Social Firms Europe CEFEC

08/06/2026

Day 2 at the 40th Social Firms Europe CEFEC Conference – Bled, Slovenia 🇸🇮

Another inspiring day of learning, networking, and exchanging ideas at the 40th Social Firms Europe CEFEC Conference. Second day's sessions showcased innovative approaches to social entrepreneurship, inclusive employment, circular economy solutions, and sustainable opportunities for people facing barriers to the labour market.

🏅 The day was made even more special for the participants of the Academy, who were proudly awarded their medals. It was a meaningful and emotional moment, recognizing their commitment, achievements, and active participation throughout the programme. Congratulations to all the medal recipients!

🎂 We also enjoyed a lovely surprise from the conference organizers - a special anniversary cake celebrating the 40th Social Firms Europe CEFEC Conference. It was a wonderful moment to mark four decades of bringing together people and organizations committed to inclusion, innovation, and social impact across Europe.

A big thank you to the organizers, speakers, and participants for another engaging and inspiring day.

05/06/2026

During the 40th CEFEC Conference, held in Bled, Slovenia, outstanding social enterprises from across Europe were recognized for their achievements in social innovation, inclusion, accessibility, and community impact through the CEFEC Awards 2026
🌟 Award Winners:
Best Start-Up Social Enterprise 2026
🏅 Alterra Atelier S.R.L.
Recognized for its innovative vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to creating positive social impact through inclusive and sustainable business practices.
Experienced Social Enterprise 2026
🏅 Knof
🏅 APASS – Access2Accessibility Movement SRL

Certificates of Recognition
The CEFEC Awards also presented Certificates of Recognition to organizations whose work is making a significant contribution to inclusive and sustainable development:
🔹 MATEI CALDARUS STUDIO SRL (Romania)
🔹 Viitor Plus – Asociația pentru Dezvoltare Durabilă (Romania)
🔹 Morgenmakers (vzw WEB) (Belgium)
🔹 AFIN – Alternative Financing IFN SA (Romania)
🔹 Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Ludowy (Poland)

👏 Congratulations to all award recipients and recognized organizations. Your work continues to inspire a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future for all.

04/06/2026

On 3 June 2026, the SFE CEFEC Executive Committee met in Bled, Slovenia, bringing together committee members, management representatives, and conference participants to review progress, discuss strategic priorities, and prepare for future initiatives.🤩

A key part of the agenda was dedicated to reviewing the work of the management group since November 2025 and discussing the future strategy, development, and growth of the social economy sector. Members also received updates on the 2026 SFE CEFEC Conference and the achievements of the 6th SFE CEFEC Academy.

The meeting concluded with a unique opportunity for Executive Committee members to connect with participants of the 6th SFE CEFEC Academy. Through a series of social business idea pitches, Academy participants shared their innovative projects and visions for the future, fostering dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration across the SFE CEFEC network.

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

The first day of the 40th CEFEC Conference has officially begun in Bled, Slovenia, hosted by our members Center Ponovne Uporabe & ETRI skupina!

Today brings together social entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators, and inclusion advocates from across Europe to exchange ideas, share good practices, and explore new pathways for a more inclusive and sustainable future. The program features keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and inspiring examples from the social economy sector.

We are excited to kick off two days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections that will help shape the future of social entrepreneurship and inclusive employment.

📍 Bled, Slovenia
🌍 40th CEFEC Conference 2026

Follow along as we share highlights from the conference and celebrate the people and initiatives driving positive change across Europe.

03/06/2026

🌱 Day 3 at the Green Leaders Academy 2026 – Turning Plans into Reality! 🌱

Today in Bled, our participants took an important step towards bringing their Green Social Enterprise ideas to life by focusing on financing, implementation, and project presentation.

The day began with a morning briefing and reflection before diving into:

✅ Exploring funding opportunities, grants, donors, and investment possibilities
✅ Developing practical implementation plans with clear milestones and responsibilities
✅ Strengthening business planning and long-term sustainability strategies
✅ Preparing project presentations for the Executive Committee showcase

Through collaborative group work, expert guidance, and hands-on planning sessions, participants transformed their ideas into actionable projects ready for the next stage of development. 💡🌍

The highlight of the day was the final showcase, where participants confidently presented their Green Social Enterprise concepts, demonstrating their creativity, commitment, and vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future. 🌱✨

02/06/2026

🌱 Day 2 at the Green Leaders Academy 2026 – Turning Ideas into Action! 🌱

Today in beautiful Bled, our participants took the next step in developing their Green Social Enterprise ideas by exploring how to transform innovative concepts into sustainable and impactful initiatives. 🚀

The day began with a recap of yesterday’s learning journey before diving into:

✅ Market overview, marketing and sales strategies
✅ Identifying opportunities and managing risks
✅ Inspiring good practices on green jobs, social inclusion and mental health
✅ A reflective workshop on the Dimensions of Work framework
✅ Continued development of Green Leaders Canvas projects with mentor support

Through interactive sessions, peer learning and hands-on group work, participants refined their ideas, strengthened their business models and gained valuable insights into creating meaningful social and environmental impact. 🌍💡

Together, we are building the skills, networks and confidence needed to lead the green and social transition. 🌿✨



Green Leaders Organizatia Institutul Bucovina Center Ponovne Uporabe Social Firms Europe CEFEC gpe gGmbH Mainz

01/06/2026

The 6th edition of the Social Firms Europe CEFEC Academy has officially started in Bled, Slovenia, as part of the Green Leaders project! 🇸🇮

🤩 Today marked the 1st day of the event, bringing together 19 motivated participants from 7 countries, for an inspiring week of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

Over the next 📝 5 days, participants will work intensively on developing their green social entrepreneurship ideas, transforming challenges into opportunities and creating solutions with a positive social impact.

♻️ Through workshops, mentoring, teamwork, and hands-on activities, they will refine their concepts, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and learn how to turn their ideas into reality. ✨

Organizatia Institutul Bucovina Center Ponovne Uporabe gpe gGmbH Mainz

29/05/2026

📌 As we are impatiently waiting for the 2026 CEFEC Academy from Bled/Slovenia (1-5 June), we remind you that between 28 June-02 July 2025 it took place the 5th edition, in Mainz/Germany. With the help of Organizatia Institutul Bucovina and the Green Leaders project we recorded a series of Podcasts with the participants.

📣 So, we continue by sharing with you the last recording of 2025, with: 📌 Irene Lezier from Italy.

🤩 Irene is 34 years old and she is an employee of our Italian CEFEC member Duemilauno Agenzia Sociale.

Her motivation for participating in the Academy was 👉

"I work with disabled children and adults in Trieste, so for me it's very important to learn how to help them to look for a job and help them develop a plan for their future, after they finish school."

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

28/05/2026

Social Firms Europe CEFEC was honoured to participate in the 20th anniversary events of Koi.S.P.E. Corfu “Neoi Orizontes”, held in Corfu on 15–16 May 2026 represented by Mr. Chris McCleary from ΚοιΣΠΕ Διαδρομές / Koispe Diadromes.

🎉The anniversary event, entitled “From Vision to Practice”, highlighted the remarkable 20-year journey of Koi.S.P.E. Corfu, as a strong example of social entrepreneurship, supported employment, mental health promotion and social inclusion in Greece.

On behalf of CEFEC, Chris McCleary participated in the event and delivered a ✨presentation focusing on the role of social enterprises in Europe, the importance of supported employment, and the need to strengthen inclusive labour markets for people experiencing psychosocial difficulties and other vulnerable groups.

🤩 The event brought together representatives from the Greek Government, local authorities, the Panhellenic Federation of Koi.S.P.E., the European Commission, the WHO Athens Office, ASEE, SFE CEFEC, and many national and European stakeholders in the fields of social economy, mental health and employment.

SFE CEFEC warmly 🥳 congratulates Koi.S.P.E. Corfu “Neoi Orizontes” for its 20 years of meaningful work, its strong social and professional impact, and its continued commitment to combining economic sustainability with social value.

📌 We look forward to continuing our collaboration and common efforts towards a more inclusive Europe, where work, dignity and social participation are recognised as fundamental rights for all.