On October 21, 2024, Culture Goes Europe e.V. (CGE) together with our partner Plattform e.V. hosted the Grand Re-Opening of the Social Impulse Hub, located at Salinestr. 34 in Erfurt. Building on the foundational successes of the Social Impulse Academy, which initially focused on migrant entrepreneurs, the re-opened Hub aims to broaden its impact. The event signified the re-engagement of a mission driven by the recently started TASK4ISI project, which is supported by the Interreg Central Europe program of the European Union.
TASK4ISI: Framework and objectives
The TASK4ISI project is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among underrepresented groups by developing frameworks for inclusive entrepreneurship in Central Europe. This approach is vital in the wake of economic transitions driven by new societal needs, technological advancements, and evolving business models which all highlight a growing skills mismatch. These mismatches affect the labor market’s capacity to adapt, making the enhancement of entrepreneurial, managerial, and emotional intelligence skills crucial for future entrepreneurs.
This project focuses on enhancing business skills for aspiring entrepreneurs, facilitating business matchmaking for early-stage entrepreneurs, and endorsing Inclusive Entrepreneurship as a scalable opportunity for competitive, just, and socially inclusive advantages in alignment with the transition to Sustainable and Inclusive Smart Specialisation Strategies (S4+).
Program of the Grand Re-Opening of the Social Impulse Hub. Design: Marina Bykova. Photos: Marina Bykova.
From past initiatives to future aspirations
The Grand Re-Opening event marked the relaunch of the Social Impulse Hub, established and run in 2020-2021 under theTASKFORCOME project. Developed four years ago again in partnership between Plattform e.V. and CGE, the Social Impulse Academy offered a six-month program designed to support ambitious, open-minded individuals—especially those with international backgrounds—who are eager to create lasting social impact in Thuringia.
Leveraging the insights and experiences gained from the earlier program, the new entrepreneurship program is thought to be co-created together with its participants and provide more personalised support and coaching. A notable emphasis of this iteration is the increased support for women entrepreneurs, recognising their unique challenges and potential in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A new chapter begins: Grand Re-Opening
Starting with the “Speed Dating” activity, the participants swiftly shared their backgrounds and interests related to the event’s theme, enhancing their understanding of the diverse perspectives within the room. By rotating pairs every two minutes, participants gained a broad overview of the individuals present, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This introductory exercise was pivotal, as it set the stage for the development of a community of entrepreneurs. It emphasized the importance of personal connections and mutual understanding, which are foundational for building strong, cooperative relationships.
With the help of Zafar Saydaliev (CGE) and Ilze Polakova (Plattform e.V.) participants revisited the impactful journey of the Academy, exploring its significant achievements and the success stories of former participants, such as Dostlar cafe and Haus der Amerikas e.V. These examples underscored the positive impact that well-supported social entrepreneurship can have on the local community.
During the World Cafe, attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the advantages and challenges of launching socially impactful ventures in the region. This exchange fostered a deeper understanding of the local context and highlighted the practical realities of building initiatives that address community needs.
The event also served as a platform for participants to learn about various funding options available for social projects, from local grants to national and European support programs.
Overall, the Grand Re-Opening successfully connected individuals passionate about social impact, equipping them with knowledge and resources to drive community-focused initiatives in Thuringia.
📸 Photos: Marina Bykova (1-4, 6, 8-9), Nela Kłosiewicz (5, 7).
🇪🇺 The project has been co-funded under the Interred Central Europe program of the European Union through the project “TASK4ISI” – Transnational Action to advance SKills and competences FOR Inclusive entrepreneurship and Social Innovation.
