Innovation and knowledge at the Kisalföld Business Development Foundation
New Momentum in E-Commerce
Award-winning Institution: Kisalföldi Vállalkozásfejlesztési Alapítvány (Kisalföld Business Development Foundation)
Project Title: eU-COMMERCE: Developing a New European E-Commerce Education Platform to Support the Establishment and Operation of Businesses by Enhancing Skills Needed for Employability
Online commerce is now part of everyday business life, and the constantly evolving digital environment demands new knowledge and adaptability. The eU-Commerce project of the Kisalföld Business Development Foundation, winner of the Nívódíj (Excellence Award) provides guidance in precisely this area. With innovative solutions and practical educational materials, it helps micro and small entrepreneurs navigate in the dynamic world of e-commerce. The project’s results contribute to the digital transformation of the vocational training sector and the development of labour market competencies.
We spoke with Máté Író, a staff member of the foundation, about their experiences and achievements.
What inspired the launch of the eU-COMMERCE project, and what was its main goal?
The Kisalföld Business Development Foundation has been involved in business development projects for over thirty years and has already built a strong international network.
The initiation of the eU-COMMERCE project was driven by these connections as well as the lockdowns caused by the global pandemic and the rapid expansion of online commerce. The main goal was to develop an innovative vocational training methodology to support the creation and operation of micro and small businesses while improving employability skills, especially in the field of online commerce.
You achieved tangible results during the project. Could you present them?
The project consisted of three main components:
- First, a comparative research report and a competency framework were developed to identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for e-commerce. This research was conducted in six countries and was based on international trends.
- Second, an online course was developed covering the defined topics, which delivers knowledge in a concise, playful, and interactive way. Upon completion, participants can earn an online certificate.
- The third component was a game-based application that deepens learners' knowledge of online commerce through various simulated scenarios.
Although each result is a success in itself, is there one you are most proud of?
We are most proud of the online course, which - thanks to its innovative approach - offers a comprehensive, concise, and interactive transfer of knowledge in the field of e-commerce. This form of learning provides an efficient and positive experience for users.
Beyond the project’s products, it’s also important to see how these have impacted the target audience’s daily lives. Could you share more about this impact?
During the development of the project, we identified potential beneficiaries across multiple sectors with whom we had already been having active connections through other activities.
| One of our target groups included beneficiaries of a project supporting job seekers and young people in the Western Transdanubia region in becoming entrepreneurs. Through this project, a thousand micro-enterprises were established, and participants learned the basics of successful entrepreneurship through training. These entrepreneurs, almost without exception, have an online presence to varying degrees. For many, the eU-COMMERCE project served as a valuable introduction or aid in strengthening their online presence, offering an immediate opportunity for progress after establishing their business through our interactive learning materials. |
Another group of beneficiaries came into focus through one of our foundation’s core activities: providing loans to micro-enterprises. For these existing partners, the knowledge developed in the project represented an exciting opportunity for growth. Moreover, many of our clients participated in the development process as national focus group members and pilot testers.
As the Civil Community Service Centre of Győr-Moson-Sopron County, we are also closely connected with civil organizations in the region. Although most of these operate on a non-profit basis, online presence is crucial for them as well, so they too gained valuable insights from the project.
Is there a memorable moment or story related to the project?
As I mentioned earlier, due to our wide-ranging activities, we’re in daily contact with both new and long-established businesses that have tangibly progressed in developing their online presence thanks to our educational materials. We’re especially delighted when we see how a beginner pastry shop, hair salon, or café builds a successful community and loyal customer base on social media using methods traceable to our guidance.
| We’ve also observed inspiring progress among more established businesses that, due to the challenges of the pandemic, began playing a more active role online. With the help of our materials, they were able to quickly and efficiently set up their webshops and websites, significantly contributing to the stabilization and growth of their business operations. |
Naturally, an Erasmus+ project can bring significant changes not only to its target group but also to the implementing institution. Could you tell us more about this?
he project has significantly expanded and enriched the portfolio of our foundation. Thanks to the Erasmus+ program, we’ve developed closer relationships with both existing and newly established micro-enterprises. The knowledge collected during the project provides practical, easily applicable solutions for managing everyday challenges.
Finally, what does receiving the Nívódíj mean to you?
Winning the Nívódíj is a tremendous source of pride for the Foundation, as this prestigious recognition affirms that our project delivered tangible results that are genuinely useful in everyday practice!
Photos: Kisalföld Business Development Foundation
Introducing the 2025 Erasmus+ Nívódíj (Excellence Award) Award-winning projects!
Last modified: 30-06-2025
