Glossary

The practice of using relevant digital information and performance indicators to guide business choices and strategic adjustments.

The capacity of a business to position itself effectively in digital markets through informed decisions, strategic orientation and efficient use of digital tools.

A structured instrument managed or co-managed at European level to support skills development, innovation, inclusion or competitiveness through projects and partnerships.

A formal procedure through which public authorities purchase goods or services under defined rules of transparency, competition and equal treatment.

The network of organisations, institutions and intermediaries that provide guidance, training, mentoring and access to opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Paid advertising on search engines, typically through a bidding system, to increase website visibility.

 

The practice of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results and attract organic traffic.

 

The use of social media platforms to promote a business, engage customers, and build brand awareness.

 

An online platform representing a business, showcasing products, services, and company information.

 

A basic visual guide that outlines the structure and layout of a website before design and development.

 

Using digital tools and channels to create value, starting from recognising needs and responding with feasible digital solutions.

Selling products or services online without a physical shop, enabling wider reach, flexibility, and lower fixed costs, especially for micro-businesses

A basic assessment of costs, income, and cash flow (money in vs. money out) to check whether an idea is sustainable.

A strategic tool to assess Strengths and Weaknesses (internal factors) and Opportunities and Threats (external factors) before making decisions

The sequence of activities through which value is created and delivered, from defining the offer to customer feedback and improvement.

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines rights, obligations, and terms.

E.g. She signed a one-year contract with the firm after the interview.

 

A person or company that buys goods or services.

E.g. The store always tries to keep its customers happy.

 

The condition of having paid work

E.g. The Pillar helps people secure employment through training.

 

A person who starts a business and is willing to take risks to make money.

E.g. The young entrepreneur had a great idea for a new app.

The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.

E.g. She displayed great entrepreneurship when she started her own successful bakery.

 

Programs or organizations that help new businesses develop by providing resources and support.

E.g. Tech startups often join incubators to get advice and funding.

 

A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem

E.g. The European Pillar of Social Rights is an initiative to improve lives

 

A person or organization that puts money into financial schemes, property, or a business with the expectation of achieving a profit.

E.g. The investors were excited about the potential of the new company.

 

People who create laws

E.g. EU countries, lawmakers, and individuals can help create a better Europe.

 

A person's general attitude

E.g. She has a very positive mindset, even when things go wrong.

 

An article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale.

E.g. The company's new product was a big hit with customers.

 

A person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business.

E.g. The company listened to the concerns of its stakeholders before making a decision.

 

Financial assistance given by the government to support a business or industry.

E.g. Farmers may receive subsidies to help them stay in business.

Instruction or practice aimed at improving skills, knowledge, or performance in a specific job or activity.

E.g. The company offers regular training to help employees develop new technical skills.

 

The state of not having a job

E.g. The Pillar seeks to address challenges like unemployment.



 

A LinkedIn profile that is fully completed (has a photo, description of experience, skills), which greatly increases its effectiveness.

A document describing your professional and educational background, used for job searching.

Europass is a European tool that helps you present your qualifications, skills and professional experience in a clear and understandable way, especially when looking for work or study in Europe. For people outside the EU, this means that Europass makes it easier for European employers and institutions to assess your education and experience, even if it was acquired outside Europe.

A social networking service where registered users can create networks and groups, share news and photos, and use applications.

GDPR is European legislation that protects people's personal data (e.g. name, email address, telephone number) and specifies how companies and institutions can collect, store and use it. For people outside the EU, this means that if an organisation processes data belonging to people living in the European Union, it must comply with these rules, even if it is located outside the EU

A social networking site created specifically for professional matters and job searches.

Building a network of contacts with people, which helps exchanging information about work.

A social networking service based on short, public posts that allows for the rapid dissemination of information and the building of networks.

Websites and applications that allow people to talk to each other and share information.

The physical, digital, or relational methods through which customers discover, access, and use a product or service.

A structured and practical tool used to organise business ideas, clarify value, define customers, identify resources, and support decision-making and communication.

Understanding the essential expenses required to deliver products or services realistically and sustainably.

The explanation of how the business generates revenue based on the value provided to customers.

The human, material, digital, and external elements required to implement and operate a business idea.

The clear explanation of what is offered, to whom, what problem it solves, and what benefit it creates.

A social media account optimized for professional or commercial use.

Interaction between a business and its online audience.

Keyword preceded by # used to categorize content.

Information and Communications Technology.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprise.

A private individual who invests their own money in small or new businesses, often providing advice, contacts, and guidance in addition to financial support.

A method of raising funds for a business or project by collecting small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually via online platforms.

 

A type of crowdfunding in which investors receive a portion of the company in return for their financial contribution.

 

A crowdfunding model where contributors support a project in exchange for a reward or incentive, rather than ownership in the company.

The early phase of a company’s life cycle when the business idea is developed, and initial funding (often from Business Angels) is used to start operations and test viability.

 

Online service for storing files and accessing them remotely.

Exchange of information via digital platforms and networks.

Online platforms for social interaction, sharing and communication.

A display that responds to finger gestures such as taps and swipes.

Wireless internet connection enabling online access without mobile data.

Software or applications that help businesses manage financial tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and bookkeeping, ensuring accurate financial records.

 

A system or tool that helps businesses organize, track, and manage customer interactions, improving relationships and customer retention.

 

Online services that allow users to store, organize, and share documents, photos, and other files securely across devices and with team members.

 

Digital platforms that help individuals or teams plan, assign, track, and complete tasks efficiently, improving productivity and collaboration.

 

Digital applications that help businesses increase visibility, manage social media, create branded content, and reach potential customers effectively.

 

A saved copy of important files, usually stored in cloud services. Backups help recover information if a device is lost or damaged.

An online space where photos, documents, and other files can be saved, organised, and shared. Files stored in the cloud can be accessed from different devices.

Harmful software that enters a device through unsafe links or files. It can damage files or collect personal information without permission.

Basic rules for polite and respectful communication online. Netiquette helps messages stay clear and prevents misunderstandings.

A fake email or message that tries to make people click a link or share personal information. It often looks official but is used to steal data.

A security method that requires two steps for logging in, such as a password plus a code sent by SMS or generated by an authenticator app. Newer methods may include biometric login or passkeys. It helps protect accounts even if the password is known.

A visual framework to describe how a business creates, delivers, and captures value.

 

A document outlining a business idea, operational strategy, financial needs, and market approach.

 

Leading a business through digital transformation, using technology to innovate and empower teams.

A visual timeline used to plan, schedule, and track tasks in a project.

 

A tool to identify a business’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for better decision-making.

 

A short and intensive support programme for businesses that already exist and want to grow faster through mentoring, training, and access to investors.

 

An organisation that supports entrepreneurs at the early stage of their idea by offering training, coaching, and shared workspace to help turn ideas into businesses.

 

Digital tools and technologies, such as messaging apps, social media, and online platforms, that help businesses communicate, organise work, and reach customers.

 

A method for setting clear objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, often used to plan and measure business and social media success.

 

The specific group of people a business wants to reach with its products or services, defined by characteristics such as age, interests, needs, and online behaviour.