A New Project at the Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development: Fostering Social Entrepreneurship and Regional Development
08.04.2025
On April 1, 2025, the Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development launched a new project entitled “Microfinancing social businesses in agriculture for sustainability in rural communities.” This initiative is funded through the Erasmus+ program (KA210-VET Small- scale Partnerships) and is coordinated by the Erevnitiko Ergastirio Georgios Afxentiou Research Center from Cyprus. The center specializes in research, consulting, and training for the business sector, as well as investing in new products, services, and processes. Our faculty is a partner in the project, which will run from April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. The project aims to provide education and support to disadvantaged groups—particularly women and young people—seeking to establish their own social enterprises focusing on beekeeping in rural communities. The development of small beekeeping units can help revitalize local economies and support the growth of regional start-ups centered on social entrepreneurship.
Within the project, the following activities are planned:
- Designing a specialized educational program on social entrepreneurship,
- Organizing training sessions, workshops, and networking events,
- Preparing an entrepreneurial handbook for aspiring business owners,
- Promoting innovation in beekeeping technologies and new products,
- Raising awareness about financing options and the organization of social enterprises,
- Contributing to the creation of new jobs and income in rural areas.
Several initial online meetings have already taken place, covering administrative matters, the content of training courses, and further joint research efforts. Involving participants in social entrepreneurship creates a competitive advantage in the region and boosts economic development. Moreover, it enhances sustainability in rural areas by encouraging women and young people to engage in beekeeping, developing their entrepreneurial, financial, environmental, and digital skills, and improving the overall quality of life in local communities.
