The Centre for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) recently held an award ceremony for the winners of its annual competition ‘Students in Support of Social Enterprises’. The competition was organised as part of the EU-funded project Social Entrepreneurship – Innovative Approach for Economic and Social Changes.
"Social enterprises have the potential to have real social impact, especially when involving employees, consumers and other stakeholders,” said Yvonne Gogoll, Human Rights Focal Point at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, adding:“The European Union promotes the ideas of social enterprises which is to combine societal goals with entrepreneurial spirit.”
The competition has been held annually since 2012. The aim is to promote the concept of Social Entrepreneurship among young people, as well as to help Social Enterprises operating in Georgia, through youth-led innovative projects. Sixteen student teams were exposed both to theory and practice on social entrepreneurship through trainings and field visits, while four finalist groups received 1,500 GEL each to implement projects aimed at strengthening social enterprises.
The winning teams are:
- First place: Project idea "Know how", by Nukriani Workshops social enterprise
- Second place: Project idea "Sinergy", by Green Gift social enterprise
- Third place: Project idea "Rakedani", by social café 8+1 social enterprise
The winning team received a travel grant to explore social entrepreneurship internationally, while all participating teams received prizes.
The Project ‘Social Entrepreneurship – Innovative Approach for Economic and Social Changes’ supports social enterprise development by increasing capacities of public organisations to achieve social and environmental goals and economic strengthening of vulnerable groups. It provides tailor-made support services to social entrepreneurs across Georgia, works with the government and business sector to develop legislative and financial support mechanisms and promote the concept of social entrepreneurship amongst the population, especially young people.