Articles

Promoting Social Entrepreneurship in Bulgaria: A Hands-On Learning Experience for VET Students

In May 2025, the charming streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town became a hub for social innovation as it hosted a Social Entrepreneurs Bazaar, an event organized under the “Development of the Social Economy” Project P41. The initiative was led by Mrs. Stoyanka Kuzmanova, Chief Associate at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, and focused on showcasing the growth and impact of socially driven enterprises in Bulgaria.

This vibrant event brought together enterprises with a cause and offered a unique opportunity for the next generation of changemakers—students from PGVAD “Hristo Botev” Vocational School of Interior Design and Woodworking—to engage directly with social entrepreneurship in action.

::: Learning by Doing: Students Engage with Social Enterprises

During the event, students were introduced to the principles and practicalities of social entrepreneurship—what it is, how it operates, and who it benefits. Through interviews with enterprise representatives, they learned about relevant legislation, employment models, and the broader social value created by these organizations.

Students were encouraged to reflect on their personal values and consider how they might one day channel their own passions into enterprises that support their communities. The message was clear: if you have a cause, you can build a business around it.

::: ECOINLUB in Action

The involvement of “Hristo Botev” students in this initiative also aligns with the goals of the ECOINLUB project, a transnational Erasmus+ partnership led by Portugal and including partners from Finland, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria. The school is actively engaged in the project’s work on developing a methodological framework and educational games to promote social and eco-entrepreneurship among VET learners.

The students documented their experience on video—content that will be integrated into ECOINLUB’s upcoming educational materials. These real-life experiences are essential for creating engaging, inclusive, and relatable resources that speak directly to young learners across Europe.

::: Inclusion and Empathy: Beyond Business

As part of their visit, the students also took part in a workshop on sign language, learning how to communicate with peers who are deaf or hard of hearing. This activity not only supported ECOINLUB’s emphasis on inclusion and equity in education, but also deepened the students’ understanding of social responsibility and empathy in business.

They also gained valuable insight into the charitable nature of many social enterprises, where impact—not profit—is the driving force. For many students, this was an inspiring revelation: that doing good can be a core business model.

This experience in Plovdiv offered the perfect blend of practical learning, community engagement, and international collaboration. Through the support of local institutions and the ECOINLUB project, students were empowered to explore entrepreneurship with a purpose, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities—and to a more inclusive and sustainable Europe.