United Societies of Balkans - NGO

What United Societies of Balkans - NGO does

United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a Greek non-governmental organisation founded in Thessaloniki in 2008 by a group of young people with a shared vision for active participation and social change. The organisation delivers educational, social, and volunteer programmes for youth aged 17–31, with explicit emphasis on individuals with fewer opportunities, including marginalised and vulnerable populations. Over 15+ years USB has implemented 500+ integrated programmes and reached 10,000+ beneficiaries, operating across the Balkans and broader Europe through accredited participation in EU mobility instruments (Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps) and Council of Europe funding mechanisms.

USB's service portfolio spans two core product lines — international mobility programmes (youth exchanges, training courses, VET placements) and ESC/EVS volunteering placements — supported by a stack of consulting and social services: psychosocial support, volunteer programme support for organisations and municipalities, EU programme consulting, CSO management consulting, adult education design, and social recreational activity design. Physical infrastructure includes the Balkan Heart multipurpose venue and ESC volunteer house in central Thessaloniki (Delfon 8), a registered headquarters in Agios Pavlos (Alamanas 9), and a third office on Monastiriou 4. Two sub-brands (Balkan Heart, Balkan Hotspot) provide brand-level separation for venue/local action programming.

The organisation is funded primarily through European programme grants, with marginal revenue from individual and corporate donations, an annual membership card at €50/year, and pay-as-you-go venue rental at Balkan Heart. USB does not publicly disclose financial figures. GTM is community-led and event-driven: recruitment flows through info days, partner referrals (municipalities, schools, CSOs), European networks (Anna Lindh Foundation, TUNE, thessDiktio, Council of Europe trainer pool), and the organisation's own website and social media. The team is led by President and Founder Ares Paraskou and Director Giannis Tsilsou, and includes specialised roles across ESC management, finance, volunteer coordination, press, and project management, plus a psychologist serving as ESC Mentor.

Name

United Societies of Balkans - NGO

Legal name

Ενωμένες Κοινωνίες των Βαλκανίων

Website

https://usbngo.gr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a Greek non-profit founded in 2008 in Thessaloniki that delivers Erasmus+ youth mobility, European Solidarity Corps volunteering, psychosocial support, and EU programme consulting for youth, vulnerable populations, and civil society organisations across the Balkans and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth and Civil Society Non-Profit Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Erasmus+ and Government-Sponsored Exchange Partnerships (EDAIABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Provider-Run International Internship Programs (Multi-Country/Multi-Industry) (EDAIAFAA), International Student Academic & Personal Support (case management, referrals) (EDALANAE), Guest, Visitor & Conference Housing Services (Summer/Break Housing) (EDAEAFAN), International Student Housing Placement & Management (BPAJAJAL)

Keywords

• Youth mobility programs
• European Solidarity Corps
• Non-formal education
• Civil society consulting
• Volunteer program management

Headquarters

HQ city

Thessaloniki

HQ country

Greece

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. European Programme Funding: USB primarily funds its operations through European Union programmes including Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps (ESC), and other European funding instruments. Funding covers programme costs, volunteer allowances, and operational expenses.
2. Donations and Sponsorships: Individual donations and corporate sponsorships contribute to funding actions, equipment purchases, operational needs, and implementation of new socially impactful programmes. Donations are accepted via bank transfer and PayPal.
3. Membership Fees: Annual membership card costs €50 per year, valid for 12 months from issue date. Members receive benefits including participation in mobility programmes, 25% discount on Balkan Heart seminars and workshops, and access to exclusive trainings.
4. Space Rental: USB rents out fully equipped modern spaces at Balkan Heart venue for seminars, workshops, corporate meetings, creative events, and various activities, targeting groups, professionals, and organizations in central Thessaloniki.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a Greek non-governmental organization that delivers youth mobility programmes (Erasmus+ exchanges, training courses, vocational education and training, and European Solidarity Corps volunteering) alongside psychosocial services, volunteer programme consulting, adult education design, and venue rental. Operations are funded primarily by EU programme grants and supplemented by membership fees, donations, sponsorships, and event-space rentals at its Balkan Heart facility in Thessaloniki.

