Incubation Programme Helps Turn an Idea for Tackling Bullying into a Business
Latvian company SIA “MSO” has developed “Mobbing STOP”, a digital programme for the prevention of bullying and emotional abuse that uses animation, video materials and discussions to teach children how to recognise unacceptable behaviour, understand emotions and resolve conflicts. The programme is currently used by schools and more than 40 preschools across Latvia, while the company sees exports as the next stage of its growth. MSO has already presented its solution to potential partners in Switzerland and is preparing to launch its preschool programme in this market in the 2027/2028 academic year.
SIA “MSO” grew out of a social project, and its founders initially had little business experience. Participation in the business incubation programme of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) at LIAA’s Sigulda Representative Office has therefore played an important role in the company’s development.
“We knew what kind of programme we wanted to create and why it was needed, but at the beginning we knew very little about business, sales and building partnerships. The training and consultations provided by LIAA helped us understand how to develop the product and prepare it for entry into international markets,” says Evija Sīmane, representative of SIA “MSO” and programme coordinator.
During the incubation programme, the company took advantage of training in entrepreneurship, digitalisation, sales and exports. Particularly valuable was the opportunity to consult with representatives of LIAA’s offices abroad, obtain information about specific markets and understand whom to approach with questions relevant to the company’s development.
“The business incubator significantly shortens the path to the information and people you need. Without it, we often would not know whom to approach or how to proceed. Through the incubation programme, I can ask a question and quickly receive advice or the right contact. For a small company, this is extremely valuable,” emphasises Evija Sīmane.
MSO has also used LIAA financial support to further develop the programme. Psychologists, violence prevention specialists, a scriptwriter and a professional filming team are involved in developing new materials, meaning that creating high-quality content requires significant investment.
“The financial support enables us to create new video materials and continue the professional development of the programme. A small company cannot implement all its ideas at once, so we are moving forward step by step. Without LIAA support, it would be considerably more difficult to make many of the improvements we need,” she says.
This article was produced within the framework of the project “Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship for SMEs”, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Union.
