1 September – 6 November 2023
Maribor, Slovenia

Socially responsible purchasing from social and disability enterprises refers to the practice of consumers deliberately choosing products and services offered by such enterprises.

Social and disability enterprises are a special type of enterprise with a social and societal mission, employing mainly people with disabilities or in vulnerable situations.

The main objective of socially responsible purchasing in social and disability enterprises is to promote social inclusion, employment and economic development of vulnerable groups in society. In this way, customers help to create positive change in their communities through their purchasing decisions.

When you choose to buy from a social enterprise or a company for people with disabilities, you are contributing to improving social conditions in several ways:

  • Employing vulnerable groups: Social and disability enterprises give priority to employing people with disabilities or in difficult situations.
  • Buying their products or services helps to create jobs and improve social inclusion.
  • Quality products and services: Social and disability enterprises focus on the quality and competitiveness of their products and services. Your purchases encourage the development of their business and enable them to improve further.
  • Supporting local communities: Social and disability enterprises often operate at local level, so buying their products contributes to the development of local communities. The funds generated by sales are usually reinvested in social programmes and support for vulnerable groups.
  • Socially beneficial innovations: These companies often look for innovative ways to tackle societal challenges. The purchase of their products or services encourages the further development of socially beneficial innovations and contributes to sustainable development.The activity will empower future cooperators on the importance of supporting such entities.

EPEKA – Housing Cooperative for All is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, within the Public Call for proposals for the promotion of the development of cooperative and social economy projects 2023-2024.