Training the next generation of social entrepreneurs: regenerative lessons from ecovillages with Ecoprise

In today's social entrepreneurship landscape, it is important to understand the practices that promote the regeneration of the environment, economy, society, and culture, such as those promoted by permaculture and ecovillages. These are communities that embody resilience, environmental harmony, and social renewal, providing valuable examples for enterprises aiming to foster meaningful social and environmental impact. From these practices, a strategic plan for entrepreneurship can be drawn, benefiting both people and the planet. Ecoprise has taken on this commitment by conducting extensive research across Europe to create a new regenerative model for social entrepreneurship, grounded in the wisdom of ecovillages and permaculture practices.

The research phase involved 106 interviews and 16 focus groups with ecovillages, social enterprises, educators, and sustainability experts, as well as PDC (Permaculture Design Course) practitioners, in six countries: Italy, Lithuania, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and Serbia. It included gathering insights on the opportunities and challenges these organizations and professionals face, along with a series of workshops held at the 2024 European Ecovillage Gathering in Sweden, which brought to light additional perspectives from ecovillage experts. The research culminated in the production of a comprehensive new SWOT analysis, offering insights into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for regenerative systems.

The findings highlight transferable practices that can guide social enterprises, while also identifying areas where emerging entrepreneurs need support, paving the way for a new role: the Ecoprise Designer.

This research provides a practical framework for transitioning to regenerative business models, as Ecoprise ensures future enterprises are equipped not only for sustainability but for true cycles of regeneration that uplift communities, ecosystems, and economies alike. As a further outcome of the research, two additional resources have been developed to establish the foundation for a new professional role and an innovative model within the framework of social entrepreneurship. These are the Ecoprise prototype, a model for resilient, community-focused enterprises; and the Skillset, a collection of green, entrepreneurial, digital, and resilience skills. Both results integrate ecovillage design, permaculture, and circular economy principles, envisioning multifunctional social enterprises that support both self-sufficiency and social values.

Follow us to learn more by visiting the website https://ecoprise.eu/ and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo © Tiziano Biagi Source: GEN Europe, European Ecovillage Gathering in Ängsbacka.
Photo © Tiziano Biagi Source: GEN Europe, European Ecovillage Gathering in Ängsbacka.
Photo © Tiziano Biagi Source: GEN Europe, European Ecovillage Gathering in Ängsbacka.

Photo © Tiziano Biagi Source: GEN Europe, European Ecovillage Gathering in Ängsbacka.

ECOPRISE- Future-oriented social entrepreneurship through Ecovillage Design was is an Erasmus+ co-funded project, born from the collaboration of the following organizations:

For further information about ECOPRISE, please contact Alejandra Infante Velado, alejandra.infantevelado@impresasocialeland.org.