You're listening to the European Parliamentary Research Service podcast on EU support for social entrepreneurs.

Social enterprises, which strive not only to increase profits, but to make society better as well, are on the rise.

But they're still struggling with challenges such as a lack of

visibility and recognition, access to funding and different regulatory frameworks.

The EU is taking decisive steps to close these gaps, but will they suffice to create a level

playing field? Stay with us.

Money isn't everything, not even in the world of business.

Social enterprises represent a new business model which looks beyond shareholders'

wallets to achieve wider social and environmental objectives. They represent about 10% of all EU businesses and give work to over 14 million

citizens without counting all the volunteers and unpaid workers. So how do they operate? Social enterprises

come in various forms and sizes. They can be organised as cooperatives, associations,

mutuals, foundations and even ordinary enterprises such as SMEs.

They also vary in size, ranging from small local companies to big networks or consortia,

but they also have shared characteristics.

A social objective, an entrepreneurial dimension, participatory, decision making and the reinvestment of profits.

They're also often highly innovative and trying to provide answers to local and regional needs.

So where do we find such companies?

Well, they're actually active in many sectors.

In social services such as elderly care, childcare and social housing,

helping the integration of disadvantaged and marginalised people, in farming

and food production, cultural tourism and sports activities, and in development cooperation.

But the list is much longer and it varies greatly from country to country.

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