In the heart of Bari, Italy, a remarkable story of transformation and determination unfolds through the journey of Dmytro Nevynnyi, a 27-year-old entrepreneur originally from Ukraine. Dmytro’s path took a pivotal turn at the age of 17 when he arrived in Italy, evolving from a dental technician to a passionate massage therapist and business owner.

Discovering a New Calling

Dmytro’s journey toward entrepreneurship was fueled by his innate desire to help people. While still in his early career as a dental technician, he discovered his natural ability for massage and body treatment techniques by assisting friends with shoulder pain. This experience prompted Dmytro to invest in his education, leading to formal training in massage therapy and body treatment techniques, through which he acquired multiple certifications.

Establishing Grizzly Studio

Armed with newfound skills and motivation, Dmytro founded Grizzly Studio, a massage and body treatment studio situated in the vibrant center of Bari, in the region of Puglia. Grizzly Studio offers a range of services, including relaxing and anti-cellulite massages and drainage treatments. Dmytro approaches each client with a personalised touch, carefully considering their medical history before delivering therapy.

However, like many young entrepreneurs, Dmytro faced challenges in accessing conventional loans to fund his startup. His limited experience, lack of financial records, and status as a migrant entrepreneur presented significant barriers.

PerMicro’s Support: A Turning Point

Recognising the potential of Dmytro’s vision, PerMicro stepped in to provide essential support. Through the “Futurae” project—a collaboration involving Unioncamere, Banca Etica, and PerMicro—Dmytro received comprehensive training that equipped him with vital entrepreneurial, technical, and managerial skills. This training was crucial in helping him develop not only his business acumen but also his confidence in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

With the assistance of a loan from PerMicro, Dmytro was able to secure a professional space for Grizzly Studio, purchase necessary furniture, and invest in advertising to promote his services. The process was made smoother with the guidance of Filomena Lattanzi, the manager of the PerMicro branch in Bari, who worked closely with Dmytro to prepare a robust business plan and manage the required documentation.

Making an Impact

Today, Grizzly Studio stands as a testament to Dmytro’s dedication and commitment to his craft. Beyond providing therapeutic services, Dmytro demonstrates a customer-oriented approach, engaging clients through creative and informative content on his Instagram page. His journey reflects not only personal success but also significant social impact.

PerMicro’s investment in Dmytro has yielded numerous benefits, including:

• Supporting the economic inclusion of a migrant entrepreneur.
• Promoting self-employment and local economic development.
• Facilitating the establishment of a sustainable small business.
• Encouraging financial inclusion and empowerment.

Filomena Lattanzi speaks highly of Dmytro, describing him as passionate, professional, and possessing “the mind of an entrepreneur.”

Looking Ahead

As Dmytro continues to grow Grizzly Studio, he remains focused on self-improvement and business expansion. His story emphasises how microfinance institutions like PerMicro can play a pivotal role in empowering individuals, supporting integration, and fostering economic independence.

In a world where challenges abound, Dmytro’s journey stands out as an inspiring narrative of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of community support.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of EMN’s new podcast, microtalk.! This exciting initiative aims to spotlight the inspiring stories of micro-entrepreneurs from Europe and beyond. Each episode will explore important themes such as women entrepreneurs, youth and migrant entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and financial health.

In celebration of our launch, we are proud to align this initiative with the ongoing European Microfinance Day campaign, which amplifies the voices of micro-entrepreneurs supported by EMN’s member organisations.

The first episode is now available on both Spotify and YouTube! In this captivating premiere, we feature the remarkable journey of Mathieu Beauval, an innovative entrepreneur from La Réunion. Driven by the significant food waste witnessed during the pandemic, Mathieu established “Les Délices de Mamie,” a business focused on creating gluten-free products from overlooked fruits and vegetables. With the support of ADIE, he navigated financial challenges and built a thriving sustainable business, engaging the community and raising awareness about food waste.

Don’t miss out—follow our official podcast pages on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated and tune in for future episodes!

In today’s fast-paced world, the challenge of social isolation among the elderly has become increasingly pronounced. In Nuoro, Sardinia, the Vivere Insieme Cooperative is rising to meet this challenge head-on, offering a refreshing approach to elderly care that prioritises community engagement and social connection.

A Unique Approach to Elderly Care

Founded by three qualified healthcare professionals —Lucia, Sabrina, and Emanuela— Vivere Insieme introduces the concept of senior cohousing. This model is founded on the belief that elderly individuals are not mere “patients” or “users” but integral members of the community, deserving of autonomy and social interaction. The cooperative places self-sufficient and partially self-sufficient elderly people at the center of its operations, aiming to enhance their quality of life while reducing feelings of loneliness.

Services Offered to Combat Social Isolation

Vivere Insieme offers a range of services designed to cultivate a vibrant and interactive community. At the heart of its mission are the cohousing facilities that create a supportive environment, allowing residents to share experiences and activities, which helps foster friendships and reduce feelings of isolation. The cooperative places a strong emphasis on personal development through daily activities and programs, including regular workshops and social events that engage residents and promote active aging. Its strategic location in the heart of the city further enhances community integration, providing residents with convenient access to local shops, cafés, and services, which facilitates daily interactions with the broader community. Additionally, Vivere Insieme supports caregivers by providing them relief, allowing them to recharge while ensuring their loved ones are engaged and cared for in a nurturing environment.

The Role of Coopfin and Microfinance

While the vision for Vivere Insieme was ambitious, the journey to its realisation faced significant financial hurdles. The founders encountered challenges securing traditional funding due to the lack of a credit history and assets. This is where Coopfin and microfinance stepped in.

Coopfin provided vital support through tailored microcredit solutions specifically designed for cooperative initiatives. This funding was instrumental in covering the costs of renovations and the initial investments needed to bring their vision to life. Beyond financial assistance, Coopfin also played a crucial role in guiding the cooperative through the startup phases. They helped establish proper management structures, navigate regional registries, and develop essential internal regulations.

Moreover, Coopfin supported Vivere Insieme in creating a robust promotional strategy, including the development of a user-friendly website and communication plan, which were essential for attracting residents and facilitating community engagement.

A Vision for the Future

Now fully operational, Vivere Insieme hosts 15 residents and welcomes several day guests, proving the demand for innovative elderly care solutions. Encouraged by the success of their initial facility, the founders are actively seeking additional properties to scale their operations and establish similar facilities, amplifying their positive impact on the community.

In conclusion, the Vivere Insieme initiative exemplifies how thoughtful, community-oriented services can combat the pervasive issue of social isolation among the elderly. With the support of Coopfin and microfinance, this cooperative has not only transformed the lives of its residents but also enriched the wider Nuoro community. Through dedication, innovation, and collaboration, Vivere Insieme is pioneerising a model that redefines care for the aging population, ensuring they lead fulfilling, active, and engaged lives within their community.