Actio Releases First Impact Report

Since its founding, Actio has secured over 418.800 euros in funding, which can serve to finance a total of seven social enterprises. Funding has already been deployed in four transformative social enterprises: Babale, Istoriali, Champy, and Tene. These enterprises, working in areas from cultural heritage to environmental protection, are making a lasting difference in their communities, reveals the Impact Report published by Actio on their website.

Here’s a summary of how each enterprise is advancing with Actio’s support:

1. Babale: Empowering Young People with Down Syndrome

Babale, a social enterprise focused on supporting the professional development of young people with Down syndrome, used Actio funding to launch a new ceramic production line, boosting annual income by 24% in 2023. Additionally, Babale’s Professional Orientation and Career Support Program has engaged 24 young individuals in skill-building across four levels of development, supporting two individuals who are now employed. Furthermore, through its expanded ceramic and textile workshops, Babale held 67 master classes involving 1,340 children, spreading awareness and engagement around inclusive employment and creative arts​.

2. Istoriali: Preserving Georgia’s Cultural Heritage

Specializing in jewelry and cultural items that celebrate Georgian heritage, Istoriali partnered with Actio to renovate and expand its workshop, enabling the launch of two new collections, "Tbilisi Line" and "Men's Line." This expansion increased its income modestly in 2023 despite extensive renovations and laid the groundwork for exporting products, with a trial batch recently sent to the U.S. The newly expanded workshop has allowed Istoriali to train two additional female metalsmiths and to initiate partnerships with 5,000 individuals engaged in preserving and promoting Georgia’s rich cultural legacy​.

We had a chat this year with Kristine Kandelaki of Actio and Maka Dvalishvili of Istoriali on our podcast, Impact People.

3. Champy: Supporting Communities Near Conflict Zones

Champy produces healthy snacks and apple chips while supporting economic empowerment in villages near the occupation line in Gori. With Actio’s funding, Champy acquired new equipment, resulting in a 2.5-fold production increase from 146,016 to 356,354 apple chips. The enterprise employs 13 women from Ditsi village, collaborates with 6 local farmers, and has diverted 7 tons of apple waste into sustainable snack production. Champy also extended consulting support to 9 farmers on handling perishable raw materials, strengthening local agricultural practices and community resilience​.

4. Tene: Leading Georgia’s Plastic Recycling Revolution

Tene, Georgia’s first eco-friendly USB cable manufacturer, collects and recycles plastic waste to produce cables while raising public awareness about environmental issues. Supported by Actio, Tene doubled its plastic collection from 4 tons to 8 tons per month, expanded the number of plastic collection participants from 2,000 to 5,300, and installed 350 green boxes in schools and organizations. The enterprise, based in Tserovani and employing 11 internally displaced persons, has contributed to preventing 75 tons of CO₂ emissions through its eco-friendly operations. Tene continues to expand its recycling efforts across Georgia, creating positive environmental impact alongside meaningful employment​.

You can see their work in action through this excellent video.

Actio's ambitious plan is to support at least 10 social enterprises with a sustainable business model from 2023 to 2027, focusing on economic, social, and environmental impact. Impact Europe is proud to continue supporting CSRDG, Actio and the social entrepreneurs connected to our partners in Georgia in that mission. The results brought forward in the Impact Report are more than encouraging, as we aim to continue our market building efforts in Georgia, Eastern Europe and other geographies in the years to come.