In June 2025, the Erasmus+ project “Empowering Youth Workers for Community-based Social Entrepreneurship” brought together dedicated youth workers from across Europe in Yerevan, Armenia. Hosted by the Armenian State University of Economics, the program was designed to equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to launch and sustain mission-driven ventures. Over several days, the training blended theoretical learning with practical exercises, giving participants a deep understanding of how to identify local needs, craft sustainable business models, and create meaningful social impact.
For Germany, and specifically for the community work carried out by Copernicus Berlin e.V., this project could not have come at a better time. While Berlin is home to a vibrant social innovation scene, many communities still face persistent inequalities, particularly among marginalized groups such as refugees, unemployed youth, and low-income families. Although there is a growing awareness of the potential of social entrepreneurship, many young people lack the guidance and resources to transform their ideas into viable projects. Before this training, many initiatives remained small-scale and disconnected, with limited capacity to achieve long-term sustainability or significant impact. The need was clear: empower youth workers with both the entrepreneurial mindset and the practical skills to turn social ideas into actionable, scalable ventures.
The training in Yerevan offered a transformative experience. Expert-led workshops covered essential topics such as lean startup methodology, stakeholder engagement, and impact investment. These sessions demystified the process of starting a social enterprise, breaking it down into manageable steps while emphasizing the importance of aligning profit strategies with positive community outcomes. For many participants, it was the first time they had explored entrepreneurship not just as a means of earning a living but as a vehicle for driving systemic social change.
What truly stood out was the focus on inclusive community engagement. Trainers introduced participatory approaches that ensured all voices—especially those from vulnerable or marginalized backgrounds—were heard in the planning and implementation of projects. This approach resonated strongly, as it mirrored the values Copernicus Berlin e.V. promotes in its local work, but with new techniques that could be applied immediately upon returning home.
Field visits to Armenian social enterprises brought theory to life. Participants met local innovators tackling challenges such as rural unemployment, educational inequality, and environmental degradation. These visits revealed how even modest resources, when combined with creativity and community buy-in, could lead to sustainable solutions. The adaptability of these models inspired participants to think about how similar strategies could be implemented in their own regions.
Networking was another cornerstone of the experience. Cultural exchange evenings, group discussions, and collaborative tasks fostered meaningful connections among youth workers from different countries. These interactions often extended beyond the formal program, allowing participants to exchange ideas, offer feedback, and discuss potential partnerships. Building these relationships helped to create a sense of belonging to a wider European movement for social entrepreneurship.
Upon returning to Germany, the participant from Copernicus Berlin e.V. initiated the “Berlin Social Impact Hub,” a program designed to guide young people from idea to launch of their own social enterprises. The Hub provided training sessions on business planning, marketing for social causes, and impact measurement, alongside mentorship from experienced social entrepreneurs. Inspired by the participatory methods learned in Yerevan, the program also created community advisory boards, ensuring that each project was grounded in the needs and aspirations of the people it aimed to serve.
The early results were encouraging. Several youth-led ventures emerged from the Hub’s first cycle, including a cooperative that repurposed surplus food to provide affordable meals in low-income neighborhoods, and a digital platform connecting refugees with local job opportunities and training programs. These initiatives not only addressed pressing social issues but also generated new forms of community engagement, proving that social entrepreneurship can be both impactful and sustainable.
The impact of the project extended beyond the ventures themselves. Youth workers gained greater confidence in their ability to facilitate complex, multi-stakeholder projects. Young participants developed leadership skills, learned how to navigate challenges, and discovered their potential to create change. Local partners, initially cautious about the viability of social enterprises, became more supportive as they witnessed tangible outcomes.
Looking ahead, Copernicus Berlin e.V. plans to integrate the Berlin Social Impact Hub into its long-term strategy, expanding its reach to include rural areas and fostering stronger ties with similar initiatives across Europe. The ultimate vision is to create a network of social entrepreneurs who collaborate, share resources, and tackle cross-border challenges together.
The journey from Yerevan to Berlin was more than a physical return—it was the beginning of a renewed commitment to building bridges between entrepreneurship and social good. The Erasmus+ project demonstrated that when youth workers are given the right tools and networks, they can inspire and equip young people to transform their communities. With each new venture launched, the message becomes clearer: sustainable change begins with empowered individuals who believe in the power of ideas to shape a better future.