Media

Here you will find information on past forums as well as media-related information such as media releases, logos, visuals, and various materials for print.

Past forums

The SSEF has already been held three times. Find below information about the program, speakers and partners as well as recordings of the last editions.

SSEF2024

On 16.05.2024, the social economy gathered again at the #SSEF - this year in Solothurn.

The diversity of participants reflected the breadth of the social economy and its diverse stakeholders. The forum was divided into two main topics: Promotion and financing of the social economy. Various panels and spotlight presentations were held for this purpose.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: Social Economy right now: What’s happening in Europe and Switzerland?

A year ago, the UN adopted a resolution stating that the social economy makes an important contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and therefore called on its member states to take measures to promote it. The OECD has since responded to this call with a corresponding recommendation, as has the EU with its Social Economy Action Plan, and various neighboring countries of Switzerland have introduced support measures.

National Council President Eric Nussbaumer sheds light on current developments at global and European level and draws a comparison with Switzerland. He talks about the latest political developments and the hurdles that still exist for social entrepreneurship in Switzerland.

SSEF24 | Panel: Buy Social: Cooperation between social entrepreneurs and large companies

Buy Social is a concrete example of how the social economy can be strengthened. It promotes procurement partnerships between social enterprises and large companies/SMEs, from which both sides benefit. If large companies/SMEs consciously make some of their purchases from impact-oriented companies, they can make their supply chains more sustainable and thus help to strengthen the positive social impact of social enterprises. The Buy Social Europe B2B project was established at EU level for this purpose. SENS brings its expertise to Switzerland as a country partner by organizing targeted match-making events between impact-oriented companies and large companies/SMEs.

In the panel, we learn from Sabrina Storck, Co-Managing Director SAP Switzerland, why the software company is so strongly committed to Buy Social at EU level. In a panel consisting of procurement managers from Siemens, SAP & Zurich Insurance as well as the CEOs of the Social Enterprises Band & Social Fabric, we will then experience live how buy social matchmaking works and how SENS supports it.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: Promoting social innovation with the support of Innosuisse

Innosuisse is the Swiss agency for innovation promotion and supports start-ups and SMEs in their R&D activities. The agency specifically promotes cooperation between science and the market with innovation projects, networking, training and coaching. Innosuisse has a wide range of support modules, also for social enterprises. Using the example of the start-up Ylah, we show a possible funding path for an impact-oriented company through the various Innosuisse modules.

SSEF24 | Panel: Promoting the social economy in Switzerland

A year ago, the UN General Assembly stated in a resolution that the social economy makes an important contribution to sustainable development. It is therefore calling on its member states to take support measures. The EU, the OECD and various countries have begun to promote the sector in a targeted manner. But in Switzerland, political initiatives on this topic continue to have a hard time – at least at national level.

In this panel, we will hear perspectives from Switzerland and abroad on how social entrepreneurship can be meaningfully promoted and where Switzerland stands today. Voices from politics and administration will then discuss how things could also move forward in Switzerland and where the corresponding opportunities and challenges lie.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: People & Planet First Verification

People and planet first: Now impact-oriented companies can also use this global label in Switzerland. The ElleXX financial platform was the first Swiss company to complete verification and provides insights into the process.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: Courageous philanthropy

Linda Sulzer is co-founder of the Büro für Wagemut. With new impulses and targeted methods, the Büro für Wagemut connects foundations and funding projects and thus creates space for more impact. Linda previously worked for several years at the Migros Pioneer Fund and then set up the new Democracy Support Unit at the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. She has a strong network in the foundation sector and in the world of social innovation projects and knows their language, challenges and pain points. She is convinced that effective cooperation requires collaboration on an equal footing, exchange and trust.

