International Collaboration Strengthened at CEFEC Social Enterprise Network Meeting

Gifted Ireland joined with several other long term friends and co-members of CEFEC, the international social enterprise network.

We recently gathered to advance our collaboration on social entrepreneurship and to disseminate our joint work to an international conference in Setubal, Portugal. This pivotal meeting brought us together as passionate social entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and change-makers from across Europe – including Ireland, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands to discuss opportunities for current and future international collaboration.

The meeting provided an invaluable platform for members to exchange ideas, share insights, and learn from one another’s experiences. We explored the latest developments in social entrepreneurship, delving into best practices that are transforming communities across Europe. From innovative business models to impactful community engagement strategies, the gathering was a showcase of creativity and commitment to social change.

Discussions revolved around collaborative projects, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and potential partnerships that could amplify the impact of social enterprises on a global scale. By working together, CEFEC members aim to create a cohesive network that supports and nurtures social entrepreneurship, empowering individuals and communities alike.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of success stories from different regions, shedding light on the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by social enterprises in various contexts. These stories underscored the power of collaboration and the importance of adapting strategies to meet local needs while maintaining a global vision.

As the network continues to grow, meetings like this reaffirm CEFEC’s mission to build innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in the social enterprise sector. With a shared commitment to addressing societal challenges through entrepreneurial solutions, members left the meeting energized and inspired to drive further change.

This gathering was more than a meeting—it was a celebration of what is possible when like-minded individuals and organizations come together to envision and build a better future. Together, CEFEC members are shaping the narrative of social entrepreneurship, one collaboration at a time.

For information on how to get involved with CEFEC contact Alison, Sarah or Laura on the Gifted team. 

The Gifted Training team will be attending the final Transnational Project Management Meeting (TPM) in Wolfenbuttel Germany, 12-14 November 2024, which will include the concluding project international conference.   

Meeting with  colleagues from Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Romania, Italy and our group from Ireland, this final project meeting of the project will enable us to conclude the project, agree future collaboration and ensure maximum dissemination of project results are achieved.

The Gifted Training team will be attending the final Transnational Project Management Meeting (TPM) in Wolfenbuttel Germany, 12-14 November 2024, which will include the concluding project international conference.   

Meeting with  colleagues from Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Romania, Italy and our group from Ireland, this final project meeting of the project will enable us to conclude the project, agree future collaboration and ensure maximum dissemination of project results are achieved.

Gifted are delighted to join the Erasmus+ international project, EU Green Gardens, led by the lead partner Open Europe, based in Reus, Spain. 

Collaborating with partners from Spain, Italy and North Macedonia the project explores youth opportunities for action to develop and support community gardens.  

Follow the website and social media platforms for opportunities and activity and how to get involved. 

The Gifted Training team hosted the Just Her Transnational Project Meeting in Dublin.  

Welcoming colleagues from Poland, Spain, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, this second project meeting of the project enabled us to progress the project, agree future deadlines and approve work to date on the guidebook and training toolkits. 

As part of the cultural development for the partnership, the group enjoyed traditional Irish food and entertainment including Irish dancing and music sessions.  

Next meeting of the group will be in Lotz, Poland, held by our Polish partner, IRIS. 

For updates on the project, click here visit the dedicated project website 

Chris MM Gordon, CEO of the Irish Social Enterprise Network, met with the team to provide an overview of the work on the Network, the reach of the organisation across Ireland and how their team can assist us grow and extend our social enterprise activity.

We look forward to working with his team and further engagement.

The training team from Gifted Ireland were honoured to attend an evening reception in London hosted by the Irish Ambassador in London.

Business organisations across the Island of Ireland were hosted to celebrate the cross border, East West and North South business opportunities and the unique benefits of Northern Ireland post Brexit and the new dual market access.

Opportunities to promote our social enterprise training opportunities and the benefits of social value, linking NGOs with the business sector on an all Island basis.