Social Economy in Action: How Sofia Supports Inclusive Growth and Community Wellbeing
In recent years, social economy has gained growing attention across Europe as a vital response to modern societal challenges—from the aftermath of the global financial crisis to the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis did not only affect health and business—it also deepened issues like social isolation, unemployment, and disconnection. In this context, the social economy stands out as a model that values people and communities over profit.
What Is the Social Economy?
Unlike traditional public or private sectors, the social economy focuses on activities where the main goal is not profit but social impact. It includes cooperatives, foundations, associations, and enterprises that prioritize people and environmental goals. These actors promote skills development, social inclusion, and sustainable growth, and contribute to better social and territorial cohesion across the EU.
National Perspective: Social Economy in Bulgaria
Bulgaria introduced a national concept for the social economy over a decade ago, aiming to improve quality of life for vulnerable groups and reduce exclusion. Today, a national register lists 187 officially recognized social enterprises—around 35 of which operate in the capital, Sofia. The register is maintained by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
One key player is the National Union of Labour Productive Cooperatives, uniting many social enterprises, including cooperatives for people with disabilities. The Union runs a licensed vocational training center and a publishing house that produces a specialized magazine on social and solidarity economy. It also organizes forums, round tables, and conferences to promote social entrepreneurship across Bulgaria and internationally.
Sofia Municipality’s Role in the Social Economy
Sofia is home to two municipal enterprises that directly contribute to the social economy:
- “Lozana” EAD: A municipal company that employs people with severe disabilities. It operates a printing house and provides services like packaging, specialized transport for people with limited mobility, and salt therapy for both children and adults.
- Municipal Social Patronage Enterprise: This service prepares and delivers diet-based meals to elderly people and individuals with special needs. In addition to food delivery, it offers personal support based on individual care plans—including social activities, medical rehabilitation, cleaning, companionship, and more.
Sofia Municipality also co-finances over 110 social service centers, many of which are operated by NGOs. On top of that, over 1,500 people with disabilities receive municipal-funded assistant services.
Targeted Support and Local Innovations
The municipality provides preferential services for people with permanent disabilities, including accessible public transport, reserved parking spots, and specialized mobility assistance.
A standout initiative is Sofia’s Social Innovation Program, with a 2025 budget of BGN 410,000. The program supports short-term, creative solutions that improve the lives of people with disabilities, children at risk, homeless individuals, seniors, and others at risk of poverty or exclusion. Each approved project may receive up to BGN 25,000 in funding.
Additional Initiatives That Make a Difference
Sofia is also implementing broader social economy initiatives, such as:
- Long-term housing strategy: The city is developing a plan for social housing, supported by the Council of Europe. This includes efforts to reclaim unused state-owned buildings and land for social use.
- “Observed housing” service for young adults leaving institutions, helping them transition to independent life with expert support.
- “Big Brother/Big Sister” program: Young volunteers (ages 17–25) mentor and support children from family-type accommodation centers. Activities include games, tutoring, art workshops, and cultural outings.
- Charity fashion show “Echo-Ego” : Designer dresses are donated to underprivileged high school graduates to wear to their prom.
- BNT studio visit for institutionalized children, helping spark career dreams through media exposure.
- Solidarity tree planting for epilepsy awareness, supporting two state-funded centers in Sofia that offer care for children and youth with epilepsy.
Sofia’s social economy model lights the way—but scaling such impact demands systemic innovation. That’s where EVOSST steps in bridging critical gaps in accessibility and efficiency by uniting stakeholders across sectors. Through cutting-edge research, digital tools, and policy frameworks, it transforms local successes into blueprints for European change.
