In the period 2 to 7 November 2017 the EU-funded project Fostering Social Entrepreneurship took part in three morning shows in the Beneficiary Country to share the results of Component 2 of the project and raise awareness on social entrepreneurship among the general public. The videos from the project’s participation in the morning shows on the Macedonian Television (MRTV), Telma and Alsat m can be found at the bottom of this article.

How has the EU-funded project Fostering Social Entrepreneurship supported the development of existing social enterprises in the country?

The EU-funded project Fostering Social Entrepreneurship (EuropeAid/136504/IH/SER/MK), implemented by EPTISA and its consortium partners in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP), has in the period April to October 2017 provided tailor-made assistance to 12 social enterprises.

The social enterprises were selected in March 2017 through a public call conducted together with the MLSP. 21 social enterprises applied and 12 were selected for assistance by a jury. The 12 organizations supported by the EU-funded project were: AHP, Albiz, Arno, Astarta, Food Bank, Forum 16, Kindness, Kulturna Riznica, Misla, Red Cross City of Skopje, Solem, and Sonce.

Through the generous support of the European Union, the 12 social enterprises have received training and individual assistance in a number of areas relevant to the development and strengthening of their operations.

The tailored programme included 4 training workshops, individual mentoring and support by experienced professionals, who assisted the 12 social enterprises with the development of individual business strategies, business plans, financial plans, marketing plans, and marketing materials. They also received assistance, training and support with fundraising and preparation of project proposals to name a few.

By improving the social enterprises expertise in these areas, the project has achieved its purpose to empower existing social enterprises to conduct its activities beyond the lifetime of the project.

It is to conclude that the SEs that were included in the project were a part of an extensive empowerment programme that has not only included capacity building in terms of marketing, branding, business planning etc. but it has also been a valuable experience in terms of awareness raising regarding the economy of solidarity and social entrepreneurship as an innovative approach to creating social impact and promoting positive social change. Undoubtedly, the support to SEs will contribute to finding long-term, sustainable solutions for the position of marginalized groups that the SEs are trying to assist with their social missions.

One of the recommendations made by the project for the future, is to make this type of assistance to SEs a permanent feature in the country. Also, as a result of the EU-funded project, the Employment Service Agency in August 2017 for the first time included social enterprises as eligible for assistance in the active labour market measures. This is an important first step towards providing financial support for SEs in the country, but additional measures will be needed to develop this sector further. It is estimated that as a result of this, by the end of the year, around 50 work places for the vulnerable groups of citizens could be created.

2 November 2017 on Macedonian Television

6 November 2017 on Alsat M

7 November 2017 on Telma