The final EPIC Project Conference in Sarajevo Highlights Transformative Impact on Social Entrepreneurship
- Published in News
The Final Conference and Meeting of the EPIC project took place in Sarajevo on 17–18 February 2026, bringing together stakeholders, partners, youth workers, and young innovators to reflect on the project’s achievements and long-term contribution to social entrepreneurship across the Western Balkans. The event was hosted by SMOC, with the support of CARDET, and convened approximately 60 participants.
The conference featured presentations of the project’s core outputs, key results, and practical tools developed throughout the initiative, alongside keynote speeches exploring the evolving landscape, opportunities, and potential of social entrepreneurship. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with the winning teams of the National Hackathons, whose projects demonstrated creativity, technical competence, and strong potential for sustainable social impact.
Over the course of its implementation, the EPIC project has delivered substantial outcomes that strengthen the social innovation ecosystem in Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Among its principal achievements, the project developed the EPIC Training Curriculum on social entrepreneurship, structured around six comprehensive modules designed to support capacity-building and skills development. Complementary Toolkits for Youth Workers and Toolkits for Youth were also created to provide practical guidance for aspiring social entrepreneurs and those supporting them.
In addition, the project facilitated a targeted workshop and study visit in Athens, equipping youth workers with enhanced mentoring and facilitation competencies. Pilot workshops further engaged youth workers and young people, enabling the testing and refinement of project resources in real-world contexts. A series of three regional hackathons incubated innovative concepts addressing pressing social and environmental challenges, ranging from technology-driven solutions to circular economy models.
Beyond tangible outputs, EPIC has contributed to a notable shift in how social entrepreneurship is perceived, emphasizing its role as a viable and sustainable model rather than solely a philanthropic endeavor. The initiative has supported the cultivation of entrepreneurial mindsets, confidence, and applied skills in areas such as design thinking, budgeting, and pitching.
All EPIC resources are now openly accessible, ensuring that youth organizations, trainers, and young changemakers can continue to benefit from and build upon the project’s legacy.
Further information and access to project materials are available at: https://epic-project.eu/