On May 23, 2024, our community of Bridging Managers proudly presented at the “Soziale Innovationen für den Wiederaufbau in der Ukraine” networking evening, held at the Fraunhofer Forum in Berlin. The event, organized by the Plattform Wiederaufbau Ukraine in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Zukunftsstiftung, ChildFund Deutschland e.V., Bundesinitiative Impact Investing e.V., Ukrainian Social Venture Fund, PHINEO gAG, and the Social Entrepreneurship Netzwerk Deutschland (SEND) e.V., brought together social entrepreneurs, impact-driven organizations, and key stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
As part of the event, we had the opportunity to showcase our initiatives aimed at supporting Ukrainian refugees and their integration into the German labor market. Here are the four main points of social impact that we highlighted:
1. Fostering Business Collaboration
One of our primary focuses is connecting Ukrainian and German companies to unlock new opportunities. By fostering business collaboration, we aim to create synergies that benefit both Ukrainian and German enterprises. This includes facilitating partnerships, joint ventures, and business development initiatives that drive economic growth and innovation.
2. Labor Market Integration
Supporting the employment and onboarding of Ukrainians in German companies is at the heart of our mission. We offer tailored programs that help Ukrainian refugees gain the necessary skills and qualifications to enter the German labor market. Our initiatives include language courses, professional training, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that refugees are well-prepared to contribute effectively to their new workplaces.
3. Empowering Entrepreneurs
We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic empowerment and integration. Our programs support Ukrainians in establishing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. We provide guidance on business planning, access to funding, and mentorship to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business in a new country.
4. Ensuring Compliance
Assisting businesses to meet EU standards is crucial for successful integration and sustainability. We offer resources and support to ensure that both Ukrainian and German companies comply with relevant EU regulations and standards. This includes providing information on legal requirements, best practices, and ongoing support to help businesses operate smoothly and effectively within the EU framework.
Event Highlights and Future Directions
The networking evening at the Fraunhofer Forum was a significant milestone for our community. It provided a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge new partnerships. We are grateful for the opportunity to present our initiatives and are excited about the collaborations and projects that will emerge from this event.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of empowering Ukrainian refugees and facilitating their successful integration into the German labor market. We invite like-minded organizations and individuals to join us in this endeavor and contribute to the social and economic rebuilding of Ukraine.
Stay tuned for more updates and follow our journey as we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugees and the communities that welcome them.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in our work.