This final workshop marked the culmination of a structured Social Entrepreneurship Training Programme Model, developed through the SESI Project. The model comprises three interconnected workshops, each focusing on a vital phase of social entrepreneurship.

The first session, held in Romania, concentrated on Defining Business Ideas, equipping participants with foundational skills to shape their projects. The second session in Poland covered Financial Literacy, providing participants with the tools to secure resources and plan for the financial sustainability of their ventures. The Brussels workshop, as the final stage, focused on Accelerating and Launching Social Ventures, offering practical and legal insights into the business startup process.

In parallel, SESI recently launched a six-month online coaching program, providing ongoing mentorship to workshop participants. This coaching program ensures that knowledge gained in Romania, Poland, and Brussels is effectively put into practice, guiding participants through the SESI Action Plan. Key areas covered in the plan include Market Research, Value Proposition Development, Business Model Canvas, Marketing and Communication Strategies, Operational Planning, Impact Measurement, Funding, Legal Structures, and Team Building.

A Comprehensive Approach to Business Acceleration

The Brussels workshop integrated peer learning with immersive visits to key social enterprises and institutions, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and real-world insights into the world of social entrepreneurship.

On the first day, peer learning activities focused on Market Research, Value Proposition Development, and Marketing Strategy. Participants also had the opportunity to learn from Sofiia Shevchuk, founder of VONA and The Tide, who provided valuable insights into Value Proposition and Brand Identity. These sessions were complemented by the participants’ exchange of operational plans, refining their strategies according to the Operational Plan Development component of the SESI Action Plan.

On the second and third days, participants explored the vibrant social business landscape in Brussels through visits to key institutions and social enterprises. The visit to the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) provided participants with an in-depth understanding of how EU institutions support social entrepreneurship, regional inclusion, and local economies. Expert-led discussions helped participants connect policy support with real-world entrepreneurial initiatives.

Equally valuable were the visits to social enterprises such as HUB Brussels, a leading business information service in the Brussels-Capital Region, where participants explored strategies for securing financial resources as part of their Funding Strategy. At LaVallée, a creative and entrepreneurial hub supporting cultural and artistic projects, participants learned about team building and early-stage social enterprise development, focusing on Team Building and Roles. The visit to TRACK Brussels, an urban lab promoting circular and sustainable economies, provided valuable insights into Marketing, Competition Analysis, and Marketing and Communication Strategies, while offering guidance and space for innovative projects.

Participants also explored WOMADE, a coworking space that provides tailored support and resources for women entrepreneurs, further enriching their understanding of Brussels’ vibrant social business ecosystem. The exploration culminated in a visit to the Brussels Beer Project (BBP Danseart), where participants witnessed a successful circular economy initiative that turns unsold bread into beer, offering a practical and inspiring example of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Additionally, as part of the workshop’s experiential learning approach, participants engaged in a geocaching exercise. This activity took youth workers and youngsters across Brussels, encouraging them to discover local businesses with a strong ethical foundation.

The final day was centered to refining participants’ business plans, where they worked on setting clear short, medium, and long-term objectives. This day also included a deep dive into Impact Measurement Plans, helping participants identify the best methodologies to track the social impact of their projects. The workshop concluded with participants presenting their action and impact measurement plans, demonstrating their readiness to launch their social ventures with strong strategic frameworks.

A Comprehensive Model for Social Entrepreneurship Training

The “Taking on. Taking off!” workshop in Brussels marked the completion of the SESI Project’s innovative training model. Through this model, youth workers and youngsters have developed key entrepreneurial skills, complemented by continuous support through the coaching program. With this strong foundation, participants are now empowered to return to their communities and launch social ventures that contribute to social inclusion across Europe.