30 new jobs in social enterprises, 16 study visits, 60 training courses for NGOs, dozens of initiatives to develop the social economy, and new social enterprises – these are the tangible results of the activities of the Mazovian Social Economy Support Center (mOWES) of the Cooperation Fund Foundation in 2021. But numbers aren’t everything. What was the past year like for us? See for yourself! First – new jobs
“If we were to point to a single key indicator of the development of the social and solidarity economy, it would certainly be new jobs in social enterprises,” says Justyna Jakubiak, manager of mOWES. “Employing an excluded person – often one who has had a difficult life experience – is a brave, responsible, and often difficult decision. Especially if the social enterprise is just starting out and beginning to make its mark on the market,” she adds.
Our team in each of the three subregions – Ciechanów, Ostrołęka, and Radom – supports future and current social entrepreneurs in this process, offering animation, consulting, and financial support. In 2021, we provided nearly half a million złoty (PLN 485,000) in grants to create 30 jobs. Social Entrepreneurs who decided to employ disadvantaged individuals could also count on bridging support (for ongoing operations, e.g., Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), premises lease, utilities, rent), for which we allocated PLN 310,000, as well as support from specialists in accounting, labor law, and marketing, among others. We hope that this support will enable Social Entrepreneurs to develop—and, in the long run, also to employ additional disadvantaged individuals.
The newly established Krok w Przyszłość Foundation from Pułtusk signs a grant agreement to create four jobs, accompanied by Dorota Macioch-Kowalska.
Secondly – inspiring study visits and tailor-made training.
Making the decision to establish a social enterprise and creating new jobs is the end result of a complex process. This journey often begins with a search for inspiration, ideas, and, naturally, observing how others do it. “This can be done using readily available methods, such as searching the internet, looking for mentions on TV or in the local press, but you can also take a more practical approach and participate in an interesting and inspiring study tour,” explains Agnieszka Sekulska, mOWES facilitator. “This gives us the opportunity to see firsthand how a given organization operates, learn about its methods and motivations, and gain many practical tips firsthand,” she adds.
In 2021, mOWES facilitators organized a total of 16 study tours, with approximately 300 participants. Those interested had the opportunity to see firsthand how the Active Senior Center in Płońsk, the Filantrop Charity Shop in Ciechanów, the “Pottery Village” Social Enterprise in Kamionka, near Nidzica, and “Zagurzańskie Dziedziny” – a local tourism brand connecting the Beskid Wyspowy and Gorce Mountains – operates, among others. Training is also a key support tool for mOWES clients. “We constantly assess the needs of local communities, ensuring that our offerings are tailored to their needs and generate significant interest and engagement from participants,” notes Łukasz Wachowski, mOWES facilitator.
As a result of this, in 2021 we organized a total of 60 training sessions (including vocational training) for representatives of local social economy entities.
Study visit to the “Pottery Village” Social Enterprise
Third: Microgrants and Development Vouchers
A new website, the purchase of promotional items, a promotional video, or a unique advertising campaign – mOWES clients can allocate PLN 3,000 for these activities as a one-time marketing voucher. In 2021, we provided 21 such vouchers – and a similar number of grants for organizational development. mOWES also provided 7 grants for an initiative to develop the social economy.
One initiative we are particularly proud of is the Radom Social Economy Day (DES) – an event that has become a permanent fixture in the city’s cultural scene. Last year’s DES, the third edition, hosted speakers and residents in the picturesque, glass-enclosed mezzanine of the Deskurów Tenement House. The goal: to engage new individuals and communities in social entrepreneurship. This was achieved by, among others, Majka Lipiak, president of the Leżęi Pracuję Foundation – the first marketing agency established to provide employment to people with physical disabilities; Jakub Kamiński from the Żyrardów Social Services Center; and Marek Materek, Mayor of Starachowice, who not only actively collaborates with Starachowice’s social enterprises but also initiates the creation of new ones. Residents also had the opportunity to participate in one of two parallel panel discussions: one on how organizations can convince local governments to cooperate; and the tangible benefits that local governments derive from collaborating with social and solidarity economy entities. You can learn more about the event in the report from Radio Radom, the event’s media partner:
https://radioplus.com.pl/radom/57984-za-nami-dzien-ekonomii-spolecznej
Social Economy Day in Radom. Photo: Wojciech Jabłoński
And finally, fourthly – the animation!
“New jobs, social enterprises, grants – these are not the only results of mOWES,” notes Daniel Prędkopowicz from the Cooperation Fund Foundation. “Thanks to the work of the entire team, many other interesting initiatives have been created, including the ZORIENTOWANI cluster for the development of the social economy, bringing together 13 social enterprises from Radom, networking activities – including the Rural Women’s Circles in the Sypniewo Commune, Local Action Groups from across Mazovia, and the “Kurpie networking” of organizations promoting the Kurpie regional heritage,” he adds.
What are our plans for 2022?
We’re entering the new year 2022 with enthusiasm and great momentum. We can now reveal that in late December, we signed three new agreements to continue the “Incubation and Support of the Social Economy” projects, meaning mOWES has secured funding until the end of 2023! We’ll share more details and action plans soon.
We wish you all the best in the new year 2022.
