Social Enterprise Fund

The Social Enterprise Support Fund has the primary objective to support the development and expansion of social enterprises, particularly those employing individuals from disadvantaged groups. This includes subsidizing activities, creating new jobs, and covering social and health insurance costs. The fund is managed by the government of Albania, namely the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, with additional support from donors and international financial institutions. Key stakeholders include social enterprises and disadvantaged groups. The fund targets social enterprises across Albania, focusing on sectors that employ disadvantaged individuals. It aims to create new job opportunities and support the sustainability of social enterprises. Key features of the fund include subsidies for social enterprise activities up to 135,000,000 ALL. The fund also includes job creation subsidies up to 100,000 ALL per new job, with a maximum of 20 new jobs per enterprise. Additionally, there are social and health insurance subsidies up to 100% coverage for employees from disadvantaged groups, which include older employees. With regards to implementation, payments are made in two installments (70% upon approval and 30% upon project completion). Social enterprises must submit a business plan and meet specific conditions, such as hiring at least three new employees from disadvantaged groups within 12 months. The policy was adopted for the period 2019–2021.