Conclusions from the National Conference for Social Entrepreneurship in North Macedonia
Representatives participated at the “National Conference for Social Entrepreneurship – innovative business model for a more humane society” in North Macedonia, in which key speakers (presenters) were:
– Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs (Mila Carovska);
– Mayor of the City of Skopje (Petre Shilegov);
– Director of the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (Jovan Despotovski);
– Representatives from CSOs working towards social entrepreneurship development;
– Representatives from CSOs and Social Enterprises providing social services.
Here is what we have learned at the conference:
- The Macedonian government does not know what is way forward for social entrepreneurship;
- The Macedonian government states that development of an ecosystem for social enterprises is the first step, but does not provide any information on activities and action or short-term goals (in the next 2-3 years);
- Legislative recognition for social enterprises is the last thing that we should expect given that the government still does not know what is the way to go;
- The government is still piloting provision of support to social enterprises disregarding their needs… etc.
Without further ado, social entrepreneurship in 
remains in its nascent stages without the country’s recognition and support (institutional, legal or financial) despite being named as one of the priorities of this government and confirmed yesterday by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs. Social entrepreneurship remains in status quo situation disregarding the rapid growth of social entrepreneurship practices (social enterprises) and their needs and challenges.
Also, worth to mention is that the key speakers announced possible financial support for social enterprises later this year (August-September), but we will see.
We continue to work towards development of social entrepreneurship at local, national and regional level despite the difficult challenges we face on the road. We will end this article with a quote from George Bernard Shaw
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” – George Bernard Shaw
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