Cycle 3 built on the community challenges and early solution ideas explored during Cycle 2. The training helped participants look at these ideas from a business and financial perspective.

Participants explored how social enterprise ideas can respond to real community needs. They also considered how these ideas can create both social and economic value.

The sessions encouraged participants to ask practical questions about their initiatives. Who will benefit from the idea? What resources are needed? How can the initiative create value? What steps are required to move from an idea to action?

This approach helped participants develop a clearer view of their ideas and the steps needed to move them forward.

The training introduced participants to key areas of business development. These included business modelling, value creation, budgeting, financial planning, funding opportunities, project planning and risk management.

Interactive discussions and practical exercises formed an important part of the cycle. Participants also worked with case studies and took part in collaborative activities.

These activities helped participants connect business concepts with real situations. They explored how a social enterprise can maintain its social purpose while also managing its financial and operational needs.

The training also highlighted the importance of understanding costs and managing resources responsibly. Participants learned how funding options can support an initiative and why realistic planning is important for successful implementation.

Throughout the cycle, participants applied the tools and concepts to their own ideas. This practical approach helped them make their initiatives more structured, feasible and responsive to community needs.

Knowledge assessments before and after the training showed a strong level of understanding among participants at the start of the cycle. The results also showed further progress across most of the assessed areas.

Participants demonstrated particularly positive development in areas related to value creation, financial awareness and funding concepts.

These results highlight the value of combining knowledge with practical learning. By applying concepts to their own ideas, participants strengthened both their understanding and their ability to use new tools.

Cycle 3 gave participants a stronger foundation for developing socially responsible and financially sustainable initiatives. It also helped them prepare for the next stages of their professional journey.

The skills developed during the cycle can support different pathways. Some participants may continue developing their social enterprise ideas. Others may use their new business and financial skills in employment or other professional opportunities.

EmpoweerNEET Lebanon is part of a wider Mediterranean initiative involving partners from Palestine, Spain, Greece, Lebanon, Tunisia and France.

The project supports young people in developing employability and entrepreneurial skills. It also promotes social innovation and participation in the Social and Solidarity Economy.

Through practical training and continued support, EmpoweerNEET helps young people move from ideas towards action and explore new opportunities for their professional and community futures.

The EmpoweerNEET project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.