Case Studies — ERUA Social Entrepreneurship Lab - ERUA Social Entrepreneurship Lab

Learning from Practice

These case studies showcase social entrepreneurship ideas from across the ERUA network, demonstrating how innovative business models can address pressing social and environmental challenges.

Each case study highlights the challenge addressed, the innovative solution implemented, and the measurable impact achieved. Explore the catalogue and use the filters to find initiatives relevant to your interests.

Las Cocinas Workshop: A Social Entrepreneurship Initiative

Las Cocinas Workshop: A Social Entrepreneurship Initiative

Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality

This Social Business Plan addresses the limited availability of inclusive, high-quality, and customized educational resources for individuals with visual impairments and other specific learning needs. Despite advances in inclusive education policies, many educational environments still lack effective didactic tools that address sensory diversity. Moreover, there is a lack of educational resources in STEAM vocations, compromising the quality of education where traditional learning methodologies prevail.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Prototype or Pilot

ES705 - Gran Canaria (Spain)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Paula González Suárez

Canarias Retro

Environmental Transition Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Interculturality & Multilingualism

The "Canarias Retro" project is a youth-led initiative dedicated to reconnecting young people in the Canary Islands with their cultural heritage through the recreation of historical photographs. It addresses social challenges of identity loss and community disconnection by fostering historical awareness and cultural pride. Using creative participation, the project empowers youth to preserve collective memory and strengthen social cohesion in a rapidly changing world.

Status: Temporarily paused Development Stage: Already founded

ES705 - Gran Canaria (Spain)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Elena Díaz Rua-Figueroa

Abdallah Sustainable Building Solutions (Affordable, Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Tyre, Lebanon)

Environmental Transition

Lebanon faces a housing affordability crisis, worsened by economic instability and displacement after war and financial crisis since 2019, particularly in Tyre, where low-income families struggle to access quality housing. Cement production, a key industry, contributes approximately 8% to global CO2 emissions (IEA, 2023), exacerbating environmental challenges in a region with limited sustainable construction options.

Status: Active / running Development Stage: Already founded

ITI33 - Macerata (Italy)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Ismail Abdallah

sOLDcial - Bridging Generations, One Weekend at a Time

sOLDcial - Bridging Generations, One Weekend at a Time

Interculturality & Multilingualism Migration, Exile & Refugees Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality

The Dual Crisis of Isolation and Integration The SOLDcial initiative targets a complex, two-sided social challenge prevalent in many European university towns, particularly Macerata, Italy: the crisis of elderly loneliness and social isolation and the parallel difficulty of international student integration. 1. The Loneliness Epidemic Among the Elderly Italy has one of the oldest populations in the world, and Macerata's region reflects this demographic shift. For residents aged 65 and over, especially those living alone, the weekends—when most services are closed and family visits may be less frequent—represent a peak period for loneliness. This is not merely a social inconvenience; it is a serious public health issue. Chronic social isolation is linked to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, heart disease, and premature mortality. The challenge, therefore, is to create meaningful, consistent, and safe opportunities for companionship that enrich the lives of seniors, allowing them to remain active participants in their community and share their invaluable life experience. 2. The Isolation of International Students Simultaneously, the University of Macerata hosts a growing population of international students, many of whom arrive excited but quickly encounter difficulties in full social and cultural integration. Students often find themselves confined to campus social circles or, worse, their homes. Key barriers to integration include: language acquisition (finding native speakers to practice Italian outside the classroom), cultural understanding (navigating local customs and traditions), and simply a sense of belonging. This lack of connection hinders their academic experience, limits their personal growth, and can lead to its own form of isolation and mental stress, especially during the long weekend hours. 3. The Gap: Missed Intergenerational Opportunity The core social challenge addressed by SOLDcial is the failure to bridge these two isolated groups. On one side are seniors with a wealth of time, wisdom, and a desire for connection; on the other are students with energy, a desire to learn, and a need for authentic cultural exposure. Currently, these two groups operate in separate silos, missing out on a symbiotic relationship that could solve both problems simultaneously. SOLDcial acts as the necessary facilitator, transforming a dual social deficit into a powerful, mutually beneficial asset for the Macerata community.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Prototype or Pilot

ITI33 - Macerata (Italy)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Yeboah Kofi Agyei

Sferiguida -- Receive Help from Insiders! - Ricevi aiuto da testimoni!

Sferiguida -- Receive Help from Insiders! - Ricevi aiuto da testimoni!

