"Business Laboratory 2025" took place from February to May, offering participants the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and explore new business ideas. Award-winning participants share their experiences—1st place winner Ketija Grēta Sabule with her frozen bread export idea “rāms” (Cēsis district); 2nd place winners Edgars Kristiāns Prokofjevs and Mārtiņš Plaudis, planning to open a woodworking co-creation workshop “Viss kokā” (Cēsis district); and 3rd place winner Liene Reimane with her handmade jewelry idea “KišMiš” (Smiltene district).
KETIJA GRĒTA SABULE
Why did you apply?
I applied because I believe you can learn something from any project and gain experience. I especially applied to this one because I’m in the very early stages of entrepreneurship, which means I need all the support I can get—outside perspectives and the experience of others—to help me choose the best path for myself and my business. I also liked the idea that there would be other young or aspiring entrepreneurs, and maybe I’d find a partner or ally to continue the journey with.
What did you gain?
I gained the confidence that nothing in life has to stay the way it is. Regarding my business—I realized it has room to grow, to evolve, to follow new paths, even multiple ones. I also gained the understanding that entrepreneurship and decision-making aren’t life-or-death matters—it’s just about making decisions and moving forward, adapting, changing, fearing, and daring.
Describe Business Lab in three words:
Opportunity. Progress. Creativity.
Which workshop was the most useful to you, and why?
The financial workshop in Smiltene helped me the most. I had the chance to analyze the financial calculations for my business idea with my group members. This group work showed me that what seemed complicated and detail-heavy to me was actually measurable—if approached correctly and from the right angle. I also appreciated how engaged my peers were, offering thoughtful questions and comments that broadened my view and enriched my understanding of the business.
Follow Ketija’s business journey: @rams_ceptuve
LIENE REIMANE
Why did you apply?
I applied to “Business Lab 2025” because I had no knowledge about entrepreneurship or developing a business. I had never tried creating a business of my own before.
What did you gain?
I received valuable advice, useful information, and insights from experienced mentors regarding my idea.
Describe Business Lab in three words:
New knowledge, useful advice, constructive criticism.
Which workshop was the most useful to you, and why?
I really liked the session with the mentors—it was a great opportunity to present my idea and hear their opinions and suggestions.
Follow Liene’s business journey: @lienes_kismis
EDGARS KRISTIĀNS PROKOFJEVS & MĀRTIŅŠ PLAUDIS
Why did you apply?
A friend recommended the event after seeing a Facebook post about it. I had some prior experience in entrepreneurship through a student company project. We both have a strong desire to create something of our own and be the decision-makers. Our main goal was to start and grow a business.
What did you gain?
We gained confidence in our idea, which emerged during the second B-Lab session—creating a woodworking workshop (Viss Kokā) as a community space for hosting masterclasses. We made new contacts and partners, further developed our communication and presentation skills, and spent our Wednesday evenings meaningfully.
Describe Business Lab in three words:
Inspiring. Educational. Valuable.
Which workshop was the most useful to you, and why?
The second in-person session at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences was the most valuable for us because that’s when our woodworking workshop idea was born and clearly defined.
Follow Edgars and Mārtiņš’s business journey: @viss.koka
Business Lab 2025 was organized by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the municipalities of Limbaži, Smiltene, and Cēsis, as part of the international project “Accelerate Future HEI.”
