The 3rd face-to-face meeting was held in Lithuania (27-28 May 2024). Prof. Ingrida Baranauskiene hosted the meeting at Klaipeda University. Partners had the chance to discuss about all project activities, especially during/after the training delivery, while we have already started organising our Final Conference in Nicosia (18th October 2024). Stay tuned!
Training delivery to social scientists in Cyprus, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Greece.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of social entrepreneurship, a symbiotic relationship has emerged between social enterprises and the power of crowdfunding. As traditional funding sources have often fallen short in meeting the unique needs of purpose-driven organizations, crowdfunding has emerged as a transformative tool that empowers social enterprises to access the resources they require to scale their impact and address pressing societal challenges.
Crowdfunding, at its core, is the practice of raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically through online platforms. This democratization of funding has proven to be a particularly compelling avenue for social enterprises, which often struggle to attract the attention and support of traditional investors who may be more focused on financial returns than social impact.
One of the key advantages that crowdfunding offers to social enterprises is the ability to leverage the power of their community. Social enterprises, by their very nature, are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, and their mission-driven ethos resonates with a growing number of socially conscious individuals. Crowdfunding platforms provide these social enterprises with a powerful channel to directly engage with their supporters, allowing them to share their stories, showcase their impact, and rally the collective support of like-minded individuals.
This community-driven approach to fundraising has several benefits for social enterprises. Firstly, it enables them to access a significantly broader pool of potential supporters, far beyond the traditional confines of institutional investors or local philanthropic networks. By tapping into the global reach of crowdfunding platforms, social enterprises can attract backers from around the world who share their values and are eager to contribute to their cause.
Secondly, the act of crowdfunding itself can serve as a powerful marketing and validation tool for social enterprises. The successful completion of a crowdfunding campaign not only provides the necessary funding but also signals to the broader public that the enterprise’s mission and solutions have resonated with a sizable group of supporters. This validation can be particularly important in the early stages of a social enterprise’s development, as it helps to build credibility, attract additional investors, and open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.
Moreover, the crowdfunding process often fosters a deeper sense of engagement and ownership among the backers of a social enterprise. By directly contributing to the success of the enterprise, these supporters become invested in its long-term growth and impact. This sense of stakeholder involvement can translate into ongoing advocacy, word-of-mouth promotion, and even further financial support as the enterprise continues to scale and evolve.
The symbiotic relationship between social enterprises and crowdfunding also extends to the unique funding needs of these purpose-driven organizations. Unlike traditional for-profit businesses, social enterprises often require a combination of financial resources, including grants, loans, and equity investments, to sustain their operations and scale their impact. Crowdfunding platforms have adapted to accommodate this diverse funding landscape, providing social enterprises with access to a range of crowdfunding models, such as reward-based, equity-based, and donation-based campaigns.
This flexibility allows social enterprises to tailor their crowdfunding strategy to the specific stage of their development and the type of financial support they require. For instance, early-stage social enterprises may leverage reward-based crowdfunding to validate their concept, build a community of supporters, and secure seed funding. As they mature, these enterprises may then transition to equity-based crowdfunding to attract investors who are aligned with their social mission and growth aspirations.
Furthermore, the rise of specialized crowdfunding platforms focused on social impact and sustainability has further strengthened the connection between social enterprises and crowdfunding. These platforms, such as Kickstarter’s “Projects We Love” section or Indiegogo’s “Generosity” vertical, curate and highlight social enterprises, providing them with enhanced visibility and access to a more targeted pool of socially conscious backers.
As the social enterprise ecosystem continues to evolve, the role of crowdfunding is expected to become even more integral to the success and sustainability of these mission-driven organizations. By providing social enterprises with a flexible, community-driven source of funding, crowdfunding has the potential to democratize access to capital, empower innovative solutions, and accelerate the positive impact of social entrepreneurship on a global scale.
In conclusion, the symbiotic relationship between social enterprises and crowdfunding is a testament to the power of harnessing the collective support of a socially conscious community. By leveraging the reach, flexibility, and validation offered by crowdfunding platforms, social enterprises can secure the resources they need to scale their impact, strengthen their community connections, and contribute to the creation of a more equitable and sustainable future.
As the social enterprise ecosystem continues to grow and evolve across Europe, the availability of diverse financial resources and incentives has become increasingly crucial to the success and sustainability of these purpose-driven organizations. Unlike traditional for-profit businesses, social enterprises often face unique financial challenges due to their dual focus on generating both social impact and financial returns. However, the European landscape is witnessing a proliferation of innovative financial instruments and support mechanisms designed to empower and nurture social enterprises.
