EYBA joins the national startup awareness seminar series: Leila Haugas to share insights on international growth
EYBA’s contribution – Leila Haugas as guest expert
Leila Haugas, co-founder of EYBA (Expand Your Business Abroad) and international growth mentor, will participate as a guest expert in Valga, Põlva, and Võru.
Her presentation “10 Rules of Startup Business from the Perspective of International Growth” focuses on empowering small and medium-sized companies to expand confidently beyond Estonian borders.
Leila emphasizes that startup thinking is not only for tech companies:
“Startup is a mindset — it’s about courage, structure, and vision. Any company, regardless of size, can achieve international success when it has a clear focus and the right partners.”
Her goal is to inspire and equip entrepreneurs with practical tools for entering foreign markets and scaling their business systematically.
Structure of the seminars
Each 3.5-hour seminar consists of three parts:
- Overview of the Estonian Startup Ecosystem – by Jelena Žovnikova, focusing on support networks, incubators, and investment opportunities.
- Expert Presentation – depending on the location:
- Anne Veerpalu – Legal Perspective: 10 Rules of Startup Business
- Leila Haugas – International Growth Perspective: 10 Rules of Startup Business
- Dan Mikkin – Design & Branding Perspective: 10 Rules of Startup Business
- Interactive Sales Simulation – led by Leno Kuura, trainer from Ettevõtlusküla (Entrepreneurship Village).
Seminars also include networking sessions and coffee breaks for informal discussions and connections.
Why attend?
These regional seminars are an opportunity to get inspired, learn from experienced professionals, and gain hands-on insight into how startups and small businesses can grow sustainably — whether locally or internationally.
- Free of charge – participation is 100% free with mandatory registration.
- Expert knowledge – learn directly from top Estonian and international professionals.
- Global perspective – discover how to build a growth strategy and reach foreign markets.
- Networking – connect with like-minded entrepreneurs in your region.
Dates and locations where Leila will speak
📍 Põlva – November 11, 2025, Pesa Hotel
📍 Valga – November 12, 2025, Valgamaa Development Agency
📍 Võru – November 13, 2025, HUUB
Find full schedule and registration links:
👉 www.startup-events.ee/eng
🗓️ Seminar Schedule 2025
| Date | County / City | Venue | Guest Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 14 | Pärnu County – Pärnu | University of Tartu Pärnu College, Ringi 35 | Anne Veerpalu |
| October 16 | Rapla County – Rapla | Rapla Central Library, Lasteaia 5 | Anne Veerpalu |
| October 28 | Lääne-Viru County – Mõdriku | TTK University of Applied Sciences, Tiigivahe 2 | Dan Mikkin |
| November 5 | Hiiumaa – Kärdla | Hiiumaa Development Centre, Vabrikuväljak 1 | Dan Mikkin |
| November 6 | Saaremaa – Kuressaare | Meri Spa Hotel, Pargi 16 | Dan Mikkin |
| November 11 | Põlva County – Põlva | Pesa Hotel, Uus 5 | Leila Haugas (EYBA) |
| November 12 | Valga County – Valga | Valgamaa Development Agency, Kesk 11 | Leila Haugas (EYBA) |
| November 13 | Võru County – Võru | HUUB, Vabaduse 12–2 | Leila Haugas (EYBA) |
| November 26 | Viljandi County – Viljandi | StarHub, Leola 49, 3rd floor | Anne Veerpalu |
| December 3 | Ida-Viru County – Narva | Narva Hotel, A. Puškini 6 | Dan Mikkin |
EYBA’s mission: empowering growth beyond borders
EYBA (Expand Your Business Abroad) helps small and medium-sized enterprises grow internationally with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Through mentoring and practical frameworks, EYBA supports business owners in identifying opportunities, building networks, and expanding sustainably into foreign markets.
👉 Join the seminars and meet Leila in Põlva, Valga, or Võru!
Discover how to take your business to the next level and grow without borders.
🔗 More information and registration: www.startup-events.ee/eng
Program partners
