From November 25 to December 1, 2024, 22 young social entrepreneurs from Germany, France, and Western Balkans gathered in Paris and Berlin for the Young Social Entrepreneurs in Europe encounter. This unique opportunity brought together RISE project alumni to exchange ideas, discover new perspectives, and explore the corporate culture in two of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
Organized by FGYO and PULSE Balkans, the event allowed participants to engage with established social enterprises and key stakeholders in both cities. The tour included visits to leading organizations such as PULSE Montreuil, La Maison des Canaux, Emmaüs Défi, Sist’her, Social Economy Berlin, SMArtDE eG, Gesellschaft im Wandel gUG, and SuperCoop Berlin. These visits inspired participants and provided them with valuable insights into innovative social business models.
A highlight of the program was a discussion with the City of Berlin’s unit for sustainability in business and social economy, where the young entrepreneurs gained expertise on how public administration and politics can support the social economy.
Throughout the tour, participants had the chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities of social entrepreneurship, exchange best practices, and explore funding mechanisms that offer sustainable prospects for their businesses. These meaningful exchanges have strengthened their networks and provided lasting support for their ventures.
A sincere thank you to all participants and hosts who made this enriching experience possible. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these young social entrepreneurs as they continue to inspire change and innovation in their communities.