Social Firms Europe CEFEC

12/06/2026

🌱After nearly two years of collaboration, learning, and innovation, the Erasmus+ Green Leaders project is coming to a close with the Green Leaders Final Forum on 25 June 2026.

Join us online to discover how young people from across Europe have developed green social entrepreneurship initiatives that address environmental challenges while creating opportunities for vulnerable groups and strengthening local communities.

The Forum will showcase the project's key achievements and feature inspiring discussions on the future of sustainability, social innovation, and the social economy.

Whether you work in sustainability, education, youth engagement, social entrepreneurship, public policy, or simply want to learn more about innovative solutions for a greener future, this event is for you.

📅 25 June 2026
💻 Online via Zoom
🎟️ Read more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1698166314648518

👉 Register now and join the conversation shaping the future of green leadership in Europe.

10/06/2026

🌍 Successful 2nd Social Firms Europe CEFEC Annual General Assembly 2026 in Bled, Slovenia.

On 5 June 2026, members of our network gathered in Bled, Slovenia, for the 2nd Annual General Assembly, bringing together colleagues and partners from across Europe to reflect on achievements, discuss priorities, and shape the future of our network.

📌 The Assembly featured presentations on ongoing projects involving SFE CEFEC, showcasing the impact of our collaborative European initiatives. Working Group leaders shared updates on their activities and outlined the next steps for advancing their work.

Marin Zver (2025-2026 President) passed the annual CEFEC Presidency to our colleague Sergi Alegre Calero, representative of Fundació Catalana de l'Esplai, for the organization of the 🎯 2027 Conference from El Prat de Llobregat/Spain, in the period 21-22 October!

A sincere 🎊 thank you to all members who participated and contributed to the constructive discussions!

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