As a member of the Euclid Network, we are happy to announce that the EN Manifesto 2020 has been launched! This is the result of a joint effort by all EN members.

The EN Manifesto presents a roadmap to EU institutions and Member States for a post COVID-19 economic recovery, putting social enterprise at the heart of the recovery strategy.

Governments have a unique chance for a green and just economic recovery that they must seize. Governments must now recognize the vital role of the social enterprise sector and harness its potential for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic recovery.

The Manifesto includes 15 concrete policy recommendations to support and advance the social enterprise ecosystem across Europe.

The policy priorities are the following:

• Improve their visibility
• Improve access to skilled workers and business support
• Improve their access to finance
• Improve their access to markets
• Promote social enterprises as the global standard

Social enterprise, a business model to achieve our shared objectives for a just and green economy.

Global trade, investment and business activity are the most powerful drivers of economic transformation and social change. In that light, social enterprises which trade for a social or environmental purpose offer a business model to help achieve our shared objective for a just and green economy in line with the SDGs. Social enterprises are businesses that are changing the world for the better. Like traditional businesses social enterprises create revenues, jobs and profits but their main objective is to create social impact. Social enterprises reinvest or donate their profit to create positive change.

A social enterprise can be:

• Non profit organization

Non-profit organizations do not exist to generate revenue for shareholders and stakeholders but to create a business that focuses on a specific cause.

• Social enterprise

Businesses that operate according to a specific social or charitable mission are known as social businesses. These businesses are often supported by a non-profit organization and may exist to promote the organization’s goal and opportunity.

• Cooperative

People who come together to address a specific need often form co-operative groups, or co-ops. These member-owned and operated enterprises usually focus on basic needs like housing or groceries.

• Microfinance

A form of financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses that lack access to banking and related services.

An EU programme that supports social entrepreneurs through exchange of know-how and networking is the Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs (EYE)!

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs, the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating Countries.

The exchange of experience takes place during a stay with the experienced entrepreneur (1- 6 months), which helps the new entrepreneur acquire the skills needed to run a small firm.

Recently, the programme launched three destinations out of Europe (Israel and the USA New York, Pennsylvania), all available for exchanges of 1-3 months.

Learn everything about the EYE programme and the application process by signing up to the free EYE course here.