Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to the Ministry of European Affairs, a project supporting the development of sustainable social enterprises, financed through EU funds, has demonstrated that the social economy can provide a sustainable solution for both business and society.

Through the project, worth approximately €100,000, employment opportunities in social enterprises in Bar, Berane, Cetinje, and Herceg Novi were provided to people from groups facing greater barriers to employment.

The project was implemented from November 2023 to October last year by the Business Start Center Bar and Caritas Montenegro, with support from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue.

“Although Montenegro still does not have a law on social entrepreneurship, this model has shown how enterprises can simultaneously generate profit and create social benefits by employing those who face the greatest difficulties in finding work,” the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

As part of the project, training was organized for 30 participants, focusing on improving knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial capacities. Ten individuals completed six-month work placements, while eight social enterprises received equipment to improve working conditions.