From an idea to a profitable business in 6 months – summing up the BEST by Futuremakers programme

Entrepreneurship is not a sprint, but a marathon in which knowledge, perseverance and access to information really count. Participants of the second edition of the BEST by Futuremakers acceleration programme could really experience that. For half a year, they have developed projects step by step – from testing a business idea to the first sale, hiring people and building a community around their activities. They were supported by the Youth Business Poland community through mentors, trainers and other entrepreneurs who provided practical knowledge and fostered the atmosphere of mutual support.

This edition of BEST by Futuremakers brought together projects from various industries – from web applications and online courses, through innovative products such as acupressure boards, weighted accessories or retention tanks, to local restaurants and psychological support centres.

This diversity shows that there is still room for companies to grow in various areas, not just in the AI space. You can run a stable business, like a well-positioned bakery, and make good money. The problem, however, is the lack of similar support programs on the Polish market. Nowadays, you must be a startup and create an innovative application to get help – while many such projects fail. The point is not to stop supporting startups, but to create more programmes dedicated to micro-entrepreneurs in Poland. It is worth remembering that many companies, which today are the flywheel of the Polish economy, started as small businesses. What is more, as much as 46.6% of Polish GDP is generated by small and medium enterprises. That is why the second edition of the BEST program, organised by the Technology Incubator Foundation as part of the global initiative Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, is of particular importance.

Adrian Migoń, CEO of Youth Business Poland

Who won the podium during Demo Day?

The programme culminated in the final Demo Day at the Standard Chartered Poland office, when the participants pitched their ideas to the Jury. Experts assessed not only innovation, but also real business potential and readiness for further development.

The podium was dominated by women’s teams. The winners of the program were awarded prizes worth PLN 20,000. The first place and PLN 10,000 went to Paulina Słowik, who, together with a team of enthusiasts, created the Maniowy Climbing Association. The initiative was born out of necessity – there was no training space in the region, so they built a wall and a community around it. Today, the association holds professional classes for children and adults, develops a climbing application and supports people with developmental difficulties. The wall is used by thousands of people. In just three months, the activity reached the point of profitability, and the team’s ambition is to create the first Podhale Climbing Center.

Equal second places and prizes of PLN 5,000 each were awarded to Daria Wolf and Natalia Hołota. Daria is developing the Step to balance project – a platform for foot health diagnostics and prevention, which combines the Berry AI application with online courses, exercises and a store with proprietary acupressure products. The goal is to create the world’s first comprehensive platform accessible to both children and seniors. By participating in the programme, the team was able to re-analyse their business plan and development strategy.

On the other hand, Natalia Hołota took over the family bakery after her mother’s death and had to face a crisis – the departure of employees and financial difficulties. The programme allowed her to organise the budget, rebuild relationships with the team and start conscious development of the company. Today, the bakery, in addition to traditional bread, offers confectionery and ice cream, and the award will enable the development of a café. The company is guided by family values and promotes healthy, sustainable local products.

The jury consisted of representatives of the world of business and public institutions: Ewa Kuchcińska (GBS Compliance, Finance Crime & Risk Head, Standard Chartered), Roman Babiarz (Director, Technology & Operations Governance, Standard Chartered), Wojciech Włodarczyk (Executive Director, Solutions Lead, Treasury Modelling and Forecasting Solutions, Standard Chartered), Grzegorz Wolff (Deputy Director of the Warsaw Labour Office) and Adrian Migoń (CEO, Youth Business Poland).

Voice of the organisers

The main goal of the BEST by Futuremakers initiative is to support young entrepreneurs in the development of their businesses. I was very pleased to meet the finalists of the next and learn about their creative business ideas. They have achieved a lot in a very short time, all thanks to their determination, support from experienced professionals and building relationships. I would like to congratulate the entire group, especially the winners, and I hope that their path in business will continue to be as fruitful as it has been so far.

Sylwia Traczyk, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Standard Chartered Poland

The new, all-women’s edition has already started

The organisers have announced a call for applications for the next edition. This time it is addressed to women who want to develop their own company. Participants will receive a professional business analysis, individual mentoring, workshops on key competencies and a chance for development grants.

The edition was created for women, including specialists working in corporations who want to try their hand at business. In addition to knowledge and tools, it also provides a support network, i.e. relationships, exchange of experiences and contacts that help to break down barriers and build one’s own professional path. Applications are already open at https://best.ybp.org.pl.