Social economy: we are all its beneficiaries

Social economy is a bridge between the private and public sectors. In brief: it is about actors who build civil society through their commercial activities. With the legal regulation of social economy operators, entrepreneurs who create such entities can realise their plans while at the same time contributing to the community.

The main objective of social economy operators is to carry out economic and public benefit activities that serve to create new jobs, ensure professional and social integration, and provide services of general interest. In entrepreneurial terms it is much less complicated than it may sound: it is sufficient to set up a Vocational Activity Unit within an existing company. In this way, profits can be transferred with considerable ease to investments in improving working conditions, equipment, skills upgrading, and additional jobs.

While the list of businesses that choose to participate in the social economy is long, the service sector is by far on the lead in this scope. It is a sector where companies running educational, care or public services can excel. Peer-to-peer services are also working excellently: insurance, health and care services, or co-operatives providing internet access in ‘white spaces’.

Social economy operators make it possible to go a step further than simply generating profit measured in cash – with them, profit can be measured in results for the entire community. It is an excellent business for people who want to make a difference not only in their own life, but also to improve the quality of their environment.

Panels on the third day of #efglodzkie2022 will focus on the social economy and related topics, with opportunities to meet professionals and practitioners.

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