CommUnity is an Erasmus+ Small-Scale Partnership in Adult Education (KA210-ADU) that explores how adult entrepreneurship can contribute to more inclusive, resil

Introduction: entrepreneurship as a driver of community welfare

CommUnity is an Erasmus+ Small-Scale Partnership in Adult Education (KA210-ADU) that explores how adult entrepreneurship can contribute to more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities across Europe.

Bringing together partners from Italy, Belgium, and Norway, the project aimed to go beyond traditional business training by integrating social impact, well-being, and community development into entrepreneurial thinking.

At the core of this process was the development of three Business Welfare Plans (BWPs) — strategic documents co-created by adult learners and entrepreneurs to address real societal challenges through business action.

A shared methodology across different contexts

Although developed in different countries, the three BWPs followed a common structure, combining:

• analysis of local community challenges

• definition of welfare-oriented objectives

• identification of practical business strategies

• action planning and evaluation mechanisms

This shared framework ensured comparability while allowing each plan to reflect specific local needs and realities.

The result is a set of three complementary models showing how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can actively contribute to community well-being.

Norway: inclusion in a structured welfare system

In Norway, the Business Welfare Plan focused on challenges that persist despite a strong institutional welfare system.

Participants identified key issues such as:

• barriers in accessing healthcare services

• social isolation among immigrants and newcomers

• limited access to employment due to language and networks

The plan proposes practical actions for SMEs, including:

• creating inclusive networking opportunities

• supporting access to information and services

• promoting fair and accessible employment practices

A key insight from the Norwegian case is that access barriers — not lack of resources — often define inequality, and businesses can play a role in bridging these gaps.

Belgium: well-being and access to entrepreneurship

In Belgium, the focus shifted to the internal sustainability of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Participants highlighted:

• increasing stress and burnout among self-employed professionals

• unequal access to entrepreneurship for migrants and women aged 35+

• skills gaps for adults transitioning careers

The Business Welfare Plan responds with strategies such as:

• peer-support networks and well-being initiatives

• inclusive entrepreneurship programmes

• upskilling opportunities tailored to adult learners

The Belgian case demonstrates that entrepreneurial well-being is a structural condition for sustainable economic participation, not a secondary concern.

Italy: local development and social cohesion

In Italy, the Business Welfare Plan emphasised the role of SMEs in addressing territorial inequalities and strengthening community cohesion.

Key challenges included:

• economic fragility in rural and semi-urban areas

• limited access to services and training

• weak connections between public, private, and third-sector actors

The proposed actions focus on:

• fostering collaboration between local stakeholders

• promoting inclusive and sustainable business practices

• enhancing participation of vulnerable groups in economic life

The Italian case highlights how local businesses can act as connectors, linking economic activity with social and territorial development.

Key results: a European perspective

Across the three countries, several common results emerge:

1. SMEs as social actors

The BWPs redefine small businesses not only as economic entities, but as active contributors to social inclusion and community well-being.

2. Welfare as a business strategy

Integrating welfare into business practices is not only ethical, but also strategic, contributing to resilience, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

3. Adult learning as a transformation tool

The co-creation process itself became a learning experience, enabling participants to develop new skills, perspectives, and responsibilities.

4. Transferable models

While rooted in local contexts, the BWPs offer adaptable frameworks that can be replicated in other regions and sectors.

Implications for adult education and policy

The results of the CommUnity project suggest important implications for both adult education providers and policymakers:

• Entrepreneurship training should include social impact dimensions

• Adult learning programmes should be co-created with participants

• Local ecosystems must be considered in educational design

• Cross-country exchange enhances innovation and adaptability

These insights align with broader European priorities on inclusion, lifelong learning, and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Business Welfare Plans developed within CommUnity demonstrate that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for addressing societal challenges.

By connecting business practices with community needs, and by empowering adult learners to actively shape their environments, the project offers a concrete example of how education, innovation, and social responsibility can converge.

In this sense, CommUnity does not only produce plans — it contributes to a broader shift in how we understand the role of entrepreneurship in Europe today.

BUSINESS WELFARE PLANS RESULTS | EPALE