Role and Importance of Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Rural Development Ekaterina Arabska University of agribusiness and rural development – Plovdiv, Bulgaria International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Introduction The concept of social economy Social enterprises Social entrepreneurship International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Framework for social entrepreneurship development in Bulgaria as a tool for sustainable rural development Strategic documents Supporting structures International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Challenges facing social enterprises in Bulgaria Lack of a legal framework relating to the definition of social enterprises in order to properly guide policies. The majority of social enterprises in Bulgaria are aimed at providing different types of services (passive) while social entrepreneurship should develop towards active engagement of target groups in the process. Problems encountered during the operation of social enterprises: facilities, administration, personnel, equipment; Lack of sufficient incentives related to the supply of products of social enterprises in the market; Interaction with other companies, organizations, administrations; The need for training and motivation of people working in social enterprises and those who wish to take up a job there. International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Significance of different business goals International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Motivation to work for an organization International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Significance of different notions in connection to social entrepreneurship International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Social entrepreneurship definitions International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Society readiness to accept social entrepreneurship International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Guiding principles for social entreprises International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Ways of encouragement of social entrepreneurship Added for “other”: civil society; donation of raw materials, machinery and financial resources; all structures of government - state, local government and private sector; comprehensive public support, incl. and private initiative; well-established legal framework; support from various businesses; funding from private organizations; there are many different ways, but they them should be approached individually in each project. International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Barriers to growth International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Support needed by social enterprises International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Additional remarks Benefits Advantages Needs Picture source: http://www.terry.ubc.ca/2010/07/06/job-opportunity-social-entrepreneurship-experience/ International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Recommendations Conceptual base and value system Regulatory framework and institutions Support Business models Training Cooperation Picture source: http://www.acornintl.net/about_capacitybuilding.html International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Conclusion Social entrepreneurship is one of the most innovative ways to achieve a better quality of life, independence and inclusion in society of persons from vulnerable groups. It is a tool for sustainable rural development. Social enterprises have the capacity to become one of the most reliable partners of the central and/or local authorities to tackle the social sphere. In order to stimulate this partnership it is necessary on the basis of the existing legislative framework, which outlines the legal framework for the activities of social enterprises, to develop changes aimed at creating a more favorable economic environment in which to social enterprises operate. The study provides important implications on the state of the social entrepreneurship and ways of its encouragement putting a special accent on the needed support and the role of training and advisory organizations in changing attitudes and building capacity.   International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey

Picture source: http://www. ac4d Thank you very much for your kind attention! Assoc. Prof. Ekaterina Arabska, Ph.D. University of agribusiness and rural development - Plovdiv, Bulgaria e-mail: earabska@uard.bg International Balkan and Near Eastern Social Sciences Congress Series, 4 – 5 March 2017, Edirne, Turkey