The Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia (LSUA) is a non-governmental membership organisation whose aim is to promote the development of social entrepreneurship in Latvia. The Association supports the creation and development of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem, represents the interests of the social entrepreneurship sector, strengthens the capacity of its member organisations, promotes the development of knowledge and skills, and informs the public about the importance of social entrepreneurship.

LSUA was founded in 2015, and its founding organisations are the Foundation for an Open Society DOTS, the Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS, the Latvian Samaritan Association, the charity shop network Otra Elpa, and the social entrepreneurship accelerator New Door. Today, the Association brings together more than 130 members.

Social entrepreneurship is a form of entrepreneurship in which the production of goods or the provision of services is used to create social impact. Its aim is to address socially significant social or environmental challenges and to create benefits for wider society through sustainable business solutions.

LSUA operates in three main areas:

• advocacy — representing the interests of the social entrepreneurship sector and its members at local, regional, national, and international levels;
• strengthening member capacity — promoting member development, cooperation, exchange of experience, consultative support, and visibility;
• public awareness — developing events, initiatives, and information resources to promote understanding of the opportunities offered by social entrepreneurship in Latvia.

EKA’s cooperation with LSUA strengthens the University’s engagement in the development of social entrepreneurship, social impact, sustainability, and social innovation. This cooperation is important both for the development of the study process and for research and public education activities, particularly in areas related to social entrepreneurship, circular economy, sustainable development, and community engagement.