One of the primary financial advantages enjoyed by social enterprises in Europe is access to specialized funding sources. In recent years, several European countries have established dedicated social investment funds, impact investment vehicles, and venture philanthropy initiatives that cater specifically to the needs of social enterprises. These specialized funds often provide a combination of equity investments, loans, and grants, tailored to the specific stage and requirements of the social enterprise.
For instance, the European Investment Fund (EIF), a subsidiary of the European Investment Bank, has played a pivotal role in channeling financial resources towards social enterprises. The EIF manages several programs, such as the Social Impact Accelerator and the Social Enterprise Finance Facility, which offer equity and debt financing to social enterprises across the EU member states. These initiatives not only provide much-needed capital but also leverage the expertise and networks of the EIF to support the growth and development of social enterprises.
In addition to specialized funding sources, many European countries have also introduced tax incentives and financial instruments that specifically benefit social enterprises. These may include tax exemptions, reduced tax rates, or social security contribution rebates for registered social enterprises that meet certain criteria related to their social impact, governance, and reinvestment of profits.
For example, in the United Kingdom, social enterprises can benefit from the Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) scheme, which allows investors to claim tax credits for providing debt or equity financing to accredited community development finance institutions (CDFIs) that support social enterprises. Similarly, in Italy, social cooperatives enjoy a reduced corporate income tax rate, as well as exemptions from certain taxes on their economic activities.
Furthermore, the European Union has implemented several grant programs and funding schemes that cater to the needs of social enterprises. The European Social Fund (ESF), one of the largest funding sources for social initiatives in the EU, has allocated significant resources to support the development and scaling of social enterprises across member states. Through the ESF, social enterprises can access grants, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to strengthen their operations and expand their impact.
Additionally, the European Commission’s LIFE program, which focuses on environmental and climate action, and the Horizon Europe research and innovation program, have also included social enterprises as eligible beneficiaries, providing them with access to funding and resources tailored to their specific areas of focus.
Beyond traditional funding sources, social enterprises in Europe have also benefited from the rise of innovative financial instruments, such as social impact bonds and social venture capital funds. These tools leverage private investment to finance social projects, with the investors receiving a return based on the achievement of predefined social outcomes.
For instance, the European Social Innovation and Impact Fund (ESIIF) is a social venture capital fund that invests in early-stage social enterprises across Europe, providing both financial and non-financial support to help these organizations scale and increase their social impact.
The emergence of crowdfunding platforms has also played a significant role in empowering social enterprises to access alternative sources of funding. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Ulule have enabled social enterprises to engage directly with a wider community of supporters, allowing them to raise funds, build brand awareness, and test the viability of their solutions.
While the financial landscape for social enterprises in Europe is generally more supportive than in many other regions, it is important to note that the availability and accessibility of these financial advantages can vary significantly across different countries and regions. The level of government support, the maturity of the social enterprise ecosystem, and the overall economic conditions can all influence the financial resources and incentives available to social enterprises in a particular country or locality.
Furthermore, as the social enterprise sector continues to grow, there is an ongoing need to ensure that the financial support mechanisms remain responsive to the evolving needs and challenges faced by these organizations. Policymakers, financial institutions, and the social enterprise community must work collaboratively to continually refine and enhance the financial landscape, ensuring that social enterprises have access to the resources they need to thrive and scale their impact.
In conclusion, the European landscape offers a range of financial advantages and support mechanisms that cater to the unique needs of social enterprises. From specialized funding sources and tax incentives to innovative financial instruments and alternative financing platforms, social enterprises in Europe have access to a diverse array of financial resources that can help them to sustain their operations, scale their impact, and contribute to the creation of a more equitable and sustainable future.
As the global appetite for social and environmental impact continues to grow, the landscape of social enterprises has become increasingly dynamic and diverse, particularly across Europe. While the concept of social entrepreneurship has gained traction worldwide, the legal frameworks that govern and support social enterprises vary significantly from country to country within the European Union.
One of the key defining features of the European legal landscape for social enterprises is the degree of recognition and support provided by individual national governments. In recent decades, several European countries have taken proactive steps to establish legal definitions, legal forms, and regulatory frameworks specifically tailored to social enterprises.
