Problem addressed

Young people in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, face high youth unemployment, limited access to entrepreneurial education, and a lack of opportunities to engage in socially and environmentally responsible economic activities. Existing training and support systems often fail to integrate values such as social justice, sustainability, and community well-being, leaving a gap between young people’s aspirations and the tools available to realize them. This disconnect contributes to underutilized potential among youth and limits their role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Innovative solution

The project offers a unique cross-border training and mentoring pathway that blends social innovation practices with the Economy of the Common Good framework—an approach rarely integrated into youth entrepreneurship programs. It combines online learning, expert guidance, and peer collaboration to foster ethical, sustainable business development. By engaging youth in a participatory, values-based learning environment and connecting them with real-life practitioners, the project equips them with both the technical skills and the social mindset needed to launch impactful ventures that prioritize people and planet alongside profit.

This project draws inspiration from the Economy of the Common Good (ECG) movement, originating in Austria, which promotes sustainable and socially responsible business models prioritizing human dignity, ecological sustainability, and democratic participation. It also builds on successful social innovation and youth entrepreneurship initiatives from Italy and Spain. In particular, the Spanish partner, Asociación Jóvenes Solidarios Arenas de San Pedro, brings extensive experience in youth empowerment, community engagement, and implementation of international cooperation projects focused on social inclusion and sustainable development. Their activities in mentoring young entrepreneurs and organizing cross-cultural study visits significantly inform the project’s design and methodology.

Key results and benefits

40 young participants (ages 23–27) trained in social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.
10 video lessons produced and made available online for wider dissemination and long-term use.
20 mentors and experts involved in delivering tailored support and real-world insights.
2 international study visits promoting cross-cultural exchange and practical learning.

Increased employability and entrepreneurial readiness among youth, with a focus on ethical and community-oriented ventures.
Strengthened collaboration between organizations in Italy and Spain, building a transnational ecosystem for youth empowerment and social innovation.

Potential for mainstreaming

The project’s methodology—combining online training, mentorship, and international exchange—can be easily adapted and scaled across different regions and contexts. Its focus on social innovation and the Economy of the Common Good aligns with EU priorities on sustainable development and youth empowerment, making it relevant for integration into public education, youth work, and entrepreneurship support programs. The open-access video lessons and transferable training modules allow other organizations, schools, and institutions to replicate or build upon the model, fostering broader systemic change in how young people are prepared to become responsible entrepreneurs.