Product overview

United Societies of Balkans (USB) is a Greek NGO founded in Thessaloniki in 2008 that operates as a unified platform offering youth mobility programs, social services, and community support. The core portfolio includes European Solidarity Corps (ESC)/EVS volunteering programs and Erasmus+ mobility programs (youth exchanges, training courses, VET), complemented by two flagship sub-brands: Balkan Heart (a volunteer accommodation and multipurpose event space) and Balkan Hotspot (local action coordination). The organization also provides psychosocial services, volunteer support, and consulting services for European programs, civil society organization management, adult education, and social recreational activities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Balkan Hotspot: A program/department within the organization focused on youth work and mobility programs.
• Balkan Heart

Products and services

• Balkan Heart Venue and Volunteer Accommodation A volunteer accommodation facility and multipurpose event space at Delfon 8, Thessaloniki, used by USB to host ESC volunteers and offered for rental to external organizations for seminars, workshops, corporate meetings, and creative activities.
• Balkan Hotspot Local Action Initiative A local action initiative coordinating volunteer recruitment, community engagement, and grassroots activities at the local level in Thessaloniki.
• Erasmus+ Mobility Programmes (Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, VET) International mobility opportunities for youth aged 17-31 and adults, including youth exchanges (7-10 days), training courses for youth workers, and vocational education and training (VET), with travel, accommodation, and meals covered.
• European Solidarity Corps (ESC) / EVS Volunteering Programmes Funded volunteering programmes abroad for youth aged 17-31, including short-term placements (2 weeks to 2 months) and long-term placements (3-12 months) in social, environmental, or cultural projects.
• Psychosocial Services Personalized counselling and support for youth and adults focused on empowerment, prevention, and management of personal, social, or emotional difficulties.
• Volunteer Programme Support Services Advisory support for organizations, municipalities, and entities seeking to develop or enhance volunteer programmes, including certification, recruitment, training, and management of volunteers.
• European Programmes Consulting Specialized consulting for organizations and municipalities to utilize European funding tools, supporting them through all project stages from identification to implementation.
• Civil Society Organisation Management Consulting Comprehensive consulting for civil society organisations covering organization, administration, strategic direction, and management process improvement.
• Adult Education and Training Programme Design & Implementation Design and implementation of adult education and vocational training programmes using non-formal and experiential methodologies, tailored to professionals, organizations, and communities.
• Social Recreational Activities Design & Implementation Design and implementation of social recreational activities that promote creativity, social inclusion, and community participation through inclusive spaces for expression and entertainment.
• Balkan Heart Space Rental Modern, fully-equipped space available for rental at the Balkan Heart venue in Thessaloniki for seminars, workshops, corporate meetings, creative activities, and events, with flexible configuration options.
• Annual Membership Card Annual membership card priced at €50 per year, valid for 12 months from issue, providing eligibility to participate in mobility programmes, a 25% discount on Balkan Heart seminars and workshops, and access to exclusive trainings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ integrated programmes implemented, 10k+ beneficiaries served, 100+ team members, 15+ years of operation

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate and core.

