IDEA

Social economy and social entrepreneurship are identified as factors of social and economic cohesion across Europe. It is a common belief that the development of the sector of social and solidary economy in Greece and Albania inherently has the potential to form simultaneously an important factor of the crisis exit strategy and the local /regional development, a significant source for job maintenance and creation and finally an effective catalyst in reshaping the economic and social fabric of each country.

The main factor holding back the development of social entrepreneurship in the regions of Epirus and South Albania is the lack of financial investment tools. The problem is maximized as social entrepreneurs in very few cases have own funds while they are practically excluded from bank lending through systemic banks.

The overall objective of the project is the development of hybrid social finance instruments & models and the Coaching, mentoring and capacity building, improves capacities of social enterprises and social operators whereas regional actors/facilities to support the growth of social businesses.

In this framework, the project aims at the creation of an information portal for the project, through which there will be the ability for participatory planning of social interventions, the creation of hybrid models and tools for funding / supporting social economy actions, integrated strategies and tools to attract investors and a comprehensive viability plan for the mechanism.

The core approach will be the recording /capture /evaluation of supply and demand for social investments is envisaged, by conducting field research and also specialized Focus Groups. The completion of these studies and also the related documentation and support material that will accompany them will constitute an important feedback for the creation of hybrid financial tools.

The project also focuses on educational and support actions and includes:

• Educational Missions / Visits in 4 intervention areas
• Seminars for the executives who will assume the role of mentor/consultant of actors /natural persons that will seek support
• Seminars for potential social entrepreneurs
• Coaching, mentoring and capacity building actions for potential entrepreneurs.

The project implementation takes into consideration the three dimensions of transferability and sustainability of the project’s results that are an essential element of the Programme.

The project also takes into account other, already existing experiences. It is highly important to have an up‐to date knowledge of tools that are appropriate for the development, implementation and dissemination of planned outputs.

A solid ground for innovation can then be constructed and duplication efforts can be avoided.

This way any disparities or uneven development between the participating regions will be effectively addressed.

Kick-off Meeting