Migration, Exile & Refugees Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Interculturality & Multilingualism

Sferiguida is a social mobile app that I want to create for the community in Macerata, Italy, to help immigrants integrate into social life. As an immigrant myself, I've seen how hard it can be to connect with locals and find reliable information. The app would bridge this gap by linking newcomers and citizens, promoting cultural exchange, language learning, and collaboration on community issues. It will foster inclusion and shared growth in Macerata

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

ITI33 - Macerata (Italy)

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Contact person: Egor Smirnov

William O'Law TTRPG & Games

William O'Law TTRPG & Games

Environmental Transition Arts & Edges

RPG & tabletop companies have struggled to adapt to technological changes and growing environmental concerns. Many still use plastic miniatures, chemically treated cardboard, and non-recyclable packaging or have abandoned the idea of digital services. There is also a lack of close connection with their communities, and new products often feel inaccessible, with less care for quality and player experience. Also, the barriers to entering the industry have been growing over the past decade, even though homemade projects are more accessible than ever.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Pre-founding stage

ES705 - Gran Canaria (Spain)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Fabio Suárez Galván

Astronomy-Themed Café (with Telescope Lounge)

Astronomy-Themed Café (with Telescope Lounge)

Arts & Edges Environmental Transition

Lack of awareness about astronomy and environment challenges.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

LT011 - Vilnius (Lithuania)

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Contact person: Fatima Huseynova

Future-proofing higher education with solutions from sustainable AI and AI for sustainability

Future-proofing higher education with solutions from sustainable AI and AI for sustainability

Environmental Transition Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality

A cascade of urgent, interconnected challenges, i.e. climate change, accelerating AI, resource scarcity, inequality, puts higher education under an immense pressure to act. Under growing social, ethical and legal obligations, institutions' response is often slow and patchy. As key drivers of innovation, they risk falling behind fast-changing realities. Closing this readiness gap calls for shared responsibility, clear direction, and the courage to engage every level of the institution.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Prototype or Pilot

DE300 - Berlin (Germany)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Dr. Linda Walter & Dr. Luana Martin-Russu

YoungOnes Sofia: Empowering Youth Through Flexible Employment

YoungOnes Sofia: Empowering Youth Through Flexible Employment

Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Interculturality & Multilingualism Environmental Transition

High youth unemployment and the growing number of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in Bulgaria. The project addresses limited access to flexible, fair employment for young people, especially students and international residents.

Status: Pre-founding stage Development Stage: Pre-founding stage

BG41 - Yugozapaden (Bulgaria)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Stefan Stefanov

EnerGym -- Where your workout powers the world

EnerGym -- Where your workout powers the world

Environmental Transition

EnerGym addresses the lack of sustainable energy solutions in everyday urban life, combined with limited access to affordable and healthy lifestyle opportunities in cities. It aims to connect physical activity with renewable energy generation, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

BG41 - Yugozapaden (Bulgaria)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Iliyana Stoyanova Yaneva

Liberinco -- AI for the Day to Day: Empowering Financial Literacy through Conversational AI and Human Expertise

Liberinco -- AI for the Day to Day: Empowering Financial Literacy through Conversational AI and Human Expertise

Arts & Edges Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Environmental Transition

Liberinco addresses the pressing issue of financial illiteracy and inequality in Bulgaria. Four out of five Bulgarians live pay-to-pay, and less than 10% invest. The lack of accessible, trustworthy financial guidance leads to economic vulnerability and decreased well-being. Liberinco aims to empower individuals aged 16–55 with tools, mentorship, and confidence to manage their personal finances and build sustainable financial habits.

Status: In development Development Stage: Pre-founding stage

BG41 - Yugozapaden (Bulgaria)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Velizar Velev

Connected Generations: An easy-to-use online learning platform with videos and guides

Connected Generations: An easy-to-use online learning platform with videos and guides

Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Arts & Edges

As society increasingly relies on digital tools for essential services, many older adults—especially those over 60—struggle to navigate modern technologies such as smartphones, online banking, healthcare portals, and digital communication platforms. This digital gap leads to social isolation, limited access to vital services, and increased dependence on others. It deepens generational inequality and restricts the full participation of seniors in today's digital society.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

BG41 - Yugozapaden (Bulgaria)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Georgia Petrova

ConsciousCollective

ConsciousCollective

Environmental Transition

Fast fashion contributes to environmental degradation and workers' rights violations, while consumers lack transparent information and accessible alternatives.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

PL91 - Warsaw (Poland)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Julia Bielińska

MINDCROSS

Migration, Exile & Refugees Interculturality & Multilingualism

Migrants, refugees, and multicultural families face limited access to culturally appropriate psychological support across Europe.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

PL91 - Warsaw (Poland)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Dąbrówka Stuglik

Circular Marketplace

Circular Marketplace

Migration, Exile & Refugees Environmental Transition Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Interculturality & Multilingualism Arts & Edges

