ASB Georgia has sought to promote the concept of social entrepreneurship. This means that the ASB assisted local NGOs and initiative groups in founding businesses, such as a business that cleans wells or a prosthetics repair shop. ASB staff also helped to establish sustainable organisational structures in the newly founded companies. The aim was to provide social services, create jobs and income opportunities for internally displaced persons and the host population, and provide social services to these communities. In doing so, the ASB worked with local, regional and national authorities to ensure the long-term financing of these services.

The ASB supported five social enterprises that focused on caring for the elderly at home, supporting people with disabilities and day care centres for children with disabilities. These social enterprises were intended for people on the other side of the administrative boundary line (ABL). During the project, the ASB and its partners developed good relationships with healthcare providers and nurses in Abkhazia, which should last in the long term.

A strategic research and development centre in Georgia supported the newly established social enterprises with personalised guidance.

The ASB worked closely with the local government of the municipality of Zugdidi and the social services agency of the Georgian Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs on the project. A memorandum of understanding was signed during the first phase of the project, in which the parties involved expressed their willingness to implement the activities successfully. This memorandum of understanding was signed by the ASB, the Women’s Association for Internally Displaced Persons, the municipal council and the executive office of the municipality of Zugdidi.

The first two phases of the project included numerous round table meetings and citizens’ forums. Participants in the meetings included the media, social enterprises and beneficiaries. The meetings improved cooperation between the people working in the social sector. 

The outcome of phases I and II was the establishment of the Caucasus Caregiver Cooperation (CCC), a network of social enterprises and social service initiatives that brought together service providers from Abkhazia and other regions of Georgia who share the same common goals.

Phase III focused on cooperation and exchange to build trust among key individuals who face similar challenges in caring for the elderly or people with disabilities. This exchange has enabled carers to provide high-quality social services and have a voice in the political decision-making process in order to strengthen the rights of vulnerable groups. The CCC has also consolidated its reputation as a key player in improving access to healthcare and is able to reach decision-makers in health policy to make a difference.

In parallel to peacebuilding, the CCC also pursued the goal of representing and protecting the rights of vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young people, on both sides of the ABL. To this end, training courses, workshops and exchanges were held to strengthen social service providers. In addition, vulnerable groups should also actively participate in decision-making on the municipal social budget and monitor its implementation.

The CCC also promoted public-private social partnerships (PPSPs) and monitored the implementation of social commitments by state partners. In addition, the CCC strengthened the connection between health professionals in conflict-affected communities by emphasising the common basis of their work and overcoming negative factors such as distrust, intimidation or constant displacement and remembrance of violence.