Collaborate for Impact – an EU-funded project that encourages social entrepreneurs, social investors, and government representatives to work together – has launched its first regional event in Eastern Europe. Coordinated by the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) and partner organisations, this event was the ‘first step in building the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in this region’, said EVPA.

Over the second week of June, more than 750 participants from Eastern Europe and Russia came together to explore the development of social entrepreneurship and social investment in the region. The gathering enabled these actors and representatives in the Eastern Partnership and Russia to benefit from EVPA’s expertise and networks and created a space for practitioners to exchange ideas and foster collaboration at the regional level.

There is growing recognition across Europe of the role that social enterprise can play in tackling societal, community and environmental challenges and fostering inclusive growth, said Her Excellency Andrea Wiktorin, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Armenia.

‘We are convinced this is just the first stepping stone towards developing the social impact ecosystem in the Eastern Partnership region and Russia, together with our local partners,’ said EVPA CEO Roberta Bosurgi about the launch event.