Social Enterprise is gaining real traction in the EU — here’s five ways BTF is contributing to this movement…
Bridging To The Future, a company I work with, have been very active in the European Union over the last few years and I have been very lucky to jet off across the continent with them. Whilst people know we go to Europe a lot, most people probably don’t know why. So I’ve put together this blog as a short introduction to the current projects BTF has on in Europe… (You may notice the bias towards social business and working with those at the edge…)
ETOS — Effective Training for Outsiders of Society
ETOS was a two year project between 6 different countries focused on creating new ways of training individuals who were traditionally found outside of the educational system and labour market. The final products — a practical training methodology and certification system were piloted with over 100 people in the different countries and are currently used by the Province of Vercelli and Municipality of Varna as a key element of their job creation strategy.
BTG — Bridging The Gap
BTG was a project deisgned and managed by Bridging To The Future. The project saw 5 European organisations take our Bridge Model approach to developing entrpreneurs, adapt it and pilot it in their own countries. So far this has seen the creation of 17 businesses in Europe varying from an educational app designer in Holland, a fashion boutiqe in Spain and a microbrewer in Greece.
BYOB — Be Your Own Boss
Be Your Own Boss is a focused on enabling individuals to successfully establish and grow their own job and ultimately business. A partnership of 5 countries, managed by Bridging, is utilising our successful methods of entrepreneurial incubation and acceleration to work with people outside of the labour market to create their own entry point to it. The project is in it’s first year and is about to enter the pilot phase which will see individuals begin their journey to economic independence.
SESAME — Social Enterprise by Synergy and the Added value of youth Mentoring in Europe
SESAME is led by Friesland College and aims to bring together a social enterprise curriculum with a world leading approach to mentoring. It’s ultimate aim is an active network of young people, schools, social entrepreneurs and established social enterprises working together to launch social enterprises across the EU and tackle local challenges with continental learning.
SELFY — Social Enterprise Leadership For Youth
SELFY aims to develop a robust and practical methodology for developing leadership and social entrepreneurial QEAS (qualities, experiences, attitudes and skills) which is adaptable to multiple socio-economic contexts. Designed and managed by Bridging, and based on our SLAM! methodology this project hopes to create the next generation of European leaders in social enterprise as this scene emerges on the continent.
If you want to know anymore about these projects, or how to get involved in European partnerships to tackle social issues just give me a shout!
