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Description
The main goal of the project is to develop the skills of the organization for a successful long-term operation. The activities of the project will result in a long-term progressively growing organization. We are aware of the action we have to take to reach the goal.
1) The leader of the foundation “Bridge of Opportunities” is leaving the position; therefore, it is even more crucial to ensure a successful succession of the organization. All the knowledge and skill will be passed forward to the next leader so that they would be able to continue the current core activities of strengthening the civic society and develop social services and social entrepreneurship. The transfer to the new one will be implemented through shadowing the previous leader to ensure a profound understanding of the Foundation. It will be a gradual change from one development model to a different one that would strengthen the organization and reach the goals.
2) An online store will be developed for the social enterprise “Store of the Hard-Working Bee”. The Foundation is accepting new challenges due to outside factors, generation change, and societal habit change. The Foundation would reach a more stable financial independence thus not endangering the mission of the organization - support the vulnerable groups of the society. The most important feature of our enterprise is not the value of the good but the amount because the craftsmen are not producing technologically complicated and expensive goods but instead - for so to say “heart and soul”.
3) Human resources are crucial for every organization, including us. To have strong and argumentative communication with fellow NGOs, municipal and national institutions, and enterprises for collaboration in the field of social entrepreneurship, our team will learn to improve their communication skills. The training will be aimed at the development of the organization and will promote a transfer to a new level of maturity of the organization.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the following challenges:
Leadership Transition and Organizational Continuity: Ensuring a smooth transition from the former leader to the new one while maintaining the Foundation''s mission, goals, and management principles. This was critical for sustaining the organization''s operations and future development.
Financial Sustainability through Social Entrepreneurship: Adapting to generational shifts and changing societal habits by developing an e-commerce platform for the social enterprise "Čaklās Bites Bode." The challenge was to secure financial independence and reduce reliance on external funding while continuing to support vulnerable social groups.
Adaptation to Modern Expectations: Meeting the expectations of modern society by creating accessible and relevant platforms, such as an e-shop, to align with changing consumer behaviors and societal norms.
Limited Human Resource Capacity: Addressing the need for skilled and well-trained staff to ensure effective communication, management, and collaboration with various stakeholders, including NGOs, government institutions, municipalities, and businesses.
Long-Term Organizational Growth: Fostering the organization''s maturity and preparing it for sustainable long-term success through strategic human resource development and the enhancement of operational processes.
The project successfully achieved its planned activities and goals, focusing on capacity building, leadership development, communication training, and establishing an e-commerce platform:
Capacity Building:
The project addressed the capacity-building needs outlined in its proposal, directly supporting the Foundation''s core operations. Key strengths such as motivated staff, existing resources, and a commitment to progress were enhanced, allowing the Foundation to evolve to a higher maturity level.
A new, ambitious Foundation leader was integrated, equipped to address challenges, respond to community needs, and collaborate with the Vidzeme Planning Region Development Department.Communication Training:
Staff participated in public speaking and communication training at Viesturs Meikšāns Speech School, gaining critical skills in delivering concise, impactful messages. These training sessions empowered participants to effectively engage with partners and promote social enterprise marketing activities.E-Commerce Pilot Projects:
Two e-shops were launched: a local Latvian e-shop and an international store on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodenToysGamesKids). While the war in Ukraine impacted sales, these platforms are ready to adapt and grow in the future.
The project delivered significant results, benefiting the Foundation, its artisans, and the wider community:
Strengthened Leadership and Capacity:
The integration of a new leader equipped the Foundation to better respond to long-term challenges and community needs, ensuring sustainable growth and development.Enhanced Communication Skills:
Training improved the team’s confidence and ability to articulate the Foundation’s mission and engage with stakeholders, including businesses and local authorities. This development fosters stronger collaborations and improves marketing efforts, enhancing the long-term financial sustainability of the social enterprise.Economic and Social Impact via E-Commerce:
The establishment of two e-commerce platforms provides opportunities for the artisans of Čaklās Bites Bode, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, and creative individuals from Vidzeme. Despite current challenges, these platforms represent a foundation for financial growth and independence, contributing to the well-being of the artisans and advancing the Foundation’s social mission.Community and Customer Engagement:
Positive feedback from customers highlights the value of the Foundation''s work, inspiring continued efforts to fulfill its mission of supporting vulnerable populations and promoting socially responsible entrepreneurship.
Through these activities, the project reinforced the Foundation’s capacity to operate sustainably while directly benefiting its target groups and the broader community.