DigiStory Project: From Local Workshops to International Impact

In June, the DigiStory project team came together in the vibrant city of Sofia, Bulgaria, for a powerful and productive transnational meeting. Hosted by our Bulgarian partners, this in-person gathering gave us the opportunity to reflect on our progress, evaluate results, and set the course for the next exciting phase of our mission: empowering social enterprises through the strategic use of digital storytelling.

And we’ve already come a long way.

✅ What we’ve achieved so far:

• In March, we successfully hosted an International Round Table that brought together experts, educators, and social entrepreneurs to explore how storytelling can enhance the visibility and impact of mission-driven businesses.
• In May and June, we rolled out two rounds of national workshops in both the Netherlands and Bulgaria. These interactive sessions attracted aspiring and early-stage social entrepreneurs who engaged deeply with storytelling techniques to craft authentic, emotionally resonant narratives for their causes. The workshops were grounded in participatory learning and creative expression, helping participants gain confidence and clarityin how they communicate their social missions.

During the Sofia meeting, we reviewed and evaluated these local activities — not just in terms of outcomes, but in terms of real participant impact. We reflected on:

• What made the workshops effective (story circles, digital tools, trust-building)
• What resonated with participants (sharing personal journeys, connecting with peers)
• Where we can strengthen our methods moving forward

The feedback reaffirmed what we already believed: digital storytelling is a powerful, accessible tool for social entrepreneurs who often lack the marketing budgets or platforms to compete for attention.

🔜 What’s coming next:

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for the next big moment in the project:

• An International Webinar in November, where selected participants from our national workshops will present their storytelling journeys, share lessons learned, and showcase the impact storytelling has had on their projects and communities.

In addition, the project team is actively working on:

• A collection of open-access digital storytelling resources tailored for social entrepreneurs and youth workers
• A digital platform to feature compelling stories from across Europe — amplifying grassroots voices, fostering cross-border visibility, and building a network of changemakers

The Sofia meeting reminded us of the strength of collaboration, reflection, and shared purpose. With every step, the DigiStory project proves that storytelling is not just about being seen — it’s about being understood, sparking action, and inspiring change.

Stay tuned — and mark your calendars for the November webinar. The stories you’ll hear just might change how you see social impact.