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Image: Conchi and Ana Luz, CEOs of Villartesana de Alburquerque, a social economy enterprise.

Empowering Rural Communities through Social and Solidarity Economy Initiatives

The CREASSE project seeks to foster the development of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) actions to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of individuals at risk of social exclusion and rural communities. By raising awareness of the advantages and benefits of SSE, involving the ecosystem, prodiving adult learning professionals with essential tools and competencies, and empowering at-risk individuals to develop collective initiatives, CREASSE strives to create a transformative impact.

Specific Objectives

  • Raise awareness of the advantages and benefits to foster social investment and support actors.
  • Actively involve the ecosystem to boost community development at local, regional, and European levels.
  • Equip guidance and adult learning professionals with tools and competencies for effective follow-up during collective entrepreneurship processes.
  • Empower individuals at risk of social exclusion to develop collective initiatives that enhance employability and collaborative enterprise management.

Impact

Focusing on increasing the participation of adults facing socio-economic challenges, such as women, young NEETs, long-term unemployed, low-qualified individuals, and those with diverse cultural backgrounds, the project will equip 100 adults at risk of social exclusion from Spain, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, and Albania with the necessary information and skills to develop SSE business models that can drive systemic change in rural areas through a tailored training itinerary based on “Learning Stations.”

Additionally, to foster the exchange of knowledge and inspire commitment among key actors on the importance of promoting and investing in SSE:

  • Awareness Raising Activities for Community Mobilisation are aimed at promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy and its importance in ensuring community development and prosperity, as well as generating interest in the creation of such entities.
  • Focus Group Cafés will take place in partner countries where stakeholders will brainstorm jointly and co-create the Alliances Mapping of the SSE Ecosystem. This will ensure the participation and commitment of SSE agents and the general population by raising awareness of the advantages and benefits of SSE to foster social investment, support SSE actors and social enterprises to start-up, scale-up, innovate, and create jobs, thus contributing to the sustainable development and resilience of communities, especially those located in rural areas.
  • A European Exchange of Success Stories will be held at the European level to identify and exchange success stories in collective entrepreneurship, inspiring those aspiring to become entrepreneurs.

Addressing Rural Challenges

Rural areas, representing 83% of the EU’s total area and housing over 30% of its population, face significant challenges such as low GDP per capita, an aging population, and limited access to essential services. These challenges create a vicious cycle of low economic activity and social exclusion.

Social and Solidarity Economy models can contribute to rural socio-economic development providing access to essential services, promoting balanced use of local resources, and fostering inclusive governance models. By addressing these challenges, the CREASSE project intends to build resilient rural communities through collective initiatives in SSE, reducing inequalities and fostering employability.

Long-term Vision

The Long-Term Vision for EU’s rural areas identifies challenges and opportunities, proposing a Rural Pact and Action Plan to make rural areas stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous.

The CREASSE project aims to leverage these trends to empower individuals and communities, ensuring no one is left behind and contributing to the achievement of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) of the Sustainable Development Agenda.

Promoting high-quality learning approaches and fostering social investment, we will support the development of resilient rural communities and enhance the employability of citizens at risk of exclusion.

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