SSEF24 | Panel: Entrepreneurial funding models of foundations

While social enterprises often receive initial start-up financing quickly, it is remarkably difficult for them to find follow-up financing after a few years. At this stage, they are already considered too profit-oriented for foundations, while they promise too little profit for private investors. However, if foundations increasingly support or invest in such social start-ups, they jeopardize their own tax exemption. Nevertheless, entrepreneurial funding models from foundations would be very interesting, especially for the social enterprise sector. In the discussion, representatives of foundations and social enterprises will highlight initial examples of such funding models and discuss the conditions under which they are possible.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: Networking platform for founders and investors

A better network for a stronger impact: This is particularly true in the third sector and also for the social economy. How can digital tools optimally support and complement networking and exchange? The platform stiftungschweiz.ch has launched a network that addresses precisely this issue.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: Finding the right growth capital

Dr. Markus Freiburg, founder and CEO of FASE, will present various financing instruments for social entrepreneurship using concrete practical examples from his experience with FASE and the European Social Innovation and Impact Fund (ESIIF). As the leading impact finance advisor in Europe, FASE has already supported more than 85 impact-oriented companies in raising growth capital. FASE has initiated the ESIIF, which is the only fund in Europe that provides patient growth capital to impact-oriented companies and is partially secured by public guarantees from the EU.

SSEF24 | Spotlight: Non-extractive Finance

Neverending economic growth is putting pressure on our societies and planet. When we apply a Systems Thinking approach, a key need is to realign governance structures and financial incentives to prevent businesses from externalizing those costs that create environmental degradation and social inequality. The two disciplines of Post Growth Entrepreneurship and Non-Extractive Finance teach us how to build a business and finance ecosystem that supports social needs and stays within planetary boundaries.

In this spotlight, Dr. Melanie Rieback, CEO and Co-founder of Nonprofit Ventures, will question the “common sense” of business and finance, examining pressure points like governance, entity forms, fee structures, procurement, compliance, culture, and operations through new lenses.

Speakers

Julien Reinhard

Projektverantwortlicher Nachhaltige Wirtschaft Stadt Genf

Dilek Mutlu-Kowalski

Details

Jan Latussek

Head Sourcing & Procurement Switzerland at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd

Details

Sabrina Storck

Co-Managing Director at SAP Switzerland

Details

Sponsors & Partners

SSEF2023

On May 25, 2023, the social economy gathered once again at the #SSEF - this year at the Progr in Bern.

The diversity of participants reflected the breadth of the social economy and its diverse stakeholders. Thematically, the forum could be divided into four focal points: Education, Communication, Funding and Policy. For this purpose, panels, input sessions and two workshops were held.

SSEF23 | Panel: Young Professionals in the Social Economy

The next generation of social entrepreneurs

Impact and meaningfulness of work has become more important for young professionals. What about this next generation of social entrepreneurs? How can they be promoted and what do they need? How do we inspire more prospective professionals for social entrepreneurship and how do we reach them? One promising option is through educational opportunities. There are already some initiatives in Switzerland and interest is growing. Nevertheless, there is still much potential for development and further opportunities to anchor SocEnt in the educational landscape.

Discussing:

Emilie Romon Carnegie, Country Director Ashoka
Frederike Asael, Managing Partner & Co-Founder Impact Hub Bern
Johanna Aebi, Deputy CEO YES
Thomas Bratschi, Head of the Center for Environmental Systems and Lecturer ZHAW

Moderation: Nicola Blum, Lecturer on Social Innovation and Circular Economy BFH Bern

SSEF23 | Input: Steward Ownership: The Ownership Structure for a Sustainable Economy

Steward ownership – never heard of it? This Input Talk with Lukas Hotz of Purpose Switzerland explains the principles and potential of the still little-known ownership structure. How it can be implemented in Switzerland and how it enables a responsible way of doing business is what you will learn in this program item.

Together with Daniel Freitag and his case MONoPOLE, legal corporate structures and their significance for entrepreneurs, employees and society will be discussed.

SSEF23 | Case: one11 and Innosuisse

Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. By strengthening Swiss science- based innovation and entrepreneurship, Innosuisse contributes to the sustainable economic, social and ecological development on a national and global scale.

The Innosuisse Guide leads you in a few steps to the appropriate funding offer (www.innosuisse.guide).

one11 is a networking platform in favor of a participatory and self-determined society. They bring people of different ages together and network when it comes to affordable and attractive housing, flexible jobs and events.

