Organized by Force & Brothers Consultancy Inc. in collaboration with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), the “European Union Programmes and Project Development Training Programme” was successfully completed between 20–28 March 2025. This comprehensive training series, structured into four separate modules, was designed to strengthen the capacity of ITO personnel in accessing EU funds, developing projects, and preparing high-quality funding applications. The training covered the following modules:
Module 1: Project Cycle Management
Module 2: Erasmus+ Programme
Module 3: Horizon Europe Programme
Module 4: Digital Europe and COSME Programmes
The primary aim of the programme was to provide ITO staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively analyse EU-funded calls, align internal institutional objectives with call requirements, and prepare technically robust project proposals. In this context, participants were supported not only through theoretical content but also through applied workshops. Key thematic areas included the logical framework approach, project objective formulation, budgeting, partnership structuring, application form analysis, and interpreting call documentation.
Each module was delivered by subject-matter experts. Modules 1 and 2, focusing on Project Cycle Management and the Erasmus+ Programme, were conducted by Uzay Yüksekkaya and Setenay Demir. Modules 3 and 4 were led by Valerie Gülşen Mack, who provided in-depth training on the strategic priorities, structure, eligibility rules, and application processes of the Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and COSME Programmes.
Learning outcomes were measured through pre- and post-training assessments, clearly demonstrating measurable progress in participants' knowledge levels. A significant majority of attendees reported that they had gained the confidence to analyse relevant EU project calls for their institutions, generate project ideas, and prepare strategic plans to convert those ideas into concrete applications. Notably, groups that are developing new project ideas confirmed that they had already begun preparing for the application process.
This training programme, conducted by Force & Brothers Consultancy Inc., has contributed to the systematic and effective structuring of ITO’s strategies for accessing EU funds. The capacity-building initiative, realized in cooperation between ITO and Force & Brothers Consultancy Inc., has been recognised as a significant step toward establishing a sustainable knowledge infrastructure that will facilitate access to EU funding for commercial actors and institutional structures in Istanbul.
