Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Economics and Management (VUAS FEM) study program Business Academy welcomed its first students in the autumn semester of 2019. It distinguished itself with its unique study approach – learn by doing! With the end of this academic year, academic successes and practical student environments – financial records of the digital agency BASAFUL – are gathered. In its first year, the student agency has made a 14-thousand-euro turnaround.



Students work at the agency as a part of the learning process. The new specialists can use their theoretical knowledge while working with clients and on various projects, starting from day one. While working in the agency, students learn about the business environment, which responsibilities the company interests them and which they excel at, and how to apply new information realistically. The Business Academy students manage the agency’s work; however, the experienced mentors help if they need advice.

The agency’s services revolve around technology and pro-business activities, which help students get to know different industries, types of companies, and management styles. For example, BASAFUL provides web page creation, product placement on the market, automation of a company’s internal process, digitisation, and marketing services to their clients. They will soon offer even more technical assistance, as IT faculty students are expected to be included in the following year’s plan. Involving students from other faculties like this, the agency will expand to 100+ students next year.

The Ventspils IT investment attraction project Start In Ventspils was ambitious and well-executed by the student agency. Students worked on market research, brand development, graphic materials, and the website for this project. BASAFUL and other projects have helped the agency achieve a 14 thousand turnover, paying students for their work. In addition, client and user feedback is somewhat of quality assurance for the new professionals, demonstrating that the theoretical knowledge learned in VUAS can be applied directly in the business environment.

The Business Academy’s “Start-up Management” program has not yet had its first graduates. Still, all of the programs’ 20 students from all around Latvia have already given positive feedback and are extremely pleased with their choice. This year’s interest in the program has remained high; therefore, anybody interested is invited to attend the “Business Academy Bootcamp 2021” training camp on June 9th and 10th. Students will get the opportunity to meet program mentors and other active participants and experience the study format and environment and gain the necessary knowledge and experience. Participation is entirely free. More information and how to apply can be found on the program webpage businessacademy.lv.