Rethinking Entrepreneurial Learning: Highlights from the MOBIpreneur Online Event
On May 27th, 2025, the MOBIpreneur project reached a key milestone with its International Online Event focused on the future of entrepreneurial learning. With over 100 participants from across Europe and beyond, this dynamic session was more than just a webinar - it was a space for reflection, validation, and collective vision-building around the idea that entrepreneurs need to learn differently.
Learning for Entrepreneurs, On Their Terms
MOBIpreneur, an Erasmus+ project, is based on the premise that entrepreneurs - especially small business owners - learn in non-traditional, highly contextual ways. They are often short on time, overwhelmed by responsibilities, and looking for fast, relevant support they can apply immediately. That’s why the project is developing a mobile-first, microlearning course delivered via WhatsApp, powered by an AI chatbot offering just-in-time learning.
The online event aimed to:
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Present the findings from the project’s research on entrepreneurial learning habits and skill gaps;
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Engage stakeholders in shaping how digital tools, non-formal learning, and micro-content can be used to fill these gaps in accessible and scalable ways.
What We Learned from the Audience
Participants - ranging from adult educators and startup founders to students and policy makers - shared valuable insights during an interactive session. Here’s what stood out:
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Learning must be short, focused, and accessible. As one participant put it:“When you're short on time, energy or support, meaningful learning must be short, interactive, and give you something usable - fast.”
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Confidence is just as important as content. Entrepreneurs need to feel supported, not overwhelmed.“You’re never fully ready-something unexpected can always happen.”
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Non-formal learning (like peer learning, mentoring, or hands-on activities) helps fill the gaps that formal education misses. Flexibility and relevance are key.
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The top factor for building trust in digital learning?Clear, jargon-free language. If learners can’t understand the material easily, they’ll disconnect.
Key Messages from the Expert Panel
Our four expert panelists brought unique and honest insights to the table:
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Hatla Færch Johnsen (uQualio, Denmark) reminded us that attention spans are short, so lessons must be bite-sized and just-in-time. She also stressed that learning shouldn't be a solo journey-community and tech support matter.
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George Manaila (Versus Games, Romania) spoke about entrepreneurship as a constant challenge. He framed AI not as a threat, but as a tool for scalability and personalization.
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Carolina Álvarez Martín-Ballestero (CEOE Aragón, Spain) championed public-private partnerships to make learning inclusive and accessible, and highlighted the power of mentoring alongside microlearning.
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Francesco Santarsiero (University of Basilicata, Italy) emphasized that in a world full of noise, learning needs to be attractive and experiential. Real-life case studies and gamification can help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
