A social enterprise is a business that aims to solve social or environmental problems while generating income. 90% of the profit from such businesses is reinvested in the company’s activities or in solving social issues.
Although many people haven’t heard of social enterprises until now, the concept is already widely spread around the world. In the European Union, there are 2.8 million social economy enterprises, representing 10% of all businesses in the EU. Nearly 13.6 million people – about 6.2% of the EU workforce – work for social economy enterprises. In Romania, there are 2,924 social enterprises, of which 1,967 have a valid certificate (according to RUEIS, July 2024). Below are some examples of social enterprises that inspire through their activities!
Examples of Social Enterprises that Inspire Us
The bakery produces bread, salty snacks, cookies, and delicious cakes from quality ingredients, and the revenue from sales supports young people in difficulty, helping them take bakery courses and offering them a chance at professional integration.
They create clothing from sustainably produced wool, crocheted by women from the villages of Roșia Montană and surrounding areas. The business provides jobs and allows local residents to preserve an old tradition.
A food hub where you can find fresh and delicious products from farmers in Cluj and surrounding areas. The business supports programs for local and sustainable agriculture.
Do you have a social business idea? Join the Social Business Academy, where we offer 61,000 euros in non-repayable grants for businesses with a positive impact in rural communities!
Through the Social Business Academy in Rural Areas project, we aim to support (new) social enterprises through:
- Facilitating participation in the Social Economy Entrepreneur course,
- Workshops,
- The opportunity to participate in a business plan competition for funding 34 social enterprises in the North-West, Central, and North-East regions,
- Mentoring and support in setting up social businesses,
- Monitoring the implementation of businesses,
- Creating partnerships and support communities!
This informational article was written as part of the Social Business Academy project.
The project (MySMIS Code: 305395) is co-financed by the European Social Fund+ through the Inclusion and Social Dignity Program 2021-2027. For detailed information on other EU co-financed programs, please visit www.mfe.gov.ro!
Non-discrimination is a fundamental value of the social economy.
