The Georgian Heritage Crafts Association hosted a recent meetup for social enterprises as part of its Acceleration Program, aimed at bolstering the sustainability and presence of social enterprises in Georgia. The event facilitated valuable dialogues between social entrepreneurs, private sector representatives, and industry mentors, fostering new opportunities for collaboration.
Social enterprises in Georgia focus on generating revenue while addressing social challenges, such as preserving cultural heritage and providing employment for marginalized groups. However, to succeed, these businesses need strategic partnerships, financial support, and corporate engagement.
Five social enterprises, Lampino, Igrika, Karagma, Gumbati, and Tebe, showcased their unique missions. Attendees had the chance to learn about their work and explore potential collaborations, along with hands-on workshops demonstrating traditional craftsmanship.
The Role of Private Companies in Supporting Social Enterprises
A key theme at the meetup was the importance of long-term collaboration between private companies and social enterprises. Tamar Rodonaia, mentor for Igrika, stressed that businesses should engage beyond one-time CSR activities, integrating social enterprises into their operations through purchasing products, collaborating on community-driven projects, and offering team-building services.
“Private companies play a crucial role in supporting and fostering the growth of social enterprises. By collaborating with social enterprises, businesses gain valuable and diverse opportunities to create mutual benefits, enhancing both their own operations and the impact of social enterprises,” said Rodonaia.
It is an approach benefits both businesses and social enterprises, enhancing brand image, employee satisfaction, and social impact.
Showcasing the Social Enterprises
Each of the five enterprises at the event blends traditional craftsmanship with social impact:
Lampino creates handmade architectural lamps inspired by Georgian heritage, preserving cultural identity.
Igrika designs modern accessories incorporating ancient Georgian symbols, bridging tradition with innovation.
Karagma blends Georgian ornamentation with modern leather fashion.
Gumbati focuses on providing education in rural areas, promoting professional development.
Tebe employs people with disabilities, creating economic independence through laser-cut wooden products.
A Broader Initiative with Regional Impact
This meetup is part of a larger EU-funded project supporting social entrepreneurship in Georgia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Irina Mania from the Georgian Heritage Crafts Association highlighted the importance of mentorship and regional outreach, aiming to help social enterprises become competitive and sustainable.
“This project involves 15 mentors from various successful business sectors who guide enterprises based on their expertise. Our goal is to make these collaborations meaningful and sustainable,” said Mania.
She highlighted that the initiative is not limited to Tbilisi but extends to regional areas such as Gori, Dusheti, and Tserovani.
Private Sector Support
Private companies like Tegeta Holding shared their experiences working with social enterprises, noting the reliability and competitive nature of these businesses.
Nazi Tetradze, Tegeta Holding’s Head of Marketing Procurement, addressed concerns about potential risks in working with social enterprises, emphasizing that Tegeta’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive. “Some assume that working with social enterprises comes with challenges, whether in terms of delivery times, pricing, or quality. However, based on our collaborations, we’ve seen that these businesses are just as reliable and competitive as traditional suppliers,” she said.
Interactive Workshops: Bringing Georgian Craftsmanship to Life
The event included workshops that allowed participants to engage with the craftsmanship behind the enterprises, creating a deeper understanding of their artistic and social value.
The meetup was a step toward long-term partnerships, showing that supporting social enterprises not only benefits communities, but also strengthens businesses and contributes to a more inclusive economy.
For more on this story, check out the upcoming issue of GT Business.
By Kesaria Katcharava
