On 26 April, the National Forum “Development of Social Entrepreneurship” was held at the Yerevan State University, which was organized in the scope of the “Social Entrepreneurship as a Community Development Mechanism” implemented within the framework of the sub-grant provided in the scope of the EU funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project, with co-funding of the EcoLab Foundation for Sustainable Development and Active Citizenship and with the support of Entrepreneurship Development Centre of YSU.
It became a living platform that enabled dozens of actors of the sector to discuss key issues related to the social entrepreneurship (CS) ecosystem and their possible solutions.
Mr. Karen Zadoyan, Managing Partner of the “LIGAL ALLIANCE” Law Firm, President of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, in his welcoming speech said that social entrepreneurship is a very important and evolving direction in Armenia. He also mentioned and presented the existing problems.
Mr. Stanislav Toshkov, the representative of the EU Delegation to Armenia also made a welcoming speech saying that the EU Delegation is interested in social entrepreneurship in Armenia and its development.
After the official opening session, the forum continued its work in panel discussion format. The discussions were held on 3 main topics:
- Social Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and Supporting Development Mechanisms,
- Legal regulation of SE,
- Educational objectives and development opportunities of the SE.
Notably, an exhibition-sale of the social enterprises was held in the scope of the forum as well, where about 50 SEs operating in different marzes of the Republic of Armenia presented their services and products.