Beyond Capital - the next generation of social enterprises

Summary

Beyond Capital is a 24-month Erasmus+ project that supports early-stage social enterprises across Europe in improving financial planning and sustainability. The project offers a comprehensive training curriculum, a MOOC, an Open Guide for VET providers, and blended training for 60 participants. Led by the Maltese-Italian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with six EU partners, it promotes access to diverse funding tools while fostering inclusion, competence, and innovation within the social economy. 

“Thanks to Beyond Capital, I gained the financial skills and confidence to grow my social enterprise - something I never thought possible before. It truly opened doors I didn’t know existed.”  

Topic(s) addressed 

• Financial literacy
• Sustainable finance
• Social entrepreneurship
• Early-stage enterprise growth
• Innovative funding (e.g., green bonds, crowdfunding)
• VET education
• Capacity building for social economy resilience post-COVID-19

Target group(s) 

• 60 early-stage social entrepreneurs
• VET trainers
• Mentors
• Financial providers
• Policymakers

Methodologies used 

The project adopts a multidisciplinary, learner-centred approach that integrates financial literacy with social entrepreneurship. It blends formal, non-formal, and informal learning through a combination of work-based training, a MOOC, and blended learning formats. Innovative tools - such as the Open Guide for VET providers and the pilot curriculum - support the development of key competences (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) through formative assessment methods. Learners engage actively in real-life scenarios, peer exchange, and project-based activities. Inclusion and collaboration are central to the approach, involving trainers, social finance providers, and policymakers to ensure a holistic, impactful learning experience tailored to the needs of early-stage social enterprises. 

Innovation environment 

The project fosters an innovation-friendly environment by engaging VET providers as catalysts for change and equipping them with tailored tools such as the Open Guide and MOOC. It promotes a whole-school approach by embedding financial education into broader training strategies and encouraging active collaboration among trainers, managers, and learners. Cross-sectoral cooperation with financial institutions, social enterprises, and policy stakeholders enriches the learning process with real-world insights. The use of digital tools, blended learning, and resource-efficient methodologies ensures sustainability and accessibility, while inclusive practices and peer learning help create a positive, participatory educational climate. 

Teachers’ role 

Teachers and educators in the project serve as key innovators, co-developing and delivering advanced training materials tailored to the needs of early-stage social entrepreneurs. Through the Open Guide and pilot training, they acquire and apply new competences in financial education and social enterprise development.  

The project encourages peer learning, collaboration, and mentoring among educators across partner countries, supporting their professional growth and enhancing teaching practices. By adopting learner-centred and inclusive approaches, educators also promote well-being and engagement, empowering learners to shape their own learning paths and succeed in complex, real-world contexts. 

Impact and output 

The project directly empowers 60 early-stage social entrepreneurs and VET educators by strengthening their financial and entrepreneurial skills. It prioritises the inclusion of participants with fewer opportunities, particularly those from underserved communities. Innovative teaching methods foster confidence, autonomy, and long-term employability. 

Key outputs - such as the MOOC and Open Guide - ensure broad accessibility and adaptability, generating spill-over effects across schools, training centres, local communities, and the wider social economy ecosystem. Teachers, learners, and stakeholders beyond the initial group benefit from shared tools, best practices, and strengthened cooperation networks.

Learn more about the project