Social entrepreneurship – key to sustainable development in the South-West region
With an average of 12 – 16% for the EU, social enterprises in Bulgaria remain underdeveloped

Social entrepreneurship in Bulgaria has significant potential, but remains underdeveloped and underpromoted. This was emphasized by Dr. Temenuzhka Zlatanova, chief advisor at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and head of the Blagoevgrad Regional Center, during the seminar “Opportunities for Entrepreneurship in Kyustendil.”
The event was organized by Brand Media Bulgaria as part of the activities of the European project “Career Transition Opportunities” (TOP JOBS).
The Social and Solidarity Economy Act was adopted in 2020, but due to the pandemic, it remains little known to the public. “To date, only 176 enterprises are registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy,” noted Dr. Zlatanova, adding that according to data from the National Statistical Institute, nearly 5,000 enterprises self-identify as social enterprises, but few of them are officially registered.
The aim of the Blagoevgrad Regional Center, which covers Sofia city, Sofia region, Pernik, Kyustendil, and Blagoevgrad, is to improve the visibility and effectiveness of the social economy. According to Zlatanova, the center is located in Blagoevgrad precisely because of the low standard of living in the region. In Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad, the average salary is well below the national average, which requires additional support for social initiatives.
In order for an enterprise to be registered as social, it must meet two basic conditions: at least 30% of its employees must be from vulnerable groups, such as the long-term unemployed, young people under 29, mothers of children with disabilities, and people who have undergone treatment for addiction; or at least 50% of the enterprise's profits, but not less than BGN 7,500, must be used for social causes.
Among the good examples mentioned by Dr. Zlatanova is the Pernik-based enterprise “Made with Love,” where people with disabilities work making souvenirs and handicrafts from their homes. Another notable social enterprise in Pernik is the antique shop “Bitaka,” where old items are renovated and young people are trained in craft skills.
The ministry is also planning to digitize social enterprises through a project to provide modern technological equipment such as laptops, printers, and even drones used to create eco-trails for people with disabilities.
Dr. Zlatanova emphasized the importance of the social economy as a driver of sustainable development, adding that it generates between 12% and 16% of added value in Europe, while in Bulgaria this figure is only around 2%.
This is a human resource that we must preserve," she said, concluding with a call for more active participation and support for social enterprises that can deliver significant social and economic impact.
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Managing Authority. Neither the European Union nor the Managing Authority can be held responsible for them.
Translated with DeepL.