• AristotalesminorOthersListed as a sponsor/supporter on the USB website. Aristotales is a Greek consulting organisation.
• Ελληνογερμανικό Ίδρυμα Νεολαίας (German-Hellenic Youth Foundation)moderateOthersListed as a sponsor/supporter on the USB website. The foundation supports Greek-German youth exchange and mobility initiatives.
• Ίδρυμα Νεολαίας και Δια Βίου Μάθησης (Foundation for Youth and Lifelong Learning)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a sponsor/supporter on the USB website. The foundation is a key national agency supporting youth and lifelong learning programmes in Greece.
• European UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary funder of USB's programmes. The EU, through Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps, provides the core funding for USB's youth mobility, volunteering, and training activities.
• Δήμος Θεσσαλονίκης (Municipality of Thessaloniki)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a sponsor/supporter on the USB website. The municipality collaborates with USB on local actions and youth initiatives in Thessaloniki.
• Anna Lindh FoundationmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a sponsor/supporter. USB's founder Ares Paraskou is head of the Hellenic National Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation, indicating a strong ongoing partnership in intercultural dialogue and civil society exchange.
• TUNE NetworkmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a sponsor/supporter. TUNE (Towards a United Network of Youth Work in Europe) is a European youth work network in which USB participates.
• European Youth Foundation (CoE)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a sponsor/supporter. The European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe provides funding for USB's youth activities and training programmes.
• Giving EuropeminorOthersListed as a sponsor/supporter on the USB website.
• Ένωση Μικρομεσαίων Ο.Κοι.Π (Union of Small-Medium CSOs)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a sponsor/supporter on the USB website. A Greek network of small and medium civil society organisations.
• European Youth CardminorOthersListed as a sponsor/supporter. European Youth Card promotes mobility benefits for young people across Europe.
• thessDiktio (Youth Network of Thessaloniki)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSB is an active member of thessDiktio, a Thessaloniki-based youth network. USB staff serve as mentors and coordinators for ESC volunteers through this network. The partnership is central to USB's local community operations.
• Youth Peace Ambassadors NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA network focused on promoting peace and non-violence. USB team member Alexia Anatasiadi is a member of this network.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSB staff member Nafsaika Karakomninou-Tsigkopoulou worked for years with refugees at IOM in the community engagement division before joining USB in October 2023.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Eurodesk: Eurodesk is the EU's youth information network promoting mobility opportunities including Erasmus+ and ESC. It channels prospective participants to organisations like USB and represents a partner distribution channel — an ecosystem enabler rather than a service competitor.
• thessDiktio (Youth Network of Thessaloniki): thessDiktio is a Thessaloniki-based youth network where USB is an active member and through which its staff serve as ESC volunteer mentors. It is an adjacent local network partner providing beneficiary referrals rather than competing for EU programme delivery contracts.
• SALTO-YOUTH (Erasmus+ resource centre): SALTO-YOUTH is an EU-funded resource centre providing training and recognition tools for Erasmus+ youth work organisations. It is an ecosystem enabler for USB rather than a direct competitor — USB's staff benefit from SALTO training, and SALTO accreditation signals shape USB's access to project slots.
• Anna Lindh Foundation: The Anna Lindh Foundation is a Euro-Mediterranean intercultural dialogue network where USB's founder leads the Hellenic National Network. It is an adjacent funder/network partner rather than a competitor, providing grants, visibility, and partnership pathways that supplement USB's EU programme income.

Direct peers

• ERASMUS Student Network (ESN): ESN is the largest student volunteer organisation supporting Erasmus+ mobility participants across European higher education. It shares USB's beneficiary base (Erasmus+ youth), community-led GTM, and reliance on EU programme funding, operating as a sending and welcoming partner for the same mobility flows.
• European Youth Forum: The European Youth Forum is an umbrella platform representing youth organisations to EU institutions. USB's networking memberships (TUNE, Anna Lindh) reflect similar advocacy posture, and the Forum convenes the same Erasmus+ and ESC stakeholder community where USB competes for visibility and partnerships.
• Youth for Exchange and Understanding (YEU): YEU is an international youth NGO running Erasmus+ youth exchanges, training courses, and capacity-building projects across Europe. It mirrors USB's core model — youth mobility delivery, non-formal education, and EU programme participation — and competes for the same sending/hosting partner slots and consortium invitations.
• International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE): ICYE is an international federation running long-term youth volunteer exchanges (including ESC-equivalent placements) across 30+ countries. It is one of the established network players USB partners with as part of its European Solidarity Corps hosting model and competes with for EU project consortium leadership.
• ARSIS — Association for the Social Support of Youth: ARSIS is a Greek NGO headquartered in Thessaloniki working with vulnerable youth, including unaccompanied minors and refugees, through EU-funded programmes. It is a direct domestic peer — same city, same funding streams, overlapping psychosocial and youth inclusion mandate — competing for the same Greek sending partner and municipal consulting work.
• AFS Intercultural Programs: AFS is a global youth exchange NGO offering long-term intercultural programmes funded in part by Erasmus+. It overlaps directly with USB on youth mobility placement, volunteer hosting infrastructure, and CSO accreditation for European Solidarity Corps, operating in a similar programme delivery and hosting model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-societies-of-balkans---ngo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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