SSEF23 | Panel: Impact and Communication

Social enterprises pursue a positive social, environmental or cultural impact through their activities. This purpose is also becoming increasingly important for companies from the profit-oriented economy, and a variety of transformation processes are ongoing.

Together with our exciting guests, we want to shed light on the following questions from different perspectives:

How can impact / purpose be plausibly communicated?
Is Focus on Impact only a fair-weather programme or will it remain even if revenues decline?
Is there still a CSR department in the company?
How close is the impact focus to the core business? Where is it on the organization chart?

Discussing:

Vanessa Rueber, Community, Marketing & Impact Manager, Patagonia
Rico Travella, Member of the Executive Board, Alternative Bank Switzerland
Hanna Olzon Åkerström, Founder, Co-CEO & Creative Director, Soeder AG
Nicholas Hänny, CEO NIKIN

Moderation: Susanne Sugimoto, Editorial Director, The Philanthropist

SSEF23 | Input: Buy Social: Impact-oriented Procurement

Buy Social means: procuring goods from impact driven companies. Thus, the procurement has a positive impact. SENS organized first events where social enterprises presented themselves to corporates and published the first social enterprises business directory. The international label for verified social enterprises and a European action on the topic will give this topic an additional push.

Learn more: https://buysocial.ch/

SSEF23 | Input: About Wemakeit and how the platform was adopted by the community

Céline Fallet explains how Wemakeit AG was fully taken over by the community and the team as owners last year. Thus, the project financing platform is not only for the crowd, but also lives it and is today owned by 5,300 shareholders.

The shares were sold in such a way that no individual interests determine the direction of the platform. Céline tells us exactly how this was done, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and finally answers your questions about it.

SSEF23 | Input: A Look Across Borders – Financing Social Innovation in Germany

Rafael Heim from SEND takes us with his input to the EU and shows which solutions for the financing of social entrepreneurs are developed in the big neighbors.

SSEF23 | Input: How does a funding by the Innovation Fund Association work?

The Innovation Fund Association supports initiatives, companies and projects in the start-up or early stages. It provides equity in the form of investments or grants loans. Thus, projects, institutions and businesses with exemplary character are supported, which have little money but viable structures and a convincing concept.

Roland Baumgartner shares a concrete example of how the support / promotion of the Innovation Fund works.

SSEF23 | Panel: Financing Social Entrepreneurship

The financing of social enterprises is associated with major challenges, as there are few specific financing models or funders in Switzerland. Social entrepreneurs pursue a positive social impact as the purpose of their activity and see financial profit as a means to an end. This is why they often fall through between the usually sharply separated funding pots of classic investors and foundations. In addition, social enterprises use a variety of legal forms – sometimes hybrid forms and combinations – which can make fundraising even more difficult.

One had hoped for venture capital from the financial world (venture philanthropy). But the experience has been disappointing. Why does the financial world show little willingness to take risks in the area of social enterprises? What do donors need from social entrepreneurs that they would use their capital?
How can a stronger cooperation of different actors within the financing ecosystem succeed, for example a consortium financing in which investors and non-profit foundations participate? What is needed?

Discussing:

Christoph Inauen, Co-Founder, Choba Choba
Justine Portenier, Managing Director, Social Fabric
Stefan Schöbi, CEO StiftungSchweiz
Brigitte Gisler, Member of the Executive Board, Freie Gemeinschaftsbank

Moderation: Robert Schmuki, Co-Founder Con-Sense / Lecturer Philanthropy

SSEF23 | Input: More entrepreneurial collaboration for the benefit of society – a cooperative effort

“Making business an important lever for social change, while respecting people and the biosphere”, this is the mission to which APRÈS has been committed for almost 20 years in Western Switzerland.

Based on this history and experience, we are working in collaboration with national actors such as SENS to develop a political advocacy based on the practices, expertise and demands of our members, and to disseminate it to politicians and economic circles at the federal level.

On the agenda: “one planet” neighbourhoods, digital commons, subscription to local goods and services, and more.

Come and discover our work, findings, and achievements of the last years!

