Incubation programme helps turn idea for reducing mobbing into a business
Latvian company MSO has developed Mobbing STOP, a digital programme for the prevention of bullying and emotional abuse, which uses animation, videos and discussions to teach children to recognise unacceptable behaviour, understand emotions and resolve conflict situations. The programme is currently being used by schools and more than 40 pre-school institutions across Latvia, but the company sees its next phase of growth in exports. MSO has already presented its solution to potential partners in Switzerland and is preparing to launch the programme for pre-schools in that market in the 2027/2028 academic year.
“MSO” grew out of a social project, and its founders initially lacked business experience. Participation in the business incubation programme of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) at its Sigulda office provided crucial support for the company’s development.
“We knew what sort of programme we wanted to create and why it was needed, but at the start we knew very little about business, sales and building partnerships. The training and consultancy offered by LIAA helped us understand how to develop our product and prepare it for entry into foreign markets,” explains Evija Sīmane, MSO spokesperson and programme curator.
During the incubation period, the company took advantage of training on entrepreneurship, digitalisation, sales and exports. The opportunity to consult with the heads of LIAA overseas offices was particularly useful, as was the opportunity to obtain information on specific markets and understand who to turn to with issues relevant to the company’s development.
“The business incubator greatly shortens the path to the information and people we need. Without it, we would often not know who to turn to or how to proceed. In the incubation programme, however, I can ask a question and quickly receive advice or the necessary contact details. For a small business, this is vital,” Ms Sīmane emphasises.
MSO has also utilised LIAA financial support to further develop the programme. Psychologists, violence prevention specialists, a scriptwriter and a professional film crew are involved in the development of new materials, so creating high-quality content requires significant investment.
“The financial support allows us to produce new video material and continue the professional development of the programme. A small company cannot implement all its plans at once, so we are moving forward step by step. Without LIAA support, it would be considerably more difficult to make many of the necessary improvements,” she says.
Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund
