Social Impact Initiative – Newsletter #2

Between 25 September and 9 October 2025, in-person training sessions on social business fundamentals, digital tools, and social entrepreneurship took place in Palanga (LT), Helsinki (FI), and Jelgava (LV) - engaging over 70 young participants from all partner countries.

The focus groups explored young people’s understanding, motivation, and learning outcomes related to social entrepreneurship. Participants (aged 16-29) included students and young professionals interested in social innovation and community development.

Focus Group Overall Report

1️⃣ Understanding of Social Business

Participants across Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland showed curiosity but mixed understanding of the concept. Most associated it with helping communities and being socially responsible, while fewer recognized it as combining profit with social value.

• In Lithuania, it was linked to wellbeing, sustainability, and culture.

• In Latvia, awareness was higher but often confused with CSR.

•  Finnish participants deepened their understanding during the sessions.

→ Youth grasp the social side well but seek more clarity on business.

2️⃣ Awareness of Examples

Awareness varied: Lithuanian and Latvian youth rarely knew local cases, while Finnish participants mentioned international ones (e.g., mental health, homelessness).

Real stories shared during workshops were highly motivating and showed how purpose and profit can coexist.

3️⃣ Social Challenges

Common priorities emerged:

•  Lithuania: wellbeing, mental health, environment, culture.

•  Latvia: inclusion, weak social services, healthcare gaps.

•  Finland: homelessness, substance abuse, stress.

Despite differences, participants shared a drive to co-create solutions that foster wellbeing and inclusion.

4️⃣ Key Learning Outcomes

Interactive teamwork, real-life examples, and creative pitching were rated as the most inspiring elements.

Across all sessions, participants said the workshops increased their confidence, creativity, and motivation to pursue social entrepreneurship.

5️⃣ Topics for Further Learning

Youth expressed interest in practical, sustainability-oriented themes:

•  LT: funding and long-term viability.

•  LV: entrepreneurship skills and legal frameworks, social entrepreneurship examples.

•  FI: digital tools, case studies, and collaboration.

Common interests included project management, financing, and networking within the Social Initiative Hub community.

Survey Results -Youth Trainings (LT-LV-FI)

A total of 56 participants out of 70+ completed the post-training survey - an 80 % response rate, showing strong engagement and motivation to share feedback. Overall results confirmed high satisfaction and clear learning impact across all partner countries:

Survey results indicate that participants not only improved their understanding of social entrepreneurship but also strengthened practical skills and motivation to act. The majority expressed confidence in using digital tools, teamwork, and idea development - confirming that project activities effectively met learning goals.

🌿 Envisaged Results

• Enhanced Skills: Practical knowledge in social entrepreneurship and digital tools.

• Network Expansion: Connected young changemakers through the Social Initiative Hub community.

• Local Impact: Youth-led initiatives promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability.

📈 Verified Results

• Participants: 70+ young people trained (target 30 exceeded ✅)

• Feedback: 85%+ reported higher confidence and satisfaction (target 75% exceeded ✅)