WHAT IS TESSEA

TESSEA represents more than 70 social enterprises and social economy supporters from all over the Czech Republic. It supports its members and is also a partner for the state, regions and other institutions. It contributes to strengthening the social enterprise sector as a socially, economically and environmentally beneficial area of the economy. To do this, it uses its expertise, which is based on the many years of practical experience of its members.

VISION

TESSEA's goal is to ensure that social entrepreneurship and the wider social economy are perceived as an important part of the Czech economy. Social entrepreneurship is a socially beneficial business that is both profit-driven and respects the needs of specific people and localities. TESSEA brings innovative solutions to social and environmental problems, actively participating in current changes. It creates space for promoting social innovation in practice. In this way, social entrepreneurship is recognised by both the public and private sectors, and this is reflected in its support, including multi-source funding. Social entrepreneurship contributes to the integration of disadvantaged people into the labour market, and to the sustainable development of society as a whole. It respects the ecological limits of our planet and the sustainable use of resources.

MISSION

TESSEA, an independent association of social enterprises and social economy supporters, acts as a respected national platform for the social economy in the Czech Republic. It promotes the development of the social economy, educates, represents and networks social enterprises in the Czech Republic. It fosters a positive and understandable perception of integrative and other social enterprises in society. It is an agent of social change. TESSEA acts as an expert partner for state authorities, local governments, entrepreneurs, academia, and other relevant actors. It ensures the transfer of the European concept of social entrepreneurship and social economy to the Czech Republic and represents Czech social entrepreneurship abroad. It brings impulses to the European and global debate on the development of the social economy sector.

WHAT DO WE DO?

we promote the interests of social enterprises

provide expertise in the field of legislation

we are co-authors of the Social Enterprise Principles (2011), which we updated in 2022

we are a partner for the state to set up subsidy calls to support social entrepreneurship

map the needs of social enterprises

educate and mentoring social enterprises and those interested in setting up

lecture at universities, contribute to professional publications

speak in the media with examples of good practice in social entrepreneurship

promote the social economy, social enterprise products and services
organise events: round tables, focus groups, seminars and conferences in Prague and throughout the Czech Republic

we actively participate in events of others (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, regions, other social economy actors)
we cooperate with foreign organisations (the European network of social enterprises ENSIE and re-use organisation RREUSE), we share Czech practice abroad, we follow events in the EU and worldwide.

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TESSEA regards social entrepreneurship as a business activity that benefits society and the environment, plays an important role in local development and often creates employment opportunities for people with health, social or cultural disadvantages. Profits are largely used to further develop the social enterprise. Making a profit is as important to a social enterprise as increasing social benefit.

A social enterprise is defined as a legal entity established under private law or a part thereof, or a natural person who fulfils the principles of a social enterprise. A social enterprise pursues a socially beneficial objective which is formulated in the founding documents. It is founded and developed on the concept of the so-called triple bottom line - economic, social and environmental. In the Czech Republic, there are more than 350 social enterprises, which achieve a turnover of at least CZK 3.5 billion a year, permanently creating at least 5,000 jobs, most of them (3,500) for people with specific needs who would hardly find employment elsewhere.

The aim of TESSEA's activities is the development and recognition of social entrepreneurship as a sustainable economic model, which is a respected part of the Czech economy and serves as an inspiration for the entire business sector. We also see an opportunity in the European framework of ESG - Environment, Social and Governance.

Through examples of good practice of TESSEA member companies we show the benefits of social entrepreneurship for the lives of people in urban and rural areas: not only for the disadvantaged employees of social enterprises, but also for the local community and economy, as well as for the environment.

We promote the concept of social enterprise, which is broader than supporting the jobs of disadvantaged people; we support the development of all employees and the fulfilment of all socially beneficial objectives of social enterprise.

Through examples of good practice of TESSEA member companies we show the benefits of social entrepreneurship for the lives of people in urban and rural areas: not only for the disadvantaged employees of social enterprises, but also for the local community and economy, as well as for the environment.

We promote the concept of social enterprise, which is broader than supporting the jobs of disadvantaged people; we support the development of all employees and the fulfilment of all socially beneficial objectives of social enterprise.