Supporting social enterprise: highlights from the webinar

What the webinar covered

The webinar was expertly moderated by Pelle Persson, Coompanion, Sweden, who guided the participants through a program of presentations and discussions. Five speakers from Sweden and Ireland was featured, each sharing practical insights and inspiring examples:

Sara Wallentin, Coompanion, Sweden, introduced the participants to NOI – Node for Inclusion initiative, a project addressing gaps in the labor market by connecting employers with individuals who often remain excluded. Through recruitment support, social procurement and training, NOI helps businesses embrace diversity while strengthening local economies.

Effie Kourlos, Östersund Municipality, Sweden, highlighted how the municipality collaborate with social enterprises through Innovative Partnership Agreements (IOPs). She showcased projects like Hej Främling (Hi Stranger in english) which has created opportunities for asylum seekers to meet locals, build networks and access the labor market, turning inclusion into a driver of societal growth.

Micheál Ó Conghaile, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Ireland, presented the work of the Community Development Unit, which supports 35 cooperatives across Gaeltacht regions. He shared nine successful examples of local social enterprises, ranging from biodiversity projects to cultural initiatives, illustrating how local innovation can sustain both economy and heritage.

Anne Graham, Western Development Commission, Ireland, discussed powerful financial tools such as community loans to enable social enterprises to start and scale. Anne emphasized the importance of building ecosystem supports and shared good and inspiring practices from Ireland.

Clare Allen, Rethink Ireland, Ireland, introduced the concept of social innovation hubs, focusing on new solutions and collaborative models that strengthen the social enterprise sector.

Who benefited from the webinar and why 

This MERSE webinar was designed for policy makers, municipal representatives, social entrepreneurs and support organizations across the Northern Periphery and Arctic region. For these stakeholder the event offered:

• Practical strategies for integrating social enterprises into local development plans.
  
  
• Examples of successful partnerships that reduce social exclusion and create jobs.
  
  
• Networking opportunities to exchange experiences and explore cross-border collaboration.

By attending, participants gained actionable knowledge on how social entrepreneurship can address pressing challenges such as unemployment, skills gaps and community resilienc. All while contributing to sustainable growth.

Thank you all for attending and contributing our latest international MERSE webinar, hosted by Coompanion and Údarás na Gaeltachta!

Did you miss the live session?

The webinar was recorded and a full recording will be available here for anyone who wishes to watch it afterwards.