The 6th round of VentureGarden Heraklion has officially concluded, marking another chapter in the program’s mission to support aspiring entrepreneurs in the buzzing city of Heraklion, Crete. 12 individuals took part in this round, each bringing forth a business idea they were passionate about—and walking away with a clearer vision, stronger skills, and renewed confidence in their entrepreneurial journey.
Throughout the program, participants experienced a meaningful transformation—not only refining their entrepreneurial ideas but also growing personally and professionally. The evolution was evident in their final presentations, where each participant showcased how their initial concept matured into a more structured and compelling vision.
This round was a reflection of VentureGarden’s core mission: to empower individuals with the tools, guidance, and support needed to navigate their entrepreneurial journey. From those taking their first steps into entrepreneurship to others seeking to reshape existing concepts, all participants found space to grow, explore, and connect.
Adding to the richness of the program were a number of inspiring guest speakers who joined us throughout the round. Entrepreneurs such as Vangelis Grassos, CEO and co-founder, of Οxygen Pelatologio and George Mastorakis, generously shared their own journeys—highlighting both their successes and their setbacks. Their stories sparked meaningful conversations with participants, offering real-world insight and encouragement. These moments created space for reflection and dialogue, inspiring participants to think bigger and embrace the entrepreneurial mindset with renewed confidence.
As a participant, Lena Sfakianaki said: "My participation in VentureGarden Heraklion was an invaluable experience that strengthened my knowledge and opened new paths for the development of my idea. Continuous learning is the key to professional success and growth. Thank you!
The final presentations were a celebration of this growth. Ideas spanned across various sectors, demonstrating the creativity and ambition that continues to define VentureGarden. What stood out most, however, was the personal commitment each participant brought to the table—an eagerness to learn, to adapt, and to support one another.This sense of community is one of VentureGarden’s defining features. The program became a space where collaboration thrived, confidence grew, and future plans began to take shape.
VentureGarden is implemented in Heraklion by Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece, in collaboration with Bizrupt. Free participation in the program is made possible thanks to the generosity of its supporters. VentureGarden Heraklion is supported by National Donor Alpha Bank, and locally by EMA S.A. and the Grow with Google initiative.
As the 6th round comes to a close, we congratulate these twelve inspiring individuals for their courage, effort, and dedication. Their journey is only just beginning—but the foundation they built during VentureGarden will undoubtedly guide their next steps.
Here’s to their continued growth, to bold ideas, and to the ever-evolving journey of entrepreneurship!