In Poland, more than 780 social economy entities have the status of a social enterprise. Most, as many as 105, in the Podkarpackie Voivodship. Their support is provided by government programmes, implemented by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy: "Social Enterprise+" and "Resilience and Development of Social Economy and Social Entrepreneurship".

Profit and social aspect

Promises to support the activities of these enterprises were handed out by Minister Marlena Maląg together with Anita Czerwińska, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and Government Plenipotentiary for the Social Economy.

The social economy is becoming a banner for action for the benefit of others, said Minister Maląg.

She pointed out that while profit is important here, as in any business activity, the social aspect is even more important, putting people who are not coping independently in the labour market into activity.

Resilience and development

The 'Resilience and Development of the Social Economy and Social Entrepreneurship' programme covers three areas. The first is the reintegration of people at risk of social exclusion in social enterprises and social employment entities. Another serves to build the capacity of social enterprises and social economy entities to deliver deinstitutionalised social services. The third strengthens the resilience and development of social enterprises and social economy actors.

Interest in the Programme was very high. In the second call, 1,098 applications for funding were received, of which 866 qualified for substantive assessment.

Social economy enterprises, such as foundations, non-profit companies, associations, vocational activity establishments, social cooperatives and social employment entities have applied.

Although social economy enterprises are diverse in their activities, they are united by their commitment, passion and the heart they put into them, said Deputy Minister Anita Czerwińska.

She stressed the importance of the Social Economy Act, which not only framed the area in law, but also enabled institutional support through departmental programmes.

New tools allow the Ministry of Family and Social Policy to support job creation, professional reintegration and strengthen the capacity to provide social services.