This is the third edition of the Social and Solidarity Economy Seal of Quality title. Each year, the Ministry of Family and Social Policy together with its partners - Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and the European Meeting Centre – Nowy Staw Foundation - awards the best entities that support employment and integration of people at risk of social exclusion – persons with disabilities, seniors, the unemployed.

What is the most important aspect in business? People!

We met the winners during on-line celebrations; all highly praised by the Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg and the Secretary of State in the Ministry Stanisław Szwed.

 – Social and solidarity economy are particularly beautiful activities where the people play the key role. Profit is not the end goal; it is meant to serve those who need it. By awarding the Social and Solidarity Economy Seals of Quality again today, we specifically honour those of you who successfully combine economic activity with social commitment – said Minister Marlena Maląg.

An increasing number of distinctions

The competition proved particularly popular this year.  150 social and solidarity economy entities were awarded in total (15 winners and 135 entities certified with the Seal of Quality). 97 entities were awarded in total in the previous editions.

- Today, we are particularly happy that due to our joint efforts, we celebrate the special day of social economy by awarding you the Seal of Quality. It is a celebration of the success of such an approach to doing business – said Stanisław Szwed, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and added - Congratulations everyone! You have not only established a brand of social economy, but you also prove, in a very human way that there is an incredible potential in each human being. All humans need are adequate conditions for them to flourish.

The competition for the award of a certificate of Social and Solidarity Economy Seal of Quality 2020 is carried out under the project: “Quality Seal Certification System for Social Economy Entities and Local Government Units” co-financed under the European Social Fund.

As part of this year's third edition of the Competition, certificates were awarded in five categories:

• Category I - Debut of the year
  1. Spółdzielnia Socjalna Konwalia [Konwalia Social Cooperative]
  2. “Za Górą” Sp. z o.o.
  3. Spółdzielnia Socjalna Kociewska [Kociewska Social Cooperative]
• Category II - Best employer
  1. Spółdzielnia Socjalna MULTISERVICE [MULTISERVICE Social Cooperative]
  2. Spółdzielnia Socjalna Równość [Równość Social Cooperative] with its registered office in Cracow
  3. Spółdzielnia Socjalna ECOSS [ECOSS Social Cooperative]
• Category III – Market success
  1. Spółdzielnia Socjalna Serowa Kraina [Serowa Kraina Social Cooperative]
  2. Pro Omnis Foundation
  3. Spółdzielnia Socjalna “Smak-Bistro” [“Smak-Bistro Social Cooperative”]
• Category IV – Social Economy Entity project co-financed by SEE repayable funds
  1. Tyflologika Foundation
  2. JA i Ty Foundaiton
  3. Podkarpackie Association for Active Families
• Category V - Socially responsible local government
  1. City of Gorlice
  2. Łęczyński District
  3. Zbójno Municipality