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Social business
Social entrepreneurship: new standard to measure social impact
20/06/2014
A new standard to allow social enterprises of all sizes to better measure and demonstrate their social impact and so help them in their discussions with partners, investors, and public sector funders has been published by the European Commission.
“I don’t rule out going even further to consolidate Europe’s social base” – Interview
21/01/2014
Commissioner Barnier sets out his vision of a social Europe. Interview by Hélène Fargues and Fanny Roux, Youphil.com
Major European event to shape the future for social businesses
17/01/2014
On 16 and 17 January 2014, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the City of Strasbourg hosted a large European interactive event on social entrepreneurship and the social economy.
Social entrepreneurship at the heart of a new growth model in Europe
13/12/2013
“If social entrepreneurship has fared better in the crisis than other sectors, it is because it is built to human scale. (...) It is precisely to consider the dynamism of social entrepreneurship together with people in that sector, and to draw together the roadmap for the years to come, and to gather priorities for the next Commission, that I want to organise a large-scale, inclusive event in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 January 2014”. Speech by Commissioner Barnier at the inauguration of REALIS (Réseau actif pour l’Innovation sociale) in Montpellier.
Social entrepreneurs: Have Your Say!
12/08/2013
The European Commission, in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee and the City of Strasbourg, launches in Strasbourg on 16th-17th January 2014 a large European interactive event on Social entrepreneurship and the social economy. This event is more than just another conference – its approach is unique and engaging, allowing participants to work during two days in a participatory way. You may already register for the event on the dedicated website.
Social business, a platform for new growth in Europe
19/09/2012
"The path to new growth and increased competitiveness in Europe is achieved through support to social enterprises." Speech by Commissioner Michel Barnier at the forum "Convergences 2015" in Paris.
Council and Parliament agree on Commission proposals on European venture capital funds and European social entrepreneurship funds
28/06/2012
"This agreement sends an important signal that taking concrete measures to aid growth in Europe is at the heart of our work". Commissioner Barnier welcomes trilogue agreement by Council and Parliament on European venture capital funds and European social entrepreneurship funds.
European Commissioner Michel Barnier welcomes the launch of Big Society Capital
04/04/2012
Today marked the official launch of Big Society Capital (BSC), the UK social investment fund aiming at channelling fresh money into the social enterprise sector, and achieving positive societal impact.
Betting on social entrepreneurs! - Article
02/03/2012
"The growth we so desperately need, and which we will see return, cannot be the same as before. Whatever way you look at it – from an ethical, social or environmental viewpoint – it must be more balanced, fair and sustainable." Article by Commissioner Barnier, Le Plus du Nouvel Observateur.
Easier access to funding for SMEs and social businesses
07/12/2011
The European Commission has presented a proposal to stimulate funding for social businesses and a proposal on venture capital, which will make easier for start-ups to raise funds across Europe. The Commission has also presented an action plan to ease access to credit for Europe's 23 million SMEs, which includes increasing financial support from the EU budget and the European Investment Bank.
Promoting social entrepreneurship in Europe: watch the video!
02/12/2011
Today in Europe social businesses employ more than 11 million people, 6% of all workers. What are their aims and needs? What obstacles do these companies face? Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and other social entrepreneurs answer these questions and talk about the initiative which was recently launched by the Commission to promote social entrepreneurship in Europe.
Towards a favourable ecosystem for social entrepreneurship in Europe
18/11/2011
"Today in Brussels, we are engaging in a great European debate together for social entrepreneurship. It is a starting point. We want to support and listen to those who were the pioneers. These companies and entrepreneurs offer a chance for a competitive social market economy and to become the ambition of the European economic model." Speech by Commissioner Barnier on the occassion of the conference on social entrepreneurship.
More responsible businesses can foster more growth in Europe
25/10/2011
The European Commission has presented a package of measures to support entrepreneurship and responsible business. First, the Social Business Initiative will help companies that address social objectives as their corporate aim to fulfil their unexploited potential. This initiative is complemented by a new strategy for corporate social responsibility. The Commission has also proposed to revise the 'Accounting' directives and the 'Transparency' directive. This will improve transparency and promote sustainable business among multinationals - in particular those in the forest and mining industries - and will simplify accounting rules for SMEs, allowing them to save up to €1.7 billion per year.
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