Social Economy Berlin

Social Economy Berlin (SEB) is a platform and network organization that supports social enterprises in Berlin. Established in August 2020, it's a collaborative project between the Social Entrepreneurship Network Germany (SEND) and Technologie-Netzwerk Berlin (TechNet), with backing from the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises. SEB serves as a central hub that connects social entrepreneurs, startups, and established social economy entities, providing free business counseling, foundation advice, and networking opportunities. The organization works to increase visibility for Berlin's social economy through strategic communication, events, and workshops addressing topics relevant to social enterprises. One of SEB's distinctive initiatives is the "Berlin Social Enterprises" awards, which recognizes outstanding social enterprises across three categories: People, Planet, and Transformation. Winners receive financial support (with first-place winners receiving €10,000) and a membership to Impact Hub Berlin, enhancing their resources and visibility. The platform actively facilitates connections between social economy stakeholders, political decision-makers, traditional economic sectors, and civil society. SEB also provides training to business experts and institutions like the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Berlin and the business development bank to better understand and support the unique needs of social enterprises. Through these efforts, SEB aims to create a robust ecosystem for social innovation and sustainable, community-oriented economic development in Berlin.