Viltu business? Promoting Entrepreneurship
Viltu business? is a play on words with some common Icelandic phrases that appear in everyday life and the most understandable question for all international people of Iceland: Viltu poka? Viltu kaffi? Viltu kvittun? What if it was as easy to get information on how to start a business? The thought behind the initiative is to offer an introduction to the various opportunities, improve access to information, connect people and create a space for networking and sharing entrepreneurial experiences.
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Viltu Business? What if starting your business or a project would be as easy as ordering a coffee?
Starting a business can be challenging for anyone, but for newcomers in Iceland, it can feel especially daunting. The "Viltu Business?" conference, first launched in 2014, was created to help make this process easier.
A Simple Start: Making Business Info as Easy as Coffee in 2014
In 2014, a unique event in Reykjavík set out to simplify the business world for immigrants. "Viltu Business?"—meaning "Do You Want Business?"—was organized by Projekt Polska.is a non-profit supporting cultural exchange between Iceland and Poland. Curators Bryndís Jónatansdóttir and Ewa Marcinek wanted to make it as easy to get business advice in Iceland as it is to order a coffee. This idea inspired the friendly name.
Held at Bíó Paradís, the event attracted 150 people from many different countries. Over three hours, they got essential advice on starting a business, from experts like the Innovation Center Iceland and successful entrepreneurs, including Alicja Wiktoria Stoklosa of GeoDrone and Lee Nelson, founder of Sirkus Ísland. Thanks to a grant from Iceland’s Ministry of Welfare, the event was a big success in giving immigrants the tools to navigate Iceland’s business landscape.
A Fresh Take in 2023: How-to, Good Examples, and Opportunities
In 2023, Viltu Business? returned, now organized by ALO Ísland, a non-profit founded by Ewa Marcinek after the original event’s success. With support from Reykjavíkurborg, the second edition stayed true to its goal of giving immigrants the information they need to start their own businesses.
Held again at Bíó Paradís, this event featured practical sessions on taxes, legal issues, and the basics of running a business, led by consultant Emiliya Ivanova-Nikolova from Emily Consult. The program was divided into three sections—How To, Good Examples, and Opportunities—with a networking session afterward to help participants connect with others in the community. Over 120 people attended, underscoring the ongoing need for these resources.
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