knowledge with practical experience.
PARTNERS
The programme is coordinated by the International School for Social and Business Studies (ISSBS) in Celje and is implemented in cooperation with partner universities: Politiesolitehnica University of Timișoara (Romania), School of Technology and Management of Felgueiras – Polytechnic Institute of Porto (Portugal), Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin (Poland) and University of Naples Federico II (Italy). This collaboration ensures a diverse and interdisciplinary learning environment.
In addition to academic partners, the programme is strongly supported by local organisations, including MCC Celje and the Municipality of Celje, which contribute to defining the challenge, facilitating fieldwork, and providing valuable insight into the local context.
Frequently Asked Questions
The programme is open to Bachelor and Master students, primarily in the fields of business, management, social sciences, or related areas. Students should be motivated to work on real-life challenges and interested in entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development.
No prior experience is required. The programme is designed to support students with different backgrounds. You will be guided through the process with workshops, mentoring, and teamwork.
All activities are conducted in English. A minimum level of B2 is recommended to ensure active participation in discussions and teamwork.
Students must apply through their home (sending) institution, which organizes the selection process. Please contact your international office for details about deadlines and application procedures.
There is no participation fee for students selected through Erasmus+ mobility. Funding (travel and individual support) is provided by the sending institution, depending on its internal rules.
Accommodation is organised by ISSBS, meals/lunches paid by ISSBS, and the social programme during the on-site week are organised by ISSBS. Travel and individual support are covered through Erasmus+ funding provided by your home institution.
Yes, successful participation in the programme is awarded with 6 ECTS credits, subject to the requirements of your home institution.
The programme consists of a virtual component (in June and August) and a 5-day on-site intensive week in Celje (31 August – 4 September 2026). Participation in both parts is mandatory.
Yes, participants are expected to attend virtual sessions and complete preparatory activities before the on-site week. Detailed instructions will be provided after selection.
Always Available!
Interested in BIP at ISSBS? Contact the international office, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