For instance, Italy was one of the first European nations to introduce a legal form for social enterprises in 2006, known as the “social cooperative.” This legal structure provided social enterprises with a clear legal identity, along with various tax benefits and financial incentives to support their operations. Similarly, the United Kingdom introduced the “Community Interest Company” (CIC) legal form in 2005, which has since become a popular choice for social enterprises in the country.
Other countries, such as France, have adopted a more inclusive approach, incorporating social enterprises within their broader legal frameworks for the social and solidarity economy. In 2014, France introduced the “social and solidarity-based enterprise” (Entreprise Sociale et Solidaire) legal status, which encompasses a wide range of organizations, including cooperatives, mutual societies, and associations, as long as they adhere to specific criteria related to their social mission and governance structure.
The legal landscape becomes even more diverse when considering the various tax incentives, procurement policies, and funding schemes that different European countries have implemented to support social enterprises. For instance, some nations, like Belgium and the Netherlands, have introduced tax exemptions or reduced tax rates for registered social enterprises, while others, such as Portugal and Spain, have prioritized the inclusion of social enterprises in public procurement processes.
Furthermore, the European Union itself has played a crucial role in shaping the legal environment for social enterprises across the continent. In 2011, the European Commission published a Social Business Initiative, which aimed to create a favorable ecosystem for social enterprises by providing policy recommendations, financing mechanisms, and cross-border collaborations.
The EU has also established various funding programs, such as the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, which have allocated significant resources to support the development and growth of social enterprises. These EU-level initiatives have helped to foster a more harmonized and supportive legal landscape for social enterprises, even as the specific national approaches vary.
Despite these advancements, the legal landscape for social enterprises in Europe remains fragmented and inconsistent. Many countries still lack a clear legal definition or dedicated legal form for social enterprises, leaving these organizations to navigate the ambiguities of existing legal structures, such as non-profit organizations, cooperatives, or traditional for-profit businesses.
This lack of legal clarity can present significant challenges for social enterprises, particularly when it comes to accessing funding, navigating taxation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their operations. Without a clear and supportive legal framework, social enterprises may face difficulties in distinguishing themselves from other types of organizations, securing investment, and engaging with public procurement processes.
Moreover, the diversity of legal approaches across Europe can create obstacles for social enterprises seeking to expand their operations or collaborate across national borders. Navigating the nuanced regulatory environments in different countries can be a complex and resource-intensive endeavor, potentially hindering the growth and scalability of social enterprises with a pan-European vision.
Despite these challenges, the growing recognition of the importance of social enterprises in addressing societal challenges has led to increased efforts to harmonize the legal landscape across Europe. The European Commission’s Social Business Initiative, as well as the more recent Social Economy Action Plan, have encouraged member states to adopt more coherent and supportive policies for social enterprises.
Additionally, various EU-level organizations, such as the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Social Economy and Social Enterprises, have advocated for the development of a common legal framework or set of standards for social enterprises. These initiatives aim to provide a more consistent and enabling environment for social enterprises to thrive, regardless of their location within the European Union.
In conclusion, the legal landscape for social enterprises across Europe is a complex and evolving landscape, with a diverse array of national approaches and varying degrees of recognition and support. While some countries have taken proactive steps to establish dedicated legal forms and incentives for social enterprises, others continue to grapple with the integration of these innovative organizations within their existing legal frameworks.
As the social enterprise ecosystem continues to grow and mature, the need for a more harmonized and supportive legal environment becomes increasingly pressing. By fostering a cohesive and enabling legal landscape, European nations and the EU as a whole can empower social enterprises to scale their impact, collaborate across borders, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals throughout the continent.
Train the Trainers Event, Barcelona
As the global community works towards achieving these SDGs by 2030, the role of social entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful catalyst for progress. Social entrepreneurs, driven by a deep commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact, have embraced the SDGs as a guiding framework for their innovative and transformative work.
The fundamental alignment between the values and principles of social entrepreneurship and the SDGs has fostered a symbiotic relationship, with the two movements reinforcing and enriching each other in profound ways.
One of the primary ways in which social entrepreneurship and the SDGs are intrinsically linked is through their shared focus on addressing complex societal challenges. The SDGs, ranging from poverty alleviation and quality education to climate action and sustainable cities, represent a comprehensive and interconnected set of objectives that aim to create a more equitable, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable world.
Social entrepreneurs, with their entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approaches, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the realization of these goals. By identifying unmet needs, designing creative solutions, and leveraging market-based strategies, social entrepreneurs are able to tackle some of the most pressing issues highlighted by the SDGs.
