CommUnity: Empowering Adult Entrepreneurs to Build Resilient Communities Across Europe 

Across Europe, adult entrepreneurs play a crucial role not only in economic development but also in strengthening the social fabric of their communities. However, many small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs face economic uncertainty, limited access to structured lifelong learning opportunities, and growing social challenges that directly affect their sustainability. The Erasmus+ KA210-ADU project “CommUnity – Empowering Adult Entrepreneurs to Build Resilient Communities” responds directly to these challenges by placing adult education at the centre of community welfare and sustainable entrepreneurship.

CommUnity runs from January 2025 until April 2026 and is implemented as a Small-scale Partnership in Adult Education under the Erasmus+ Programme. The project brings together three complementary organisations: The Square Dot team as project coordinator, 7HUB from Italy, and CHARGE AS from Norway. Each partner contributes distinct expertise in entrepreneurship development, non-formal education, social inclusion, and investment readiness, creating a multidisciplinary framework capable of addressing complex community needs.

The central objective of CommUnity is to empower adult entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to integrate community welfare practices into their business models. The project seeks to reduce social and economic imbalances, promote sustainable growth, strengthen local partnerships, and enhance social inclusion through targeted adult learning initiatives. By aligning with Erasmus+ priorities related to civic engagement, high-quality adult learning, and inclusive education pathways, the project situates entrepreneurship within a broader societal responsibility framework.

At least 45 adult entrepreneurs aged 35 and above, 45 aspiring entrepreneurs, and 120 adults engaging online will directly benefit from the project’s activities, reaching a minimum of 210 adults overall. Beyond direct participants, professional organisations, community stakeholders, and local businesses will also benefit from the knowledge exchange and collaborative tools developed during the project.

What distinguishes CommUnity is its systemic approach. Rather than viewing entrepreneurship purely through an economic lens, the project positions business activity as a driver of community resilience. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the European economy, and when these enterprises adopt socially responsible and welfare-oriented strategies, they contribute not only to job creation but also to stronger, more inclusive communities. Through structured adult education activities, cross-border collaboration, and practical implementation tools, CommUnity aims to demonstrate how entrepreneurship can actively promote well-being, equity, and long-term sustainability across Europe.