A strong and cohesive community lies at the heart of every successful project. In the management of the TASK4ISI project, which aims to support the entrepreneurship of disadvantaged groups such as youth, women, immigrants, seniors and people with disabilities, this principle has translated into a community-driven approach. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, we have built a solid and motivated working group capable of generating shared and innovative solutions, open to the inclusion of additional stakeholders.
The local working group
Thanks to the valuable collaboration between the Municipality of San Mauro Pascoli and OPEN, we initiated a process of engaging key local actors within ISIHUB Romagna. This working group includes representatives from the Emilia-Romagna Region, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality of Cesena, the University of Bologna, local employment centres, the territorial office of the Ministry of Justice, business associations, other organizations working with vulnerable groups, a local bank, and other organizations operating in the area, as well as representatives of potential beneficiaries. The goal is to connect the needs of disadvantaged people with existing resources, promoting a more inclusive ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship.
A shared co-design process
Our approach is based on listening, dialogue, and collaboration. Through meetings, workshops, and consultations, we have stimulated an open dialogue among stakeholders, encouraging the creation of valuable and concrete ideas and proposals, starting from the initiatives developed by the TASK4ISI partnership. Since October 2024 to date, the working group has met four times: in October and December 2024, and in March and June 2025. This participatory methodology has guaranteed solutions that respond to the needs of the territory, enhancing local skills and resources.
A common interest in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship
All stakeholders share the goal of promoting skills development and supporting ideas and projects for entrepreneurship and self-employment, in favor of people with fewer opportunities. This shared vision has strengthened the sense of belonging and responsibility, creating a collaborative climate that extends beyond the project itself. The creation of a territorial network allows resources, ideas, and innovative projects to be circulated, promoting a lasting impact over time.
Results and future prospects
Thanks to this community of practice, we have already launched various activities and will soon proceed with pilot initiatives and tools to support inclusive entrepreneurship. However, the work doesn’t stop there: we will continue to strengthen the network, involving new stakeholders and listening to the needs of the people we want to support. Our community-driven approach represents a replicable model for other territories and projects.
Building a working group with local stakeholders, following a participatory and shared approach, helps to better address challenges by working together, and is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is the strength of community-driven projects: the ability to place people at the center, creating solutions that last over time and respond to the real needs of the community.
This publication reflects the views of the author(s) only. The programme authorities are not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.