The second training of the Erasmus+ KA220 project titled “Youth in Entrepreneurship: Socially We Change through Abundant Notions” took place in July 2024 in Poronin, Poland. Titled Market-ready Social Entrepreneurs, this training was hosted by the Polish organization “FRATERNITAS” and supported by the Maltese partner organization “PRISM”. It aimed to provide participants with the practical tools and knowledge necessary to transform their social enterprise ideas into viable, market-ready businesses. The training emphasized key entrepreneurial skills such as community asset mapping, developing a social value proposition, creating business plans, and leveraging digital tools, all while highlighting the importance of sustainability and social impact in entrepreneurship.

Equipping Participants with Practical Tools

The focus of the Market-ready Social Entrepreneurs training was on preparing participants to successfully launch and manage social enterprises. Central to this was the idea of community asset mapping, which allowed participants to identify the resources and strengths within their communities that could be leveraged for entrepreneurial success. This exercise emphasized the importance of local context in business development, encouraging participants to think critically about how they could build businesses that directly benefit their communities.

Participants also learned about the social value proposition—a core aspect of any social enterprise—which refers to the specific social impact a business aims to achieve. Understanding this concept was essential for participants to position their businesses as not only financially viable but also socially responsible. Through interactive workshops, participants were introduced to the profiles of successful social enterprises, gaining insights into how these businesses distribute value equitably while maintaining profitability. The training highlighted that social entrepreneurship is about creating a balance between financial returns and positive societal contributions.

Another critical component of the training was communication and presentation skills, crucial for pitching business ideas to investors or stakeholders. Participants practised presenting their business plans, focusing on clarity, persuasion, and how to effectively communicate the social impact of their projects. This culminated in pitch sessions to experienced entrepreneurs from Poland and Portugal, providing invaluable feedback and real-world insight into their business ideas.

Developing Market-ready Business Models

One of the training’s most valuable lessons was the creation and testing of business plans using the Business Model Canvas, a widely recognized framework that helps entrepreneurs visualize and develop their business models. Participants were guided through the process of building a business plan, focusing on key components such as customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structures. This method simplified the complex task of business planning, allowing participants to see how various elements of their businesses would work together to create value.

Throughout the training, participants tested their business plans, identifying weaknesses and making adjustments to improve feasibility and scalability. This iterative process of testing and refining allowed them to better understand the practical challenges of starting a social enterprise and the importance of flexibility and adaptation in business planning. The training also addressed product testing, ensuring that participants’ ideas could be translated into consistent, high-quality products that would stand out in the market. This included strategies for maintaining product uniqueness while ensuring profitability, as well as tips on using marketing to enhance visibility and attract customers.

Harnessing Digital Tools and Innovation

In today’s increasingly digital world, the use of technology in entrepreneurship is essential, and this training placed a strong emphasis on digital tools and innovative branding ideas. Participants learned about various digital marketing strategies, including the use of social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO), and tools like Google AdSense to promote their businesses. The training also explored how digital tools can be used to streamline business operations, from accounting and human resource management to market forecasting and trend analysis.

The concept of “mimicking success” was another focal point, where participants studied successful social enterprises and identified strategies that could be replicated in their own ventures. This idea of transplanting innovative ideas and adapting them to different contexts was reinforced through case studies of successful social enterprises, particularly those that thrived in the post-Covid world. The participants gained a deeper understanding of how to innovate within the constraints of their environments and how to scale their ideas to reach broader markets.

Practical Application and Real-world Feedback

The practical aspect of the Market-ready Social Entrepreneurs training was one of its most valuable components. Participants were given the opportunity to work on their own business plans, either individually or in collaboration with others. They applied the knowledge gained during the training to create viable business ideas that could be launched as social enterprises. These ideas were then presented to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs, including Krzysztof Kodmydel, Władysław Hrybko from Poland, and John Ferdina from Portugal.

The feedback provided by these experts was instrumental in helping participants refine their ideas, focusing on aspects such as risk management, scalability, and the social value of their projects. This interaction with real-world entrepreneurs allowed participants to gain practical insights and see how their business ideas would be received in the market. It also gave them a chance to practice the skills they had learned in pitching, communication, and business model development.

Building Market-ready Social Entrepreneurs

The training in Poland provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the practicalities of launching and managing a social enterprise. By focusing on business plan creation, market testing, branding, and the use of digital tools, the training ensured that participants were equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of social entrepreneurship. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainability and social impact ensured that participants understood the importance of creating businesses that not only generate profit but also contribute positively to society.