From 12 to 16 October, Social Entrepreneurship Week took place for the eighth consecutive year, featuring workshops, seminars and public awareness activities highlighting the role of social entrepreneurship and the social economy in modern society. This year, the focus was on the contribution of the social economy to people's quality of life, stronger communities and sustainable development.
The main event of Social Entrepreneurship Week was the conference “Social Economy in Latvia: From Good Intentions to Meaningful Change”, held on 15 October. It brought together policymakers, social entrepreneurs, representatives of non-governmental organisations and sector experts. The social impact created by social enterprises and other social economy actors was explored from the perspective of four stages of life, focusing on the needs of children, young people, adults and older people.
“The value of the social economy can be seen in very tangible ways – in a young person who has received the support they need, an older person who no longer feels forgotten, or a community where people are able to help one another. It is an important part of Latvia's economy, creating jobs, paying taxes and generating social benefits. Behind these achievements lies the everyday work of organisations, professional expertise and cooperation. The stronger these organisations become, the stronger our society becomes,” emphasises Imants Lipskis, Director of the Labour Market Policy Department at the Ministry of Welfare.
This year's conference encouraged participants to view the social economy through the value that its actors create for society. Whether a social enterprise, non-governmental organisation, volunteer movement, community initiative or traditional business, different types of organisations can contribute to social well-being, social inclusion and the development of local communities. The conference also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between public authorities, municipalities, businesses and civil society. The social economy offers opportunities to jointly address societal challenges while strengthening Latvia's economy.
The week began on 12 October with a breakfast gathering for social entrepreneurs and a workshop entitled “Staying Strong While Doing Good”. The event focused on the well-being and emotional resilience of social entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurship often involves not only running a business but also taking responsibility for people who need support and striving to address important societal challenges. The workshop encouraged participants to find a balance between caring for their business, their team and their social mission, while also looking after their own well-being.
On 13 October, an online workshop entitled “Branding and Export: How to Prepare for Entering Foreign Markets” focused on strengthening the competitiveness of social enterprises and exploring opportunities for growth in international markets. On 14 October, an online podcast entitled “How Can We Create Change Together?” explored youth participation, volunteering and social entrepreneurship as important tools for driving positive change in society.
Throughout the week, the public was also introduced to several social enterprises whose everyday activities promote well-being, inclusion and equal opportunities. Their stories demonstrated the wide range of sectors covered by social entrepreneurship in Latvia – from education and healthcare to environmental sustainability, culture and social services.
Social Entrepreneurship Week once again demonstrated that social entrepreneurs and other social economy actors are important drivers of change. Their work helps develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges, strengthen communities and build a more inclusive, cohesive and sustainable Latvia.
Social Entrepreneurship Week events were organised with financial support from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) project “Support for Social Entrepreneurship”.
