When companies and social enterprises combine their knowledge, resources, and ideas, they create partnerships that generate benefits for everyone – both businesses and communities. 

For companies, such partnerships are an opportunity to turn their values into concrete actions. For social enterprises, they often mean more stable support, new opportunities for growth, and a greater reach for their social impact initiatives. 

One example of such collaboration is the long-standing partnership between the social enterprise Radanska Ruža from Lebane, Serbia, and Balkanexpres, a company based in Vienna, Austria. 

More than seven years ago, Balkanexpres supported Radanska Ruža in developing organic production among local producers. What began as an investment in production gradually evolved into a long-term partnership based on joint investment in people, production, and the development of the local community. 

Today, the partnership includes financial support for organic production, long-term purchasing commitments and secure market access for products, support for training and capacity-building of producers, joint planning and development of new products, as well as the continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise. 

The results of this partnership are reflected in significant business growth. Exports of organic products increased from 43,862 to 80,448 units, while sales grew from 118,500 to 280,000 products. Today, Radanska Ruža offers 14 organic products, with two additional products soon to be introduced, while all of its organic products have secured market placement. 

Impact Achieved 

  • Greater economic security and self-confidence for women involved in production 
  • Additional income for rural households and families at risk of poverty 
  • Development of organic production and sustainable agricultural practices 
  • Reduced environmental footprint through the use of renewable energy sources and responsible resource management 
  • Stronger support for the local community through investments in social protection and product donations 

This example demonstrates how long-term partnerships between companies and social enterprises can create economic, social, and environmental value while contributing to local community development and more sustainable business practices. 

The “Buy Social” campaign promotes collaboration between companies and impact-driven enterprises and is part of the project “Resilient Communities: Nurturing Social Enterprises for Local Development” implemented by Smart Kolektiv in partnership with Evrokontakt Kruševac and the Kolping Society of Serbia, with the financial support of the European Union. Buy Social Europe B2B is a transnational initiative that empowers social and mainstream enterprises to connect and build sustainable trade partnerships. The initiative unites 23 partners from 17 countries, including Smart Kolektiv.  

The content of this text does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.