On October 31, 2024, the Euclid Network’s Peer Exchange Programme created an invaluable opportunity for knowledge sharing between the Lithuanian Social Business Association (LISVA) and the Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI). Viktorija Bražiūnaitė’s – CEO of Lisva – visit to Ireland, offered an in-depth exploration of Ireland’s well-established social enterprise ecosystem. Through a series of meetings and strategic discussions, this exchange illuminated Ireland’s comprehensive approach to fostering social enterprises, providing inspiration for Lithuania’s emerging social enterprise sector.
The visit began with engagements at the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), which highlighted Ireland’s commitment to building resilient and cohesive communities. Through targeted funding schemes, policy initiatives, and direct interventions, the DRCD empowers rural and urban communities alike. This government-led framework showcased how strategic investments and initiatives can create an environment where social enterprises flourish, making meaningful contributions to societal well-being.
During her time in Ireland, Bražiūnaitė met with representatives from key organisations such as the Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) and The Wheel. These meetings underscored the importance of robust networks in enabling social enterprises to thrive. SERI, a practitioner-led body, is dedicated to creating a world-class social enterprise ecosystem in Ireland. Its membership model provides a platform for resources, collaborative opportunities, and a sense of community among social enterprises. Similarly, The Wheel plays a vital role in supporting charities, community organisations, and social enterprises through advocacy, training, and guidance. Together, these organisations exemplify how collaborative networks can amplify the impact of social enterprises and foster innovation.
Financial support emerged as a cornerstone of Ireland’s success in cultivating social enterprises. The Social Finance Foundation, established by the government, addresses the financing needs of social enterprises that are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. Acting as a “wholesaler” of funds, the foundation channels resources to social enterprises through partners such as Clann Credo and Community Finance Ireland. This tailored approach to financial support ensures that social enterprises can access the capital necessary to address their unique challenges and realize their growth potential.
A pivotal moment in the exchange took place during a strategic session at Dáil Éireann, the Irish parliament. This session focused on showcasing the impact and economic contributions of social enterprises to political leaders. Through the personal stories of social entrepreneurs, the session illustrated the transformative power of social enterprises in addressing community needs. It also emphasized the importance of political advocacy and the role of policymakers in creating a supportive legislative and economic framework for the sector.
Throughout the exchange, Bražiūnaitė raised critical questions about Ireland’s ecosystem-building efforts. These inquiries explored topics such as the role of government investment in scaling social enterprises, the impact of legal frameworks, the sector’s economic footprint, and access to innovative financing and impact measurement tools. Bražiūnaitė also expressed keen interest in Ireland’s methods for developing core capacities within social enterprises, particularly in technology adoption and advocacy.
As the visit concluded, discussions shifted toward the potential for ongoing collaboration between the Lithuanian and Irish social enterprise communities. Both sides identified promising areas for joint initiatives, such as developing AI-driven tools for advocacy, exploring innovative financial models for sustainability, and designing strategies to enhance community-building efforts. These discussions underscored the mutual benefits of cross-border collaboration in advancing social entrepreneurship.
The Euclid Network PeerEx exchange between Lithuania and Ireland highlighted the power of international cooperation in strengthening social enterprise ecosystems. Ireland’s model, characterised by government support, strong networks, tailored financial solutions, and political advocacy, offers a blueprint for fostering social enterprises. For Lithuania, the insights gained from this exchange provide a foundation for implementing strategies that nurture a thriving social business sector. Looking ahead, the partnership between these two organisations promises to drive innovation and amplify the impact of social enterprises, setting a powerful example for the global community.