For instance, a social enterprise focused on providing access to affordable and clean energy in underserved communities aligns directly with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), while a social venture addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable agriculture connects to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). This alignment between the SDGs and the core objectives of social entrepreneurship creates a powerful synergy, where the two movements reinforce and amplify each other’s impact.
Furthermore, the SDGs’ emphasis on collaboration and multi-stakeholder partnerships resonates deeply with the collaborative ethos of social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurs recognize that lasting solutions to complex societal problems require the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and local communities.
By fostering cross-sector partnerships and engaging with diverse stakeholders, social entrepreneurs can leverage their innovative ideas and solutions to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. This collaborative approach not only enhances the impact of individual social enterprises but also creates an ecosystem of support and shared learning, further advancing the progress towards the SDGs.
The SDGs’ focus on inclusivity and equity also aligns with the core values of social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurs are driven by a deep commitment to creating positive change for marginalized and underserved populations, ensuring that the benefits of their initiatives reach those who need them the most.
By designing solutions that are accessible, affordable, and responsive to the unique needs of local communities, social entrepreneurs can directly contribute to the fulfillment of SDGs such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). This intersection between the SDGs’ emphasis on inclusion and the social entrepreneurs’ dedication to serving the underserved is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of their collaboration.
Moreover, the SDGs’ recognition of the critical role of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship resonates strongly with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Many social enterprises are pioneering innovative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges, such as waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs like SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
As the global community continues to grapple with the complex and interrelated challenges outlined in the SDGs, the rise of social entrepreneurship has emerged as a strategic and transformative force. By aligning their innovative solutions, collaborative approaches, and commitment to sustainability with the ambitious targets set forth by the SDGs, social entrepreneurs are demonstrating the power of entrepreneurial thinking and market-based strategies to drive sustainable development.
In conclusion, the Sustainable Development Goals and social entrepreneurship share a profound and mutually reinforcing relationship. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for social entrepreneurs to focus their efforts, while social entrepreneurship offers a dynamic and impactful pathway for the realization of these global goals. As the two movements continue to converge and collaborate, they hold the potential to catalyze meaningful and lasting change, paving the way for a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.
In an era of growing social, environmental, and economic challenges, the field of social entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful force for positive change. Social entrepreneurs are individuals who, driven by a deep sense of purpose, harness the power of entrepreneurial principles to address pressing societal issues. At the heart of this transformative movement lie a set of core values that distinguish social entrepreneurship and guide its practitioners in their pursuit of sustainable solutions.
The primary value that underpins social entrepreneurship is a deep commitment to social impact. Unlike traditional business models that prioritize profit maximization, social entrepreneurs are laser-focused on creating tangible, measurable improvements in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. Whether it’s alleviating poverty, enhancing access to education, promoting environmental sustainability, or fostering social inclusion, social entrepreneurs are driven by a singular goal: to make a meaningful and lasting difference.
This unwavering focus on social impact is further reinforced by a strong sense of empathy and compassion. Social entrepreneurs possess the ability to deeply understand the challenges and needs of the marginalized populations they aim to support. They recognize that sustainable solutions cannot be imposed from the outside but must be co-created with the active participation of the beneficiaries themselves. This empathetic approach enables social entrepreneurs to design and implement interventions that are truly responsive to the unique circumstances and aspirations of the communities they serve.
Closely tied to the value of social impact is the principle of innovation. Social entrepreneurs are not content with simply replicating existing solutions; instead, they strive to identify novel and creative ways to tackle societal problems. This innovative mindset fuels their ability to challenge the status quo, think outside the box, and develop unconventional approaches that have the potential to disrupt and transform the status quo.
From developing innovative technologies to pioneering new business models, social entrepreneurs are constantly seeking ways to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of their initiatives. This commitment to innovation is not merely a means to an end but a core tenet of their entrepreneurial philosophy, as they recognize that lasting change often requires bold and creative thinking.
Another defining value of social entrepreneurship is a strong sense of accountability and transparency. Social entrepreneurs understand that the resources and support they receive from various stakeholders, including donors, investors, and the community at large, are entrusted to them with a responsibility to use them effectively and ethically. As such, they place a high priority on maintaining robust monitoring and evaluation systems, regularly reporting on their progress, and being transparent about their challenges and shortcomings.
