Riga, Dec 19 (LETA) - The Riga City Council on Wednesday adopted binding regulations on co-funding for the development of social entrepreneurship in Riga.

LETA learned from the Riga City Council's external communication department the municipality will grant co-funding of up to EUR 15,000, covering up to 90 percent of eligible costs.

The municipal co-funding will help social entrepreneurs improve access to both the physical and digital environment, which is an important prerequisite for their business development. Such improvements require significant financial investment and the municipal co-financing will be an important support to achieve these objectives.

Although various public and private grants for social entrepreneurship are already available in Riga, until now it has not been possible to receive support specifically for improving accessibility to the physical environment.

Accessibility is important for all people, regardless of age and health status - parents with young children, seniors, people with disabilities or transient mobility impairments such as post-injury, etc.

The municipal co-funding will allow businesses to carry out various improvements, such as building ramps, levelling thresholds, widening doorways, adapting hygiene facilities, as well as developing digital solutions and purchasing the necessary software.

By improving accessibility, social entrepreneurs will be able to improve the existing or create new jobs and adapt services for different groups of people at risk of social exclusion. This will enable people at risk of social exclusion to be included in the labor market, contributing to their employability and quality of life.

By providing co-funding, the municipality aims to promote the development of social entrepreneurship by creating favorable conditions for the creation of new enterprises and the operation of existing enterprises.