Six projects from across Europe were honoured for their dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses at the finale of the European Enterprise Awards during the SME Assembly 2024. Among them, GençBizz stood out in Category 2, 'Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills.' Initiated by Junior Achievement Türkiye/Genç Başarı Eğitim Vakfı (GBEV), GençBizz enhances the entrepreneurial skills of high school students aged 14 to 18 to improve their employability.

The project excels in bringing together students, teachers, companies, and mentors, providing them with comprehensive online and offline training in crucial areas such as sustainability, financial literacy, and company management. Through its efforts, GençBizz now reaches 300,000 young people across Türkiye, equipping them with the necessary tools to begin their own entrepreneurial journeys. 

We asked Seçil Çelebi to reflect on the organisation's EEPA journey: 

What was it like to win an EEPA prize?

Winning the EEPA prize was an incredible moment of pride and validation for our efforts to nurture entrepreneurial minds and skills among high school students. It reinforced our belief in the power of education to create a lasting impact and inspired us to aim even higher in our mission.

Can you describe the feeling and what it means for you and your project?

The feeling was exhilarating and deeply motivating. This encourages us to expand our reach and empower even more students to shape the future with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Why should others consider participating in EEPA 2025? What advice would you give to other enterprise and entrepreneurship promoters?

EEPA offers a unique platform to showcase impactful projects and gain international recognition for your work. Our advice is to stay authentic to your mission and highlight the real impact of your efforts.

Describe what EEPA means to you by giving us three words.

Inspiration, Opportunity, Achievement.

Watch Seçil accept the award during the inspiring ceremony in Budapest here!