Encouragement of Social Entrepreneurship in Bulgaria

The paper presents the benefits of support to social enterprises and the advantages of social economy and makes analyses of the policies and strategies encouraging development of social entrepreneurship in Bulgaria. The priorities are examined in the context of social enterprises impact on combating poverty and social exclusion, incl. youth employment, equal access to participation in the economy of the population in small towns / rural areas, social innovation and integration of minorities. Available instruments of encouraging social enterprises in Bulgaria are considered in accordance to the European and national policies and funding programmes and measures. Conclusions and recommendations are provided on the national legislation development and the implementation of the National concept of social economy stressing on the creation of favorable legal and financial environment for development of social enterprises.