Karolina and her friend were inspired to build their own chocolate company after working abroad for a couple of years but they knew starting a business would be expensive, so they began looking for support.

On their return to Lithuania – just before the pandemic – Karolina applied to the State Employment Service. Thanks to funding from a project called Be an Entrepreneur, she was able to purchase the necessary equipment and to begin production within a year.

Supported by the European Social Fund (ESF), Be an Entrepreneur is implemented by Lithuania's Employment Service through the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. The project helps unemployed young people and people with disabilities. It aims to equip them with the skills they need to enter the job market or become successful entrepreneurs. To date, the project has helped nearly 1 400 people into work and is on track to help many more to fulfil their potential.

The ESF Be an Entrepreneur project enabled Karolina to launch the Komplimentai chocolate brand, with the help of a friend and his brother. While it’s currently just the three of them preparing and distributing the chocolate, she has no doubt they will need more employees in the future. Despite the pandemic, business is booming.

‘Most of our products are sold online, often by couriers, who deliver chocolate all over Lithuania,’ she explains.

For Karolina and her business partners, this is just the beginning! Chocolate is a lifestyle for them now, and they are constantly improving and innovating. With so much interest in the company and its products, Komplimentai plans to start organising chocolate tastings and an educational programme.

‘[So] many people supported and encouraged us,’ Karolina says, happily. ‘You just have to try and not give up. Of course, patience will be needed, but in the end, all the effort pays off.’