Blog Articles

Last week the European Economic and Social Committee organised the first European Day of Social Economy Enterprises. I was inspired by the stories of three entrepreneurs who presented their activities at the event. Social economy enterprises embed a different way of doing business that puts people and the environment before profit. The best way to promote this type of business is to present their stories and their successes.

Progetto Quid is an Italian social cooperative that sells eco-chic fashion handmade and designed in Italy. QUID promotes the employment of disadvantaged women while championing a new way of doing ethical fashion in Italy. In fact, they recycle quality ‘made in Italy’ surplus stock that is turned into their exclusive QUID limited edition collections employing exclusively disadvantaged women. Their business is the result of the ambition of empowering women in vulnerable situations, respect for the environment and design of fashion products.

The second story is the one of Taste of Home, a culinary-cultural-research project that introduces the culture, customs and countries of origin of refugees and migrants in Croatia by recording their memories of home, smells and tastes of their cuisine. This is an experiment in sharing life stories and culinary skills of refugees and people from Croatia. By preparing the food they grew up with, refugees are evoking memories and creating new friendships and experiences in their new home. At the same time they are building on skills that will help them find employment and integrate into society. A crowdfunding campaign is currently being run to raise funds for establishing a social cooperative to start a catering business and culinary exchange projects (cook books, cooking courses and workshops, public dinners and show kitchens).

The last example I want to share is of RREUSE, representing social enterprises active in repair and recycling. They have member networks across 17 EU Member States and one in the United States. They employ 77,000 employees and have over 60,000 volunteers and trainees, including people at risk of socio-economic exclusion. In addition they provide products at affordable prices and provide essential household items to low income groups. Their main activities range from collection, sorting and redistribution of used textiles and clothing, to collection and repair of electrical and electronic waste (WEEE), furniture and other bulky waste, paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, paint, metal, books and toys. They manage charity and second-hand shops and organise awareness raising campaigns to boost the durability and repairability of products. They also engage in international projects to transfer their knowledge to developing countries.

In the EU and across the world, social economy enterprises are developing more and more as a more inclusive and sustainable way of doing business. Let’s spread the word!