SocEntYouth

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SocEntYouth

In the context of rising inflation, renewed geopolitical instability, the recovery from Covid-19 and the global climate crisis, it is very important to continue to strengthen individual and societal resilience in the Baltic Sea region. The EU has recently recognized social entrepreneurship as an essential tool for strengthening the resilience of European societies and has particularly emphasized the sector’s suitability for younger generations. However, the industry’s visibility remains low, especially outside the region’s major cities. The goal of this project is to unleash the power of social entrepreneurship to support the self-development and self-sufficiency of disadvantaged young people (up to 25 years old) in Finland and Latvia. The program aims to develop an entrepreneurial mindset for participants, transferable cross-industry skills, and, most importantly, create a clear understanding of how to start their socially-oriented business.

Results

The project successfully trained 121 young people in social entrepreneurship, exceeding the target of 120. Participants gained strong knowledge (average post-training ratings of 4.3/5) and confidence in distinguishing traditional vs. social business models (4.6/5). Beyond technical knowledge, they developed valuable transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and intercultural competencies.

The training was delivered through three cycles, combining local Bootcamps in participants’ native languages with cross-border Leadership Camps in Riga and Estonia. This model created a unique environment where Finnish and Latvian youth collaborated, applied Design Thinking methods, engaged with entrepreneurs, and built international networks.

The project produced lasting tools and resources, including translated social entrepreneurship toolkits and training materials, as well as a comprehensive external evaluation report documenting the methodology and lessons learned. All above mentioned materials are available here.

Most importantly, the project demonstrated the value of cross-border cooperation: it not only strengthened participants’ entrepreneurial thinking but also expanded their professional networks and intercultural understanding. Several participants went on to refine or further develop their social business ideas, ensuring impact beyond the project itself.

Social Entrepreneurship Toolkits

Reach for Change’s Toolkits provide tools and resources to develop a sustainable social enterprise that can deliver social impact at scale. Within the project toolkits were translated into Latvian and Finnish.

Social Business Academy Facilitators Guide

2 day in-person training. Entrepreneurship Simulation Activities. Versions in Latvian and Finnish are also available.

Social Business Academy Program Overview

Final Evaluation Report

Social entrepreneurship for the empowerment of young people in Finland and Latvia – Evaluation of a transnational educational project. Versions in Latvian and Finnish are also available.

Expected results

Within the program’s framework, two training cycles will be implemented: a bootcamp and a leadership camp for 120 young people from Latvia and Finland, followed by optional participation in the Innovation Lab, which will provide access to online coaching to continue the individual training program and improve prototypes. The project is one of the first of its kind to focus on social entrepreneurship as a means of empowering young people based on cross-border exchange.

Duration 01.04.2023 - 30.09.2025

Total budget

Programme priority

Improved employment opportunities

Programme objective

PO6 - Improved employment opportunities on labour market

Lead partner

Reach for Change Latvia

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