OPERATION OF THE REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE REGION OF CRETE

Priority Axis 1.3 “Promotion of research, innovation and technology results in enterprises,” Code: 2023ΝΠ10200003, MIS Code: 5214799 of NP102 of the Region of Crete.
Inclusion Decision
ADΑ: 696Η7ΛΚ-ΞΥ0
HERAKLION, 06/06/2023
Ref. No.: 184998

The objective of the project is the creation of a Regional Mechanism for the Development and Support of Social Entrepreneurship in the Region through PANETAIK S.A., alongside the institutionalization and operation of a Permanent Forum for the Social Economy in the Region of Crete.

The proposed mechanism focuses on Social Entrepreneurship in terms of the significant impact its development may have on employment, addressing social needs, and achieving local development with sustainability principles.

Main objectives are:

The strengthening of successful social enterprises active in Crete, contributing to the activation and reorganization of underperforming enterprises, and the creation of new social enterprises incorporating elements of social innovation, with a well-structured and sustainable plan, and the creation of new jobs.

At the same time, to achieve the above, it is necessary to mobilize scientific personnel, collaborate with relevant authorities, existing mechanisms of the Region (Observatories), and Social Enterprises, their unions or networks, aiming at cooperation for continuous monitoring, analysis, and consultation on issues related to the Social Economy.

The Regional Mechanism of PANETAIK will focus on:

1. Activating and raising awareness among local bodies, enterprises, and especially local authorities regarding the benefits and social impact of social enterprise operations.
2. Highlighting opportunities and needs at the local level, motivating and encouraging the creation of interest groups for collective action based on ideas that respond to local needs — particularly from unemployed individuals and youth.
3. Providing consulting and training services for preparing interested groups, maturing ideas, and drafting business plans, as well as reviewing or updating business plans of existing social enterprises.
4. Supporting necessary procedures for the creation of social enterprises and offering support in the initial stages (3–4 months).
5. Seeking or creating funding opportunities from European, National, or Regional programs, or other tools and means (e.g., Crowdfunding actions for social economy entities).
6. Promoting and showcasing social enterprises and their offered products or services via a digital platform or through collaboration with other networks and platforms in Greece and the EU.

A key tool for the above is the Permanent Forum for the Social Economy, which will include PANETAIK, the Observatory for Innovative Entrepreneurship, the Social Inclusion Observatory, relevant laboratories from the University of Crete and Hellenic Mediterranean University (ELMEPA), the Social Economy Entities Union of Crete, the Regional Association of Municipalities (PED), and Development Agencies implementing programs related to the Social Economy.

The Permanent Forum for the Social Economy will:

1. Monitor the quantitative and qualitative development of the sector in Crete based on specific metrics and indicators it will establish.
2. Organize conferences, workshops, and lectures on specialized topics or fields that promote the Social Economy.
3. Contribute to the submission of joint proposals for co-funded European or National programs and actions (ERASMUS, NSRF, INTERREG, etc.).
4. Promote research and dissemination of existing scientific knowledge, good practices, and successful business models from Greece and abroad.

Status: In Progress

Attached files:

1) LAW No. 4430
2) SOCIAL & SOLIDARITY ECONOMY (SSE)