This commitment to accountability fosters trust and credibility, which are essential in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem. By demonstrating their integrity and responsible use of resources, social entrepreneurs build lasting partnerships with donors, investors, and community members, who in turn become advocates and supporters of their work.
Underpinning all these values is a deep-rooted belief in the power of collaboration and collective impact. Social entrepreneurs recognize that lasting solutions to complex societal problems often require the combined efforts of diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector entities, and community members. By embracing a collaborative mindset, social entrepreneurs are able to leverage the unique strengths and resources of their partners, creating synergies that amplify the overall impact of their initiatives.
Finally, social entrepreneurs are driven by a profound sense of resilience and perseverance. Addressing complex societal issues often requires navigating numerous challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. However, social entrepreneurs are undaunted by these hurdles, viewing them as opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. Their unwavering determination and their ability to adapt and pivot in the face of adversity are hallmarks of the social entrepreneurship movement.
In conclusion, the core values of social entrepreneurship – a commitment to social impact, empathy and compassion, innovation, accountability and transparency, collaboration, and resilience – define the ethos of this transformative field. These values not only guide the actions and decisions of social entrepreneurs but also inspire and empower a growing community of change-makers to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with creativity, dedication, and a steadfast belief in the power of collective impact. As the social entrepreneurship ecosystem continues to evolve and expand, these values will remain the guiding principles that ensure the longevity and transformative potential of this vital movement.
The second face-to-face meeting was held in Heraklion (Crete, Greece) in 18-19th September 2023.
In today’s rapidly changing world, where social and environmental challenges continue to escalate, the role of social entrepreneurs has become increasingly vital. Social entrepreneurs are individuals who, driven by a deep sense of purpose, identify societal problems and leverage innovative approaches to create sustainable solutions. Far from being mere passive observers, these enterprising individuals have the potential to serve as powerful agents of change and creative innovators, transforming the landscape of social impact.
At the core of a social entrepreneur’s mission lies a relentless desire to tackle pressing societal issues. Whether it’s addressing poverty, improving access to education, promoting environmental sustainability, or fostering inclusivity, social entrepreneurs are driven by a conviction that the status quo is not enough. They possess an innate ability to see the world through a different lens, spotting opportunities where others may only see obstacles.
This unique perspective empowers social entrepreneurs to function as agents of change. By identifying and understanding the root causes of social problems, they can devise creative and impactful solutions that address the core issues, rather than just the symptoms. This agent-like quality sets social entrepreneurs apart, as they are not content with merely providing temporary relief; instead, they strive to implement long-term, systemic changes that can transform the lives of those they serve.
One of the hallmarks of social entrepreneurs is their unwavering commitment to innovation. Recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches, they are constantly seeking new and unconventional ways to tackle societal challenges. This innovative spirit manifests in various forms, from the development of novel products and services to the pioneering of innovative business models and organizational structures.
For instance, a social entrepreneur might identify the lack of access to affordable healthcare in a disadvantaged community and respond by creating a mobile health clinic that leverages technology to deliver high-quality care to those in need. Similarly, a social entrepreneur might recognize the environmental impact of single-use plastics and establish a social enterprise that collects and recycles plastic waste, while also educating the community on sustainable practices.
The creative problem-solving abilities of social entrepreneurs are further amplified by their willingness to collaborate and engage with diverse stakeholders. They understand that lasting solutions often require the collective efforts of multiple individuals, organizations, and sectors. By forging strong partnerships with communities, governments, businesses, and other non-profit entities, social entrepreneurs can combine their innovative ideas with the resources, expertise, and support of a broader network.
This collaborative approach not only enhances the impact of their initiatives but also fosters a culture of collective problem-solving. Social entrepreneurs serve as catalysts, inspiring and empowering others to join in the pursuit of social good. In doing so, they create a ripple effect, where their actions inspire and motivate others to become agents of change themselves.
Moreover, the transformative power of social entrepreneurs extends beyond the tangible solutions they create. Their very presence and example serve as a testament to the fact that individuals can indeed make a meaningful difference in the world. By demonstrating that innovation, creativity, and persistent determination can be harnessed to address societal challenges, social entrepreneurs inspire and empower others to follow in their footsteps.
In conclusion, social entrepreneurs are not mere passive observers; they are agents of change and creative innovators who possess the ability to identify, address, and solve societal problems in transformative ways. Their unwavering commitment to innovation, their collaborative spirit, and their relentless pursuit of positive impact make them invaluable assets in the quest for a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world.