Industrial waste management inefficiencies lead to higher costs for SMEs, environmental damage, and lost opportunities for circular economic growth.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

PL91 - Warsaw (Poland)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Lena Blecharz

LeafCheck

Environmental Transition

LeafCheck addresses the social challenge of bridging the gap between consumer values and corporate practices. It combats misinformation, empowers ethical consumerism, supports small businesses, and fosters accountability and transparency. By delivering sustainability insights through accessible tools via a browser extension, it transforms sustainability from a niche concern into a mainstream purchasing criterion. The ultimate social impact is a shift toward a more equitable, transparent, and environmentally responsible marketplace where consumers can confidently align their choices with the collective good.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

LT011 - Vilnius (Lithuania)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Vygintas Paliukenas

BlueRoots: Sustainable Tourism as a Tool for Reviving Greek Island Communities

BlueRoots: Sustainable Tourism as a Tool for Reviving Greek Island Communities

Environmental Transition Arts & Edges Interculturality & Multilingualism

Many Greek islands depend heavily on mass, seasonal tourism, leading to economic instability, youth outmigration, environmental pressure, and loss of local culture during off-season periods.

Status: In development Development Stage: Pre-founding stage

EL42 - South Aegean (Greece)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Lachana Vasiliki

Migrants and University: A Tool for Social Inclusion

Migration, Exile & Refugees

Lack of effective social and labour integration pathways for migrants; poor coordination between the education system, public administrations and the productive sector; early school leaving; and a growing demand for qualified workers in strategic sectors such as agriculture and construction.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Pre-founding stage

ES705 - Gran Canaria (Spain)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Luis Ramírez

TachoCross: Automating Regulatory Compliance for International Road Hauliers in the EU

TachoCross: Automating Regulatory Compliance for International Road Hauliers in the EU

Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Migration, Exile & Refugees

Over 120,000 Bulgarian truck and van drivers work across EU borders. EU law requires employers to comply with host-country minimum wage rules during posting periods, but the compliance process is extremely complex — rules differ across 27 countries, declarations must be filed manually through the IMI portal, and each filing takes 15–20 minutes. Most small haulage operators lack the resources to comply, exposing drivers to wage theft and operators to fines. Bulgaria recorded the worst freight volume decline in the EU in 2024 (-18.6%), partly attributable to this regulatory burden.

Status: Pre-founding stage Development Stage: Pre-founding stage

BG41 - Yugozapaden (Bulgaria)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Teosveta Velkova

Second Chance: Turning Waste into Opportunity

Environmental Transition Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality Arts & Edges

Furniture waste is increasing while repair culture is disappearing. In Bulgaria, large amounts of furniture and appliances are discarded despite being repairable, while vulnerable groups face unemployment and limited access to affordable household goods. The lack of structured reuse systems and inclusive employment opportunities creates both environmental waste and social exclusion.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Prototype or Pilot

BG41 - Yugozapaden (Bulgaria)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Lin Lelchuk

Griebk: Reducing Surplus Food Waste via a Discounted Mobile App

Griebk: Reducing Surplus Food Waste via a Discounted Mobile App

Environmental Transition

Food businesses — restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets — regularly produce surplus food that goes unsold and is discarded at end of day. At the same time, many consumers, particularly students and low-income households, struggle with access to quality food at affordable prices. This dual waste — environmental and social — represents a missed opportunity for both businesses and communities.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Prototype or Pilot

LT011 - Vilnius (Lithuania)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Gokberk Yoruk

PMASA — Peer Mentors Against Substance Abuse

PMASA — Peer Mentors Against Substance Abuse

Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality

Lithuania faces high rates of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, sedatives, and illicit drug use among adolescents. Substance abuse among young people is largely driven by peer pressure and normalised risk-taking behaviours in social groups. The consequences include addiction, poor academic performance, mental health deterioration, and increased vulnerability to long-term social exclusion. Existing school-based prevention programmes are often top-down and insufficiently connected to the peer dynamics that actually drive youth behaviour.

Status: Pilot / prototype Development Stage: Prototype or Pilot

LT011 - Vilnius (Lithuania)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Gibrilla Henry

MINDCROSS

Migration, Exile & Refugees Interculturality & Multilingualism

Migrants, refugees, international students, and multicultural families across Europe face limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate psychological support. Standard mental health services rarely match clients with therapists who share their language or cultural background, leading to misdiagnosis, disengagement, and untreated mental health conditions among some of Europe's most vulnerable populations.

Status: Idea stage Development Stage: Early idea

PL91 - Warsaw (Poland)

Related SDGs:

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Contact person: Dąbrówka Stuglik

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