Economic Inclusion Through Social Entrepreneurship

“Economic Inclusion Through Social Entrepreneurship” is an Erasmus+ training course coordinated by the International Alliance for Integration and Sustainability (IAIS), designed to explore how social entrepreneurship can contribute to economic inclusion, youth employment, and community development.

The project responds to the challenges faced by young people from disadvantaged and migrant backgrounds, including refugees, internally displaced people, cultural minorities, and others experiencing barriers to employment and economic participation. It recognises social entrepreneurship as a potential pathway for individuals to develop sustainable livelihoods while simultaneously creating solutions to social and community challenges.

The training provides youth workers, youth leaders, and community actors with knowledge and practical tools for understanding and applying social entrepreneurship within youth work. Participants explore the principles of social enterprise, identify social problems that can be addressed through entrepreneurial solutions, and develop ideas that combine economic sustainability with positive social impact.

A major component of the project is the development of practical entrepreneurial competences. Participants are encouraged to transform social challenges into opportunities by developing business and social enterprise ideas, exploring potential beneficiaries and stakeholders, considering financial sustainability, and preparing business plans. The approach combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, group work, discussions, and presentations.

The project was implemented through two stages. The first stage took place in Buġibba, Malta, from 22–30 April 2025, hosted by IAIS. The second stage took place in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, where participants continued exploring social entrepreneurship through practical activities, visits to local social enterprises, and collaborative business development exercises.

Throughout the training, participants had opportunities to exchange experiences with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds. This international dimension encouraged cooperation between European and neighbouring countries while allowing participants to learn about different approaches to economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development.

The project also highlights the role of social entrepreneurship in strengthening the sustainability of youth organisations. By developing entrepreneurial thinking and exploring alternative sources of income, youth organisations can become more resilient and reduce their dependence on traditional donor funding while continuing to provide valuable services to their communities.

Ultimately, “Economic Inclusion Through Social Entrepreneurship” aims to empower youth workers and young people to become active contributors to inclusive economic development. By combining entrepreneurship, social innovation, and youth work, the project supports the creation of sustainable opportunities for disadvantaged groups and encourages young people to develop initiatives that generate both economic and social value.