Program Goal:
To promote the development of social enterprises, as viable business model that operate primarily with social objectives as the ‘bottom line’ and which reinvests profits back into the social objectives of the business.
Program Justification:
Social enterprises encompass many of the attributes that are necessary for the growth of small and medium sized businesses. By harnessing for-profit strategies, mission-driven organizations serve as new engines of innovation, job creation and economic growth in the social sector.
In Georgia, social protection was a major focus of the new government immediately after the Rose Revolution, and the government introduced a number of new policies and reforms in this sector. Yet the events in November 2007, when the government dispersed thousands of protesters gathered in front of parliament, demonstrated the deep dissatisfaction of Georgian citizens with the provision of social protection services.
EPF’s Caucasus Research Resource Centers’ (CRRC) 2007 annual household survey found that 36% of Georgian respondents consider themselves unemployed. In the same survey, as many as 26% of households reported that their income had declined since 2006. Numerous groups in Georgia still lack prospects for employment and opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty. The economic downturn that has followed the August 2008 war with Russia also impacts the government’s ability to provide social assistance: an October 2008 Post-Conflict Survey conducted by CRRC found, 48% of Georgian families rely on state support (pensions, social aid, vouchers, or other support). However, many Georgian organizations, both non-profit and for-profit, are working independently and in cooperation with the government to provide social protection services. They are largely dependent on donor funding and, while they sometimes have a strong volunteer base, they lack significant financial resources.
Bearing the scale of the problem in mind, EFP has launched a new program to introduce the concept of social enterprise among Georgian civil society and business organizations. After an extensive preparatory period, EPF will provide technical and grant assistance to support a small number of social enterprise projects, which will serve well-defined target groups and create models for consideration and replication. EPF has partnered with the Prague-based Czech Fundraising Center in implementing social enterprise activities.
With the support from EPF three social enterprises have been established in 2010 and continue to operate successfully. Services provided by these enterprises range from food delivery to car wash.
Gori Small Bakery employs internally displaced persons (IDPs), mainly women affected by the 2008 August war. Everyone can find something they would like to try from the tasty menu offered at a reasonable price.
Car Wash employs street children. The enterprise offers car wash and dry-cleaning services, and keeps children away from the streets.
Souvenir-Publishing Enterprise employs people with different disabilities. The enterprise not only offers souvenirs including felt toys and accessories, but also provides printing (business cards, documents, printing on tissue bags), copying, binding, and laminating services.
All of the enterprises offer high quality products and services at a reasonable price. More importantly, each Lari spent at these enterprises will help their beneficiaries, supporting job creation for and integration of the most vulnerable groups into the society.
Attached you will find a more detailed information regarding the above-mentioned social enterprises with their contact information.
Gori Small Bakery (1.62 MBytes)Car Wash (2.43 MBytes)Souvenir-Publishing Enterprise (2.17 MBytes)The British Council, Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF), the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG), and the Civil Society Institute (CSI) are united to promote the concept and practice of Social Entrepreneurship in Georgia. Social entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world. It represents an effective means for applying innovative strategies to achieve social purpose.
Together for a Better Future- Social Enterprise, New Opportunity for Development (December 15, 2010)
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Eurasia Partnership Foundation is seeking an evaluation consultant or team of consultants to undertake an evaluation of a television talk-show, the European Choice. The talk-show is produced with financial support of Eurasia Partnership Foundation and is broadcasted on 1st TV Channel of the Georgian Public Broadcaster.
Monday, 23 January 2012
On January 23rd, 2012, Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF) organised a presentation of the Georgian Media Landscape Survey report:The Georgian Media: Popular Assessments and Development Perspectives.
Friday, 13 January 2012
On January 16, 2012, Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF) is holding a presentation of the survey report: Knowledge and Attitudes toward the European Union in Georgia. EPF’s Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC) carried out the baseline survey to study Georgia’s knowledge and attitudes toward the EU in 2009 and in 2011, conducted a follow-up assessment. Using the results from the 2009 and 2011 surveys, the EPF/CRRC will present an overview of public’s knowledge of and attitudes toward the European Union and provide information on if and how things have changed over the past two years. At the same time, the report will highlight Georgian public’s attitudes toward their own political system, charting changes in this area as well. For more information about the event, see the press release attached:
Copyright © 2007 Eurasia Partnership. Last updated: Tuesday, 21 February 2012
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