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Latvia's Social Enterprises Flourish with €17M in Government Backing

From printing tableware to blending music with STEM, Latvia's social enterprises are rewriting the rules of business. Meet the innovators turning profit into purpose.

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
The image shows an old map of the city of Riga, Latvia, with text and a logo on the right side. The...
The image shows an old map of the city of Riga, Latvia, with text and a logo on the right side. The map is detailed and shows the streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the map provides additional information about the city, such as its population, landmarks, and streets.

Latvia's Social Enterprises Flourish with €17M in Government Backing

Latvia has seen steady growth in social enterprises over the past decade. These businesses combine commercial activity with social goals, tackling challenges in education, employment, and community well-being. Since 2013, the country has built a legal framework to support them, offering grants and funding opportunities. Between 2016 and 2023, the Latvian government invested nearly €17 million in social entrepreneurship. On average, each enterprise received around €62,000 in grants. Today, 226 such businesses operate across the country, working in fields like healthcare, work integration, and education.

One example is Dekolserviss, a company printing tableware for 25 years. Led by CEO Laura Buharina, it employs people nearing retirement and those previously out of work. The business promotes social inclusion while maintaining a sustainable production model.

Another initiative, 'Zvaigznēja komanda', blends music and STEM education. Using digital tools and analogue synthesizers, the programme engages young learners in creative ways. Musician Agnese Rakovska represents the project, highlighting its role in accessible arts education.

All social enterprises in Latvia follow Commercial Law but prioritise societal impact. Their work ranges from job creation to improving local services, aiming to enhance quality of life for communities. With 226 enterprises now active, Latvia’s social entrepreneurship sector continues to expand. The funding and legal support in place help these businesses address unemployment, education gaps, and social exclusion. Their combined efforts contribute to both economic activity and community development across the country.

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