NALED Creates Serbia’s First Public Database of Social Enterprises

Serbia’s first public database of social enterprises brings together more than 75 social enterprises, professional rehabilitation companies and social-impact businesses from 25 cities and municipalities.

The National Alliance for Local Economic Development, known as NALED, created the database to make these businesses more visible and help them connect with citizens, companies, the public sector and donors.

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The visibility the database gives them should be the beginning of more concrete support, from tailored financing and mentoring to easier market access and inclusion in supply chains and public procurement.

NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanović said that visibility should lead to more practical support, including tailored financing, mentoring, easier market access, supply-chain opportunities and participation in public procurement. She said the ambition was for social enterprises to rely less on individual enthusiasm and gain systemic support, stable operations and an equal place in the economy.

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Our ambition was for these enterprises to no longer depend only on the enthusiasm of individuals, but to have systemic support, stable operations and an equal place in the economy.

These businesses operate in the market like other companies but also pursue a clear social mission. They may employ people with disabilities, produce food or engage women from rural areas in making handicrafts that provide them with income.

The database is informational rather than an official register. Participation is voluntary, and businesses submit their own information. NALED developed it through a project on more efficient public procurement and sustainable ESG supply chains, with support from the Government of Sweden. The database was presented in cooperation with the EU-funded Invest for Change project. Smart Kolektiv project manager Željko Mitkovski said social enterprises need mentoring, networking and greater visibility alongside financial support. Smart Kolektiv is also inviting eligible organizations to apply by September 30 for grants ranging from 15,000 to 22,500 euros.

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The latest research by Impact Europe shows that, alongside financial support, social enterprises need mentoring, networking and greater visibility. That is why the database is important for better presentation and opening business opportunities.