Ukraine is currently experiencing a significant surge in social entrepreneurship, creating a need for innovative approaches and international expertise. In September 2024, the SILab Ukraine team undertook a study tour to Latvia as part of the IMPULSS project, implemented in collaboration with the NewDoor social innovation platform with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. During the visit, we acquired insight into the latest digital tools that can assist Ukrainian social entrepreneurs in expanding their operations and achieving greater sustainability.
One of the key insights gained from the trip was the effective collaboration between Latvian social enterprises, government agencies, and private businesses. The SILab Ukraine team participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives of Latvian ministries to discuss the interaction between the government and social entrepreneurs. The availability of a state program offering financial support to social enterprises, funded by the European Union, incentivizes active cooperation between stakeholders to develop social entrepreneurship in the country. Despite the legal limitations on the forms social enterprises can take in Latvia (currently only LLCs), social entrepreneurs are willing to accept these restrictions to receive financial support from the government and annually confirm their status as social enterprises. This provided valuable insight into how Ukraine can adapt such models to create a favorable environment for social businesses. Furthermore, the recently adopted State Strategy for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses until 2027, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in September, references social entrepreneurship, indicating a potential shift in focus towards this area.
Another key outcome of the trip was learning about Latvia's experience in implementing mentor training programs. Our team had the opportunity to meet with Enno Ence, Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation at the University of Latvia in Riga, who is also the author of the mentor training course at the university. Enno walked us through the various components of the mentor training program and guided on key issues that require attention at different stages of mentor training. We will now leverage this knowledge to actively implement the strategies gained through the Mentor SkillUP program, which will start at the end of October.
In addition to the training provided, we developed a strategy for furthering our partnership with the NewDoor social innovation platform. We discussed potential joint projects and new opportunities for Ukrainian social entrepreneurs. Our collaboration with NewDoor provides access to new resources, knowledge, and networks, enabling us to implement more ambitious projects in Ukraine.
"I would like to express my gratitude to our partners at NewDoor for approaching us earlier this year with the initiative to develop a joint project and submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. Despite the limited timeframe and the intensity of the process, the outcome surpassed expectations. The SILab team's visit to Latvia proved to be a transformative experience, offering a much-needed respite from the constant stress and providing an opportunity to unite, recharge, and continue the fight for Ukraine's independence and the advancement of the social entrepreneurship sector in Ukraine," - said Anna Gulevska-Chernysh, Chair of the Board.
We are thrilled to keep working on adapting the knowledge and practices we've gained to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs scale up, attract investment, and create positive changes in society. We are confident that our partnership with NewDoor will help us implement some amazing projects to support social entrepreneurship!
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