The Ideas Competition was essential: a simple idea turned into a solid project with “feet and head”!
Reuben and Ricardo, two young friends from Valpacense that saw in the 3rd edition of the Ideas Contest “Empreender no Alto Tâmega” the opportunity to work the business idea they had for the territory. Not only they worked it and were the winners of this edition, as they already inaugurated the company one month ago.
In less than a year, counting from the date of presentation of candidacy to the 3rd edition of the Ideas Contest, Reuben and Ricardo materialized the dream of opening a business together, with headquarters in Valpaços, and that they say have as a goal to turn it into “the biggest and best tourist net of Alto Tâmega, committed with the increase of the quantity and quality of tourism and local accommodation”.
“The path is made by walking” and in this sense these young entrepreneurs have already advanced with the initial part of the business idea – BELLAVITA – Service and Real Estate Mediation, which will be the “kick-off” for the second part of the project, the BELLAVITA tour.
“The project has already started to be implemented, but only in January 2023 will the BELLAVITA tour be launched to the market. We have now started to raise possible properties with characteristics for local accommodation and, step by step, we want next year to focus energies on Valpaços, we want to take Valpaços to the rest of Portugal and beyond borders, providing unique experiences to our tourists. In 2024 we want to evolve to the rest of Alto Tâmega”, said Ruben.
This business idea resulted of the conscience that the promoters took about the “lack of dormitory in Valpaços, due to many villas and flats of emigrant owners being closed during most part of the year”, but that could easily be made profitable as local accommodation, during the time they are away, coupling to that service “the support and touristic accompaniment to the client, with touristic guides, itineraries and touristic packages”.
During the Ideas Competition they had the opportunity to be accompanied by a consulting team that helped them develop the business idea and smooth out some rough edges, namely the construction of a truly sustainable and feasible business plan.
“It was a unique experience, not only because of the excellent follow-up by the whole team, but also because of the knowledge of other entrepreneurs, their ideas, their ways of application, the debate between team and entrepreneurs. We grew a lot”.
Being the phase of presentation of candidatures to the 4th Edition of the Ideas Contest “Empreender no Alto Tâmega e Barroso”, the promoters made a point of leaving some words of incentive to the possible candidates:
“Don’t let the opportunity escape. If you have any business idea, be it elaborated or not, make your application. You have a fantastic team, direct, qualified and true to advise, improve and boost an entire project. Even if the journey does not end with the implementation of any business, believe me: throughout the journey, the learning achieved will always be an asset for life and possible future businesses. Be entrepreneurs, take the reins of your life, create jobs, don’t be afraid!
This was Reuben and Ricardo’s testimony. A testimony of an idea that went from paper to the ground and the next one could be you!
Take a risk and apply to the 4th Edition of the Ideas Competition “Empreender no Alto Tâmega e Barroso”. Open applications until 31 of August.
More information in:
https://cimat.pt/concurso-de-ideias-empreender-no-alto-tamega-e-barroso-esta-de-volta/
https://altotamegaempreende.pt/service/concurso-de-ideias/
