The project, which began in July 2026 and is coordinated by the Canary Islands Technology Institute (ITC), aims to connect entrepreneurship ecosystems in Macaronesia and West Africa. Over the next three years, it will focus on generating resources to foster competitive and sustainable businesses through tailored training programs and business support services for the six participating territories.
RAISE addresses the challenges faced by many business ideas in their launch and consolidation, particularly affecting young people, women, and other underrepresented groups. The goal is to transform innovative projects into competitive businesses with positive impact by improving access to specialized training, advice, funding, and collaboration networks.
Initial actions will involve analyzing entrepreneurship ecosystems to identify resources and needs, followed by the launch of RAISE Impact Booster, an advanced training program for entrepreneurship support professionals, and a digital platform offering tools and access to a transnational network of specialists and mentors.
The project will develop a 'glocal' support methodology and local programs combining innovation labs, entrepreneurial challenges, hackathons, and mentoring. Top initiatives will culminate in local project presentation days (Demo Days) and a transnational meeting in Canarias to explore collaboration and funding opportunities.
The consortium comprises 15 entities, including the University of La Laguna, the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, and FEMEPA, among others from Canarias, Madeira, and West Africa. The project has a total budget of 2.36 million euros, co-financed by 85% from the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the Interreg MAC 2021-2027 Cooperation Programme.
