Empowering Change: Social Entrepreneurship Training Brings Fresh Perspectives to Võru County

07 May 2025

Social Entrepreneurship Training Brings Fresh Perspectives to Võru County

At the end of April, Võrumaa played host to an inspiring gathering of the local business support network, where members came together to deepen their understanding of social entrepreneurship. The training session served as a pilot for the How to Make Innovation Social text and toolbox, developed as part of the international RESIST project.

The day was led by Erkki Kubber, a key figure in the Estonian Social Enterprise Network and the driving force behind the Baltic’s largest responsible business conference, Impact Day. His extensive experience in promoting social innovation set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking workshop.

Fifteen participants took part, representing a diverse range of sectors including the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund, the Võrumaa woodworking cluster, local governments, and business consultancy services. This mix of backgrounds enriched the discussions and practical exercises throughout the day.

Participants appreciated how theoretical concepts were seamlessly integrated with hands-on tasks, allowing them to immediately apply and test their new knowledge. “The blend of theory and practice made it easier to grasp the concepts and see how they could work in real-world scenarios,” noted one participant during the break.

For many attendees, the theme of social entrepreneurship was a new and eye-opening topic. By the end of the training, several participants shared that they had gained a fresh perspective on the businesses they work with and felt more confident in their ability to support and highlight these companies’ social impact moving forward.

The training in Võru County was not only a valuable learning experience but also a step forward in building a stronger network of professionals who can foster responsible and innovative enterprises.