10 years of good deeds – ARNO celebrates a decade of existence and regional award

ARNO, the Organization for Social Innovation founded in Macedonia in 2013, proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary (Photo Gallery here).

Throughout the past decade, ARNO has been a leading force in social and green entrepreneurship, youth development, philanthropy, and the pursuit of social change. The organization’s unwavering commitment has yielded remarkable achievements and earned widespread recognition.

In December of this year, ARNO was honored with the ‘Young Creators of the Century’ award at the Third World Congress of Entrepreneurs in Dubrovnik. This recognition serves as a testament to ARNO’s exceptional contribution to entrepreneurship development in Central and South-Eastern Europe for the year 2022/23.”

Since its inception, ARNO has managed the ‘Green Ideas’ competition and takes pride in the fact that Macedonia boasts 10 regional winners and a total investment of $95,000 for the development of green businesses. Through the Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs (RISE) program, ARNO has engaged over 70 young individuals across more than 20 teams, providing over 300 hours of training and mentoring. Additionally, ARNO has awarded over €15,000 to incubated teams at the local level, contributing to the support and growth of social businesses among the country’s youth.

“ARNO means ‘good.’ This word guides us in everything we do. We always want to see the good in others and strive to be a force for good in our society. There is a lot of work ahead and behind us. We are unwavering in our commitment to the same strategic areas – the development of green social entrepreneurship, investing in young people, and active participation in philanthropy. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce new concepts, including the ‘Doughnut’ (bagel) economy model, and share fresh knowledge. If local authorities lend us a helping hand, we also hope to establish the first Repair Shop. I extend my heartfelt GRATITUDE to all past and future contributors. With a team of good people, we accomplish positive deeds that we all need and deserve.” – Irina Janevska, Co-founder, and President of ARNO.

ARNO’s dedication to inspiring the next generation extends to projects involving teachers and secondary schools across Europe. Supported by the European Commission, the organization has provided social entrepreneurship training to over 350 students and 40 professors. The “Coolinari.mk” project, initiated in 2013, received numerous awards and recognitions for its impact on vocational education and the social economy, showcasing the transformative influence of informal education on student chefs and bakers.

In a gesture of gratitude to its key collaborators and supporters, ARNO has contributed to the planting of 100 trees through the Borenka eco-initiative. These trees serve as symbols of growth, collective efforts, and persistent investment in doing good deeds.