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European Social Fund Plus
SIM case study2025-06-20

INNOVATIVE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN MEETING SOCIAL NEEDS

Social Cooperative of Limited Liability (abbreviation: Koi.S.P.E)“Koi.S.P.E Corfu – New Horizonsis a structure of social cooperative in the field of entrepreneurship actions for people with mental health problems formulated due to the Greek law 2716/99 of the Ministry of Health. Koi.S.P.E Corfu was established in 2005 and creates job opportunities for different socially vulnerable individuals and tries to invest sustainable solutions in occupational and social needs. 201 members (individuals and schemes) are participating in Koi.S.P.E – Corfu. Among them, the Ionian Islands Region, the Corfu General Hospital, the Ionian University and the Municipality of Corfu. Koi.S.P.E is certified in ISO 9001 & 45000 &14000 and HACCP procedures.

Koi.S.P.E. Corfu is the largest Social Enterprise in Greece, according to official data from the Ministries of Health and Labor. Today, Koi.S.P.E employs fifty five (55) people from Vulnerable Groups (mental health, physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities, long-term unemployed, needy families). Also, employs sixty five (65) professionals and trainers, which brings the total workforce up to hundred twenty(120) employees. The Annual turn over approaching 2.000.000 euro.

Main Activities and Services
Social Cooperative of Corfu develops activities in 3 sector of the economy: agriculture ,standardization, services, as well as cultural and educational activities that enhance social inclusion, such as:
 Cleaning and Environmental Services,
 Catering and Café Services and Restaurants,
 Parking Services,
 Production and distribution of bakery & confectionery products,
 Creating resilient agricultural systems
 Operating environmental park and greenhouses,
 Cultivating, producing and distributing organic products & confectionery

Operating Social Groceries and Social Kitchen
 KOISPE in cooperation with the 3 Municipalities of the island operates ""Social Groceries and Social Kitchen in the City and the Region of Corfu . The purpose of the Social Structures is to cover the primary survival needs of needy families. As of 2018 the social kitchen distributed 220.000 meals, while the social grocery distributed more than 270.000 products. Both the social grocery and the social kitchen support 340 beneficiaries.

The Fundamental Pillars of Sustainable development
Our actions are guided and constrained by ecological, social, and economic principles.Our sustainabilityis based on three pillars:
 The social pillar, or 'people,' emphasises fair business practices for employees and the community, social equity, well-being, solidarity
 The environmental pillar, or 'planet,' encourages the responsible use of resources to protect the environment.
 The economic pillar, 'profit,' involves the creation of economic value and also takes into account environmental and social costs.

Integrating social innovation in circular economy
KOISPE Corfu implements circular economy practices such as: recycling of glass, paper, plastic, regenerative agriculture activities, recycling of frying oil, use of dispensing containers for cleaning fluids and refillable containers, use of recyclable paper, recycling of batteries, zero food waste, composting of organization products.The concept of the circular economy responds to the ambition for sustainable development in the context of increasing pressure from the production and consumption of resources and the planet's environment.

Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goalsof UN
Koi.S.P.E Corfu has achieved 12 of the 17 UN sustainable development goals.We recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and boost economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve the environment.

Koi.S.P.E Corfu is the most viable solution for social inclusion and economic sustainability, maintaining and increasing jobs, even in the economic crisis, providing socially innovative solutions and address the need for social inclusion of vulnerable groups in society. With respect to planet earth, human beings, quality of life and ecological awareness and responsibility, we act to create new conditions for the development of innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Case study details

Lead organisation and partners
Countries
Greece
Regions
Ionia Nisia
Themes
Gender balanced labour market participation
Active inclusion and employability
Integration of marginalised communities
Target groups
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals experiencing poverty or social exclusion
Individuals whose mental health or wellbeing is compromised
Level of action
Regional
Source of funding
Public - regional
Private
Budget
1.800.000 euro, for 2024
Project start
2005
Internet and social
EU fund
ESF/ESF+