Social Firms Europe CEFEC is a participative and integrative network, working across all the EU member states to promote the model of Social Firms and social co-operatives at EU, national and regional levels.

The mission of SFE CEFEC is to initiate and stimulate any development of cooperatives, social firms and social enterprises or any social economy initiative supporting the rehabilitation, training and employment of persons which face mental health problems, disability or other vulnerability and therefore suffer under social exclusion.

Social Firms Europe CEFEC has been in existence for more than 35 years. It is a well-established and respected network which has the following VISION: social firms and social co-operatives are in every European town and country. By leading this movement, Social Firms Europe CEFEC helps individuals who otherwise face stigma and discrimination, to overcome their social and economic exclusion through employment.

In order to be able to fulfill the vision and mission statements outlined above, Social Firms Europe CEFEC has the following aims and objectives in place:

1. To raise the level of understanding and increase the profile of Social Firms and social cooperatives across Europe
2. Build and maintain relationships and communications with key policy parties at EU level to improve their awareness about Social Firms
3. Use and build on existing research (e.g. the Linz Appeal) to create an evidence base and lobby policy at European and national levels
4. Ensure wide promotion to a broader audience of the annual conference and content that builds awareness
5. Use the European Social Firm of the Year Award to increase publicity, inspire involvement and build awareness of the Social Firm model
6. Encourage members to partner in projects which include a financial contribution to Social Firms Europe CEFEC
7. Identify and apply for EU projects which suit, complement and build on the core mission of Social Firms Europe CEFEC
8. Consider and build strategic partnership opportunities that assist with the sustainability objective of the network

Social Firms Europe CEFEC has 80 members from 28 countries from Europe and Asia, more than 1500 professionals working in the field of social inclusion and social economy sector and more than 200.000 final beneficiaries of job employed by SFE CEFEC members.

Website: Social Firms Europe – European Network of organizations that all share the objective of creating paid work for disabled and disadvantaged people.