NALED launches first public database of social enterprises in Serbia

More than 75 social enterprises, vocational rehabilitation enterprises and enterprises with social impact from 25 cities and municipalities are represented in the first Database of Social Enterprises in Serbia, compiled by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED).

The database, as announced by NALED, was created to increase the “visibility” of these enterprises and facilitate connections with citizens, companies, the public sector and donors.

– The visibility provided by the database should be the beginning of more concrete support, from tailored financing and mentoring to easier market entry and inclusion in supply chains and public procurement – said NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanovic at the presentation of the database.

She added that the ambition was for these enterprises to no longer depend solely on the enthusiasm of individuals, but to have systemic support, stable operations and an equal place in the economy. Social enterprises operate in the market, as stated in the statement, like other companies, but in addition to their business goal, they also have a clear social mission because they can employ people with disabilities and produce food products or hire women from rural areas who make handicrafts.

The database is informative in nature and does not represent, as stated, an official register, and participation in it is voluntary and companies independently submit information about their business. The database was developed through the project “More Efficient Public Procurement and Sustainable Supply Chains (EPS) for Improved Competitiveness”, which NALED is implementing with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, and is presented in cooperation with the project “Invest for Change”, funded by the EU, and implemented by Impact Europe with Smart Collective and partners from the Western Balkans.

– The latest research by Impact Europe shows that social enterprises, in addition to financial support, need mentoring, networking and greater visibility. That is why the database is important for better presentation and opening of business opportunities – said the project manager at Smart Collective, Zeljko Mitkovski.

He reminded that social enterprises and companies with social impact could apply for the public call announced by Smart Collective for the award of grants in the amount of EUR 15,000 to 22,500 until September 30.

NALED Beograd

Violeta Jovanović

Željko Mitkovski

Database of Social Enterprises