Academy of Commerce

Launched in 2017, Academia de Comércio (Commerce Academy) was an acceleration program launched by the Lisbon City Council, SBI Consulting, and Startup Lisboa, aimed at revitalizing the city's commercial landscape.

"The project was born from the hands of Marta Miraldes, managing partner of SBI Consulting, when, while walking through downtown Lisbon, she noticed that the city's leading businesses were failing to survive because they couldn't keep up with the current challenges facing commerce," according to Observador.

Individuals with innovative business ideas that would contribute to the revitalization of commerce in Lisbon, covering areas such as retail, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses, were eligible to apply for the program. Proposals that presented an online approach, in addition to street commerce, would be particularly valued.

The program stood out for its support in business conception and development, preparing participants for the challenges of starting a business and developing management skills, such as market analysis, finance, and marketing, among others.

In addition to the acceleration program, the Commerce Academy explored two other areas of intervention: a support program for already established merchants (notably those in Beato, to prepare them for the impact of the installation, at the time, of the new Beato Creative Hub) and support sessions for the Stores with History program, with the aim of optimizing investments within the scope of the municipal fund that exists for this purpose.