The First Public Database of Social Enterprises in Serbia is Launched
More than 75 social enterprises, enterprises for professional rehabilitation, and impact-driven businesses from 25 cities and municipalities are featured in the first-ever Database of Social Enterprises in Serbia. The database was created to increase their visibility and facilitate connections with citizens, companies, the public sector, and donors, NALED and Smart Kolektiv announced today at a media breakfast held at Café Bar 16.
For the first time, information about what social enterprises do, the products and services they offer, where they are located, and the social impact they create is available in one place at socijalnapreduzeca.rs. All organizations and businesses operating according to the principles of the social economy are invited to join and become part of the database.
“Visibility provided through the Database should be the starting point for more concrete support, ranging from tailored financing and mentoring to easier market access and inclusion in supply chains and public procurement processes. Our ambition is for these enterprises to no longer rely solely on the enthusiasm of individuals, but to benefit from systemic support, sustainable operations, and an equal place in the economy,” said Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED.
Social enterprises operate in the marketplace like any other business, but in addition to a commercial objective, they pursue a clear social mission. For example, they may employ persons with disabilities while producing food products, or engage women from rural areas in handicraft production, providing them with income and economic independence. During the database launch event, social enterprises Zvuci Srca, Radanska Ruža, and Centar Zvezda presented their work. Catering was provided by Naša Kuća, while the event was hosted at Café Bar 16.
“Café Bar 16 demonstrates that young people who have grown up in difficult life circumstances need opportunities to learn, work, and become independent. These are young people facing challenging conditions. This is a place where they feel free and safe, and where they have the opportunity to earn an income and build an independent life,” said Jasna Bratičević, Coordinator of the Employment Support Program at the Center for Youth Integration.
In addition to social enterprises, the database also includes enterprises for the professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities, as well as impact-driven businesses, with each entity’s category clearly indicated. The database serves an informational purpose and is not an official registry. Participation is voluntary, and enterprises independently provide information about their operations.
“The database will help us better understand the sector’s potential for integrating people from the most disadvantaged employment groups into the labor market. Regardless of the number of formally registered entities, the strength and significance of the sector should be measured by its ability to provide those most in need of support with opportunities for decent work, economic independence, and equal participation in society. The database offers a more realistic picture of the sector and can serve as a basis for designing targeted support measures,” explained Irena Đorđević Šušić, Head of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Unit at NALED.
The database was developed through the project “More Efficient Public Procurement and Sustainable Supply Chains (ESG) for Improved Competitiveness,” implemented by NALED with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden. It was presented in cooperation with the “Invest for Change” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Impact Europe together with Smart Kolektiv and partners from the Western Balkans.
“The latest Impact Europe research shows that, in addition to financial support, social enterprises need mentoring, networking opportunities, and greater visibility. That is why this database is important for better promotion and the creation of new business opportunities,” concluded Željko Mitkovski, Project Manager at Smart Kolektiv, reminding participants that social enterprises and impact-driven businesses can apply until 30 September for the public call launched by Smart Kolektiv, which offers grants ranging from €15,000 to €22,500.
