Entrepreneurship
Theme: Social Enterprise
Cross-cutting themes covered: Tailored business support, Networking opportunities
Name of project: Resource Centre for Social Enterprise (CRIS) (Centro Risorse per l'Impresa Sociale)
City: Milan
What is it? CRIS supports and develops new and existing social enterprises in Milan. The project also aims to raise awareness of the social economy in Milan, and plays a pivotal role in promoting networking among social enterprises.
Who is it? CRIS was established in 1998 by a consortium of public sector bodies in Milan, including the Cinisello Balsamo local authority and the Province of Milan.
Where is it? CRIS is located and operates in Cinisello Balsamo, a municipality in the north east of Milan. Since the 1980s, the area has undergone significant economic re-structuring as a result of the closure of major local steel companies. This led to an economic and social crisis, loss of territorial identity and a high unemployment rate.
Who funds it? The initiative is funded through:
How does it work? Tailored business support: CRIS supports and develops new and existing social enterprise in Milan. It offers consultancy services on issues such as:
Networking opportunities: CRIS plays a very important role in promoting networking among social enterprises. This is particularly important for social enterprises that are in the early stages of development, as they can benefit from more experienced social entrepreneurs as mentors and role models.
What are the results? CRIS has supported the creation and development of several co-operatives, which employ disadvantaged groups, such as:
Is the model transferable ? The provision of tailored business support services to social enterprises, such as that offered by CRIS, is transferable to other areas. However, like CRIS, the support agency must have an in-depth understanding of social enterprises and their local context.
Building on local competitive advantages? CRIS has benefited from the fact that it is closely connected to other support agencies and experts, helping it to provide tailored support to local social enterprises. In addition, the fact that there is a rich social economy sector to provide a demand for CRIS services is a significant competitive advantage for the project.
What are the barriers to transferability? There is much recognition of the importance of the role of the third sector among local and city authorities in Milan. Indeed, CRIS was established at the same time as the Charter for Social Enterprises (1998), which was signed by the municipal authorities in the region, as well as the Province of Milan. Lack of this recognition could pose a barrier to transferability.
