Success stories

Kyra learned about the EYE  programme from a former participant. Then, she found out about Anna's business and got in touch with her and encouraged her to participate in the programme.

A couple of years ago, Anna founded "Azores Coworking and Accommodation” (www.dwellazores.com), a co-working/co-living business that was exactly what Kyra was interested in. Besides getting to know the business model, she was keen on gaining knowledge of how to make use of design and architecture. Furthermore, for Kyra, sharing a working and/or living space is more than just about the business; it's also about the community. Therefore, she aimed to learn how to form and maintain a well-functioning community at Dwell.

In turn, Anna wanted to explore concepts in foreign markets such as Germany and optimize the design and layout of Dwell Co-living. Evaluating and potentially redefining the business intentions and model as guiding forces in the quest for creation, further development, and profitability were also aims for her.

The main topic that Kyra and Anna worked on throughout the experience was the overall co-living concept and the underlying business model. With her competence as the founder of Dwell, Anna shared insights into her business approach and advised Kyra on her business plan. They discussed the business model and principles, and conceptualized an action plan for future endeavors. In return, the Kyra analyzed current means of communication through social media, and both discussed and produced content for the Dwell.

To fill gaps in their knowledge of architecture and design, Anna and Kyra discussed the potential of unused space and the possibilities to optimize it. In terms of community building as a team, Anna and Kyra developed a new booking and application process, conceptualized and undertook weekly communal events, and arranged a cultural exchange between co-livers and the local community.

Overall, during the exchange, they benefited from each other’s knowledge and ideas and became a great team.

During her time with her host, Anna, Kyra gained insights into the business model of a co-living company, including customer experience, community building, and how to make use of design and architecture. Further strategic knowledge included financial planning, such as pricing and income streams, which she can apply to her own business idea. Anna, as a host, also benefited from the new perspective, which made her reevaluate the efficiency of her business model. For example, together with Kyra, she optimized the architecture and interior design to better meet the customers' needs, fostered community building to leverage financial returns and longevity, and received support in organizing communal activities and events.

The exchange also provided both entrepreneurs with market information about each other’s home countries. Overall, Anna and Kyra have been a great fit, and prospects of future cooperation have been discussed.