Solutions for Communities Are Born Through Dialogue: Highlights from Our Social Business Forum

On June 27, 2025, we held an important event for the community — the Social Business Forum in Kamianets-Podilskyi. This event became a platform for open dialogue between representatives of local government, businesses, social entrepreneurs, and the civic sector. Dedicated to the development of social business, the forum took place on a symbolic date, World Social Entrepreneurship Day, which underlines the power of change through responsible business.

The main goal of the event was to bring together key stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of social entrepreneurship. After all, collaboration across different sectors lays the foundation on which strong and resilient communities grow. The forum became a space for listening and understanding, finding common solutions, and sparking new initiatives. Participants engaged in three key panel discussions, each addressing critical themes of social development:

• The first panel, “Modern Entrepreneurship Development at the Local Level: Opportunities and Prospects,” focused on entrepreneurship in territorial communities. Economists, business association leaders, government representatives, and social entrepreneurs shared experiences and discussed ways to support small and medium-sized businesses locally — a core driver of sustainable development that creates jobs and strengthens the local economy.
• The second panel, “Social Innovation as a Driver of Change,” delved into innovations that go beyond profit, aiming to improve lives and promote inclusion. Founders of social projects spoke about how their ideas are helping address challenges across various areas, from ecotourism to inclusive employment, and highlighted the importance of collaboration and building partnerships.
• The final discussion addressed the vital topic of funding — one of the key enablers of both business and civil initiatives. Experts from international programs and regional agencies shared how to prepare successful grant applications, where to find resources, and how to use support effectively.

Beyond the discussions, the forum provided space for networking and real conversation. Practitioners who are already transforming their communities shared inspiring stories, and participants explored opportunities for cooperation.
“We believe that real change happens where government, business, and communities work together. Social Business Forum showed that by joining forces, we can create a powerful movement capable of transforming our society and making it stronger,” said Solomiia Boianovych, Executive Director of the Platform for Social Change.

We thank everyone who took part in this important event — for your time, ideas, and willingness to act and grow. Together, we are shaping changes that truly matter!