SE2MARKET – Supporting the social economy in the CZ-AT border region

Social enterprises – that is, businesses that create job opportunities for people with health, social or cultural disadvantages – in the Czech-Austrian border region often operate in isolation, have limited capacity and struggle to establish themselves in the market, let alone beyond the borders of their own region. They lack links with public authorities, business partners and the expertise available in neighboring Austria, where the social economy is a step ahead. As a result, they miss out on growth opportunities, and the region loses out on the economic and social benefits.

The project also offers opportunities for local authorities. Social enterprises can address a range of problems and needs faced by local authorities – from employing people who struggle to find work in the mainstream labor market, through to providing local services (such as care, cleaning of public spaces or maintenance of green spaces), right up to strengthening community cohesion and sustainability. Stronger social enterprises therefore also mean stronger and more resilient local communities.

The development of social enterprise in the Czech-Austrian border region – helping social enterprises to become more competitive, gain easier access to the market and cooperate more effectively across the border.

The project proceeds in three consecutive stages:

1. Cross-border analysis and joint study: Mapping the state of the social economy in the participating regions (South Bohemia, Vysočina, South Moravia, Lower/Upper Austria, Vienna), identifying barriers and opportunities for cooperation, and collecting examples of good practice from both countries.

2. Cross-border networking and exchange of experiences: Specialist workshops, field trips and conferences on both sides of the border, as well as regular regional meetings bringing together social enterprises, public administration, universities and non-profit organizations.

3. Acceleration program and expert consultancy: A three-stage program led by Impact Hub Vienna – ranging from an introductory bootcamp for 20–25 participants, through intensive mentoring and business diagnostics, to the actual entry of five finalists into the Austrian market, including legal and marketing support and connections with investors and suppliers.

Social enterprises and budding social entrepreneurs will gain access to advice, contacts and a genuine opportunity to establish themselves beyond national borders.

Regions, local authorities and public institutions will be better able to involve social enterprises in public procurement and responsible contracting.

Traditional businesses will find reliable partners offering social added value, for example for alternative fulfillment or sustainable supply chains.

Disadvantaged groups will gain more job opportunities thanks to stronger social enterprises.

Regional development agencies, business incubators, universities, non-profit organizations, and professional bodies will also benefit by networking and sharing experiences.

The project was launched in July 2026 and will run until December 2028. It is currently in its initial phase – a cross-border analysis of the social economy sector is getting underway, which will form the basis for subsequent networking activities and the preparation of an acceleration program.

The Regional Development Agency of South Bohemia (RERA a.s.) leads the project in collaboration with the Vysočina Region, the South Moravian Agency for Public Innovation (JINAG), and Impact Hub Vienna.

The project’s outputs and findings will be disseminated through:

• a compendium of 15 examples of good practice from the participating regions,

• a joint study containing regional and national analysis,

• 4 study visits across all participating regions,

• 3 networking conferences (South Bohemia, Vysočina, Vienna),

• regular regional stakeholder meetings (once every six months),

• a methodology for organizing an acceleration program, which can be used even after the project has ended.

The aim is for the knowledge and contacts established during the project to become a permanent feature of cooperation between social enterprises, public authorities and other partners on both sides of the border.