Speakers

Johanna Aebi

Deputy CEO, YES

Details

Frederike Asael

Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Impact Hub Bern

Details

Roland Baumgartner

Head of Innovation Fund, Alternative Bank Switzerland

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Nicola Blum

Lecturer on Social Innovation and Circular Economy, BFH Bern

Details

Sponsors & Partners

SSEF2022

Gegenwart und Zukunft der Social Economy, Finanzierung von Social Businesses, Social Gastronomy, digitale & monetäre Commons, Purpose Ventures und Soziale Innovation: Das Swiss Social Economy Forum 2022 trat zum zweiten Mal und erneut reichhaltig an aktuellsten Themen auf.

Dieses Mal in hybrider Ausführung, on-und offline, trafen sich Akteur:innen der Social Economy und Interessierte im Kraftwerk in Zürich.

SSEF22 | Panel: Social Innovation

We can solve social problems not only with technical innovations but also with social innovations. Examples of social innovations include new forms of participation, communication and cooperation in areas such as energy, resource efficiency, agriculture or mobility. How do we promote social innovation in Switzerland? What is the relation between technical and social innovation? How do we use social innovations for sustainable business models?

Discussing:

Annalise Eggimann, Director of Innosuisse
Patrick Honauer, Social Entrepreneur / Lecturer
Stefan Schöbi, Head Migros Pioneer Fund
Prof. Dr. Ingrid Kissling-Näf, Head of Department. Economy BFH / Co-President SIBA

Moderation: Moritz Meyer, Communication Lead One Planet Lab & Impact Hub Zurich

SSEF22 | Panel: Cooperatives in the 21st century

In Switzerland, cooperatives have a tradition as part of the social economy. How can we ensure that the cooperative spirit is passed on to the next generation? What role do cooperatives play in the future corporate world in Switzerland?

Discussing:

Anja Niedworok, Researcher ETH Zurich
Lars Kläger, CCO Mobility Genossenschaft
Thomas Tribelhorn, CEO ADEV Energiegenossenschaft
Regina Natsch, Vice President SENS

Moderation: Helen Issler, former deputy editor-in-chief SF DRS

SSEF22 | Panel: Present & Future of the Social Economy in Switzerland

What role does the social economy play in Switzerland? What are needs, interests, and barriers of social entrepreneurs? What do these mean for decision-makers in politics, administration and business?

Discussing:

Rahel Pfister, Mananging Director of SENS
Christophe Dunand, APRÈS-Geneve
Lisa Mazzone, Council of States Geneva
Natalie Laechelt, Policy Analyst OECD

Moderation: Paola Gallo, CEO Jobfactory

SSEF22 | Podium: Financing Social Business

How can social enterprises be better connected with funders & investors? What consulting services do social entrepreneurs need in terms of financing? What role do foundations, banks, the public sector and other players play today and in the future?

Discussing:

David Brühlmeier, Project Manager Bold.Foundation
Anja Koenig, DACH Manager European Venture Philanthropy Association
Diana Schor-Hayoz, KMU-Financing Alternative Bank Schweiz
Christoph Inauen, Co-Founder Choba Choba AG

Moderation: Nicola Forster, Präsident SGG

Speakers

Annalise Eggimann

CEO, Innosuisse

Details

David Brühlmeier

Project Lead, Bold.Foundation

Details

Lisa Mazzone

Council of States, Geneva

Adrian Wiedmer

Director of gebana AG

Details

Sponsoren & Partner

SSEF2021

Im Frühling 2021 wurde das Forum live aus der Halle 7 in Basel gestreamt. Hier wurde erstmals national Relevanz und Status Quo der Social Economy aufgezeigt, um schliesslich über Potenzial und Herausforderungen diskutieren zu können.

Dank digitaler Workshops und Sessions wurde ein interaktives Programm ermöglicht und praxisrelevante Themen angegangen. Mit Blick über die nationalen Grenzen hinweg, wurde zum Ende des Forums der Blick geöffnet und die Schweizer Social Economy in den Europäischen Kontext eingebettet.

SSEF21 | Opening

Opening of the Swiