About the SEAG project
The EU-funded project "Social Entrepreneurship in Armenia and Georgia (SEAG)" has been implemented since January 2020 within the framework of the EU4Youth phase 2 initiative, by Mercy Corps Europe in partnership with the Association of Business Consulting Organizations of Georgia (ABCO) and the Armenian NGO Development Principles (DP). Main goal of SEAG project is to strengthen the social entrepreneurial potential of young people aged 18-29 in Armenia and Georgia. The project provides creative young people from Armenia and Georgia with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish sustainable social enterprises, and supports the development of a favourable ecosystem for social enterprises to develop and prosper both countries. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project also provides a unique opportunity for young people to develop an existing or start a new business, establish a purpose-oriented social enterprise, achieve its sustainability and, at the same time, solve existing social problems.
Involvement in project-based trainings and other activities will enable young people to improve their knowledge and experience in business planning: business plan development and financial accounting, product development and marketing. They will be able to understand and know more about social enterprises (its tasks and goals).
The winners of the grant competition will receive financial support in order to be able to expand the activities of their social enterprise and ensure the achievement of the set social goal. In addition, the winning social enterprises will be mentored by Georgian businesses, financial institutions and various business organizations for their sustainability.
The program aims to fund at least 12 enterprise projects. The grant amount depends on the applicant's project proposal. The average budget of the sub-project is 16000 Euros.
Interested organizations may have the following legal forms:
►Non-commercial (non-profit) legal entity;
► Limited Liability Company
►Solidate Liability Society;
►Friendship;
►Agricultural Cooperative;
►Individual entrepreneur.
Support will be provided to the social enterprises whose activities include:
► Agriculture, tourism, agricultural tourism, service sector, trade, etc. Development;
► Improving the production and / or competition of agricultural products;
► Restoration of social infrastructure (such as: roads, bridges, water systems, factories, greenhouses, recreational areas);
► Economic diversification, development and improvement of local activities and living standards;
► Promoting economic and social activities aimed at the well-being of women, youth and people with disabilities;
► Protection of local cultural heritage monuments;
► Development of online business activities;
► Natural resources, environment protection and biodiversity conservation.
-The average budget of the sub-project is 16000 Euros.
Target Regions
Georgia - Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti
Armenia - Lori, Tavush, Shirak
Project duration - 30 months;
January 6, 2020 - July 6, 2022
Project budget - 1,666,560 euros
The aim of the project
Strengthening the entrepreneurial potential of young people (18 to 30 years old) in Georgia and Armenia in the field of social entrepreneurship, reducing inequality by ensuring their integration, employment and involvement.
Expected Results
- Enhanced skills, knowledge and opportunities in the field of social entrepreneurship for young people;
- Improved access by young social entrepreneurs to finance, business support structures and key market sectors;
- Strengthening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Georgia and Armenia with youth involvement.
The main components of the project
The project will provide training for young people to raise their awareness and knowledge in the field of social entrepreneurship. They will also gain experience in how to manage and make their enterprise successful. They will have the opportunity to participate in project workshops, seminars and exchange tours planned within the project, both within the country and abroad.
Financial support for social enterprises
Winner social enterprises will receive financial support, which will help them to expand their social enterprise and ensure the achievement of the set social goal. The mentoring and business development component will enable these young people to increase productivity, hire new employees, become attractive clients for financial institutions, improve sales and make more profit, which is the foundation of the socio-economic well-being of their community.
Ecosystem
The project will establish a National Forum for Social Entrepreneurship in both countries Georgia and Armenia. The forum will be attended by organizations and stakeholders who influence and shape the legislation and climate related to social enterprises, which in turn will help create a favorable environment for social entrepreneurship. Particular attention will be paid to the barriers and opportunities associated with the involvement of women, youth and minorities in social entrepreneurship.
NOTE: Applications for the SEAG project are complete!