Support structures for social entrepreneurship in Lapland – RYHTI ESF+ project

Social entrepreneurship is a specific type of entrepreneurship focused on creating positive change in society. The objectives of social enterprises can encompass areas such as sustainable development, regional growth, or fostering inclusivity in the job market. These enterprises direct the majority of their profits towards generating social impact, and their management philosophy prioritises participation and democracy.

In Lapland, projects related to social entrepreneurship have been carried out, generating insights into its principles and potential. It has been observed that alongside strategic goals and explanations, practical knowledge and expertise are necessary. Lapland lacks sufficient support for the establishment and development of social enterprises, which affects the quantity of businesses and job opportunities. Lapland misses out on the positive impact that social entrepreneurship could have on the challenges faced by the region and similar sparsely populated areas.

The RYHTI project targets jobseekers with higher education or vocational training, including immigrants; students and educators in vocational institutions and universities; business developers and advisors; regional and local policymakers, regional developers, and financiers involved in entrepreneurship and the business environment; as well as other working-age individuals in Lapland interested in entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

The project leverages the outcomes of previous projects and aims to enhance the knowledge and practical expertise of the target groups in relation to social entrepreneurship. Additionally, it seeks to improve the operating environment and conditions for social entrepreneurship in Lapland. Achieving these goals involves organising events, launching information campaigns, creating openly accessible training modules, materials and guides for the different target groups.

The project supports the regional, national, and international networking of the target groups. Through networking, the sharing of knowledge and best practices in social entrepreneurship is promoted, leading to broader societal impacts and facilitating the discovery of services and peer support. Over the long term, these networks lay the foundation for a social enterprise ecosystem in Lapland. In terms of networking, the project collaborates with the national coordination project aimed at improving the business conditions for social enterprises. Additionally, representatives of the target groups have the opportunity to explore activities in other regions through benchmarking trips and an international social entrepreneurship event.

The project produces social entrepreneurship training modules and materials aimed at unemployed individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, as well as students in Lapland’s vocational institutions and universities.

The project publishes practical guides on social entrepreneurship for the target groups. For jobseekers and those considering different employment options, the guide provides practical information on establishing and developing a social enterprise. Another guide, aimed at authorities, decision-makers, and similar stakeholders, aids them in improving the conditions for the business and employment of social enterprises. It also helps in creating a comprehensive operational environment for such enterprises in Lapland. A guide intended for business developers and advisors supports their work with clients interested in social entrepreneurship.

The project broadens the image of entrepreneurship and its potential in Lapland. Social entrepreneurship becomes a viable alternative to profit-oriented business.

To enhance its impact, the project collaborates with regional and national initiatives and projects. The project brings the perspective of social entrepreneurship into the activities of the Social handprint initiative being developed in Lapland.