More information
Description
The goals of the project implemented by the association "New Door" are, to: stabilize the financial flow of the association; create an exchange of international experience; introduce a performance evaluation system; train employees; improve the association''s action and public relations plans and the social business acceleration program. To achieve the goals, the association will implement the following activities:
- carry out an evaluation of existing activities,
- update the strategy and action plan,
- take measures to stabilize financial flows,
- participate in events/projects of networks of international org.,
- get qualification upgrade courses for staff and management,
- establish an action plan for an international cooperation platform,
- establish and implement communication & public relations plan,
- test the ASANA project management system, which will improve the planning, coordination and evaluation system.
The planned results of the project implementation will strengthen the recognition of the association, rise the public awareness about the opportunities offered by the association, consultations and opportunities for the population to create and develop social entrepreneurship that would promote public welfare and equal social inclusion.
New Door will develop a development strategy and action plan in order to create stronger and more detailed sub-goals and tasks for the promotion of the well-being of the population, so that the association can develop effectively in the long run. New Door will develop a system for monitoring and evaluating the quality of activities, to improve the administrative functions and promote the increase of activity impact in the long run. New Door needs to stabilize financial income to cover administrative expenses, grow and develop. A plan to attract incoming financial resources (non-project related) will be developed and implemented. Significant result will come from New Door''s activities on international platform.
Summary of project results
- Strategic planning and evaluation: The project aimed to address the need for a comprehensive evaluation of ongoing activities (SWOT analysis) and refine the development strategy plan to ensure effective future growth.
- Brand, image, and public communication: Strengthening the organization''s public image and building trust were essential for attracting more members, both locally and internationally. This would increase quality, influence, and competitiveness. Additionally, the communication plan needed updating to ensure active media campaigns, which would promote greater awareness and engagement.
- Operational and statutory updates: Changes in the organization''s statutes, including updating the executive body and refining the goals section, were necessary. Improvements in publicly accessible information and a system for assessing and monitoring potential partnerships were also essential to ensure transparency and long-term collaboration success.
- Training and development: With the rapid growth of the social entrepreneurship sector, continuous training was required for staff and leadership. This would ensure the team remained competitive and equipped with diverse, up-to-date knowledge.
- Financial sustainability and income generation: To support administrative costs, it was necessary to develop a financial revenue plan to increase income from non-project-related sources, ensuring long-term financial stability.
- International networking and digitalization: The project emphasized building and maintaining an international cooperation platform for better networking. It also aimed to continue work on digitalizing the acceleration program and enhancing training materials, expanding them to cater to more advanced needs.
Activity 1: Evaluation of previous activities. The evaluation of the organization’s previous activities was carried out through a SWOT and PESTLE analysis, helping the management team identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Based on these analyses, a strategic action plan was developed. The organization''s statutes were updated, and the changes were officially registered with the Company Register. Furthermore, improvements were made to the organization’s website, including the publication of the updated statutes and financial reports. A project management system was introduced, but after some testing, it was replaced by a more tailored Excel-based system that tracks current projects, partnerships, and networks. A financial sustainability plan was also created, which included a new pricing structure for paid services to stabilize the organization’s income flow. Regular meetings with a business coach helped assess internal conflicts, team strengths, and areas for improvement.
Activity 2: Refinement of communication and public relations plan. The communication and public relations plan was refined, which included a clear timeline and content guidelines for social media, press releases, and live PR communication activities. This plan aimed to ensure consistent messaging and greater visibility for the organization. It was intended to better connect the organization with the general public, media, and partners. The PR team and communications personnel were the primary beneficiaries of this refined plan, enabling them to better strategize and communicate with the public and stakeholders, including the media and potential collaborators.
Activity 3: Training and qualification enhancement for staff and management. To enhance staff and management qualifications, an online training program was selected. The training covered topics on social enterprise support, leadership, community-building, and business strategies. Additionally, one staff member participated in a professional training program in "Project Digital Management" as part of an EU-funded initiative. This activity allowed the team to individually choose the most relevant training to their roles, while also ensuring that no opportunities for skill-building were duplicated by other existing initiatives. The staff members and management team benefited from this activity as they were able to gain new skills that were specifically aligned with their professional development needs. Furthermore, these improved competencies contributed to better leadership and decision-making processes within the organization.
Activity 4: Participation in the "Conveners.org" platform. The organization participated in the "Conveners.org" platform, which helped create valuable networking and collaboration opportunities. Team members attended online conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions, and met with mentors. These activities contributed to expanding the organization’s global network, fostering new international partnerships, and sharing best practices. The management and key staff members were the primary beneficiaries of this activity, gaining important knowledge, guidance, and connections from international experts. This activity also enabled external stakeholders to engage with the organization through the platform, opening up avenues for future collaborations and partnerships.
Activity 5: Improvement of acceleration program training materials. The improvement of the acceleration program''s training materials was an ongoing process that involved consultations with experts. Additionally, the organization’s YouTube channel was enhanced, with internal lectures and materials made accessible for future use. These resources will support both the team and external trainees in enhancing their skills. Internal staff members involved in organizing and delivering the training benefited from the improved materials, while future trainees will benefit from high-quality, updated content. Furthermore, partners and collaborators will also have access to these materials, which can aid in their development and align with the organization’s mission to support social enterprises.
This project has had a lasting and significant impact on the organization''s growth and development, setting the foundation for continued success in the future. Key outcomes include:
1. Enhanced financial stabilizationOne of the most notable achievements was the stabilization of the organization’s financial flow. In the second year of the project, the organization reached its highest turnover since its inception, demonstrating improved financial health and sustainability. This outcome contributed to the long-term financial stability of the organization.
2. Improved team communicationThe training sessions provided the team with valuable tools to enhance communication and internal cooperation, making the team more effective. These improvements in internal communication have led to a more cohesive and productive work environment. The board also decided to introduce semi-annual meetings, in addition to regular weekly and monthly meetings, to assess and refine internal operations. This strengthened internal team dynamics, leading to better project management practices.
3. Management and risk evaluationThe project facilitated better management practices and improved risk evaluation processes, which helped the team communicate more effectively. This has enhanced overall operational efficiency and allowed the team to identify potential challenges and opportunities more proactively. As a result, management and staff have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to operate more efficiently and make informed decisions.
4. External expertise and new servicesThe project encouraged the involvement of external experts who helped identify areas for growth and innovation. One key insight was the opportunity to offer corporate social responsibility (CSR) services, typically associated with large companies. By recognizing the potential for these services to be expanded to more diverse and inclusive initiatives, the organization has opened up new avenues for service offerings and enhanced its overall impact. This has positioned the organization to explore innovative solutions and attract new partnerships.
5. Overall outcomes and impactsThese results collectively contributed to the enhancement of skills within the internal team, the improvement of leadership and operational efficiency, and the increase in organizational transparency. External stakeholders have benefited from new networking opportunities, access to improved training materials, and a more engaged and capable organization. Participation in international platforms has further increased the potential for new collaborations and knowledge exchange, strengthening the organization’s global presence. These impacts ensure the organization is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the future.