On May 28, 2024, the first-ever “Buy Social – Corporate Procurement from Social Enterprises” event in Bulgaria took place, bringing together social and traditional enterprises to foster business relationships and promote B2B interactions. The event was organized by the BCause Foundation in partnership with the British Bulgarian Business Association (BBBA) and is part of the BuySocial B2B Europe project. Held at the “Resonator” hall, the event invited 10 social enterprises and NGOs to showcase a diverse range of goods and services that Bulgarian companies can benefit from.
More and more organisations are turning to the market to ensure the sustainability and visibility of their causes. They understand that the most valuable help for the people they work with is when the beneficiaries of social services can get involved, express themselves, and develop their skills.
The “Buy Social – Corporate Procurement from Social Enterprises” event provided an opportunity for organizations to demonstrate that disadvantaged individuals not only seek and expect assistance but also have qualities, are eager to work, make efforts, and are ready to offer competitive goods and services to corporate clients.
Company representatives were impressed by the professionalism and variety of goods and services offered by the social enterprises. They were pleased to learn that by purchasing corporate gifts, organizing training sessions, or team-building events for their employees, they could support significant social or environmental causes.
Almost all organisations participating in the event offer handmade souvenirs as gifts for companies’ clients and employees. More interestingly, each organization offers the chance to participate in their activities and product-making—a unique opportunity to express yourself, meet the people behind the mission, and experience an unconventional and exciting team-building event. After the presentations, participants mingled, explored the beautiful souvenirs, and learned more about the training and activities offered for employees. We eagerly await news of the partnerships that will be formed and realized.
Both companies and organisations shared that there is a great need for such gatherings and would gladly attend again.
BCause Foundation, through its Rinker Center, has been working for 10 years to develop the ecosystem of traditional and social entrepreneurship in Bulgaria. “Professionalizing the work of NGOs towards developing social entrepreneurship is a key part of our work. The combination of an authentic cause and a working business model is the foundation for creating a stable ecosystem. The next logical step is expanding market opportunities and users of their services and products. The Buy Social movement is quickly gaining popularity across Europe—we believe that Bulgaria has its clear place and potential for development.
In the coming months, we will provide capacity-building training for both social enterprises and businesses on this topic, as well as organize more such meetings to respond to the created interest and attract more supporters,” said Penka Tsvetkova, Director of Business Development and International Relations at the BCause Foundation.
Organizations Presenting Their Services and Products at the First “Buy Social – Corporate Procurement from Social Enterprises” Edition:
- Maria’s World Foundation supports people with mental disabilities. They offer professional catering, corporate gifts, and spices from their new organic garden.
- Stanimira Chocolate House produces fine handmade chocolate crafted by disadvantaged individuals.
- Concordia Foundation provides first jobs to young people in their candle and pottery workshops, hair salon, and hot food kitchen.
- Biodiversity Foundation focuses on environmental protection, offering a variety of gifts and new knowledge through entertainment—board games, escape rooms, and nature walks.
- Puls Foundation helps women who have experienced violence create beautiful souvenirs as part of their recovery therapy.
- Dream House- social enterprises for Ukrainian women unites Ukrainian women living in Bulgaria to create the social workshop “House for Small and Big Dreams,” where each woman can participate in making various products and souvenirs.
- Ela i Ti Foundation aims to make the world and nature accessible to people with disabilities, offering glass products and team-building activities for companies.
- Residence Baba cares for elderly people in villages and presented socks and products knitted by women in villages, their recipes, as well as village experiences and team-building activities.
- Emprove Foundation supports women who have experienced violence, offering corporate training on violence prevention in the workplace.
- Mom got a job Foundation offers corporate training for managers and HR professionals to improve working conditions for mothers.
The “Buy Social – Corporate Procurement from Social Enterprises” event is part of the BuySocial B2B Europe project, which unites 23 organizations in 17 European countries. BCause Foundation is the Bulgarian partner in the project, which aims to build and enhance the capacity of both social enterprises and traditional businesses to boost the development of social procurement—promoting trade relationships.
Learn more about the initiative and join the European and global Buy Social Europe B2B movement today as a social enterprise, traditional enterprise, funding organization, or national/international social enterprise network here.
*Disclaimer
Buy Social Europe B2B is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Buy Social Europe B2B, is further co-funded by SAP, and participating partners in the Buy Social Europe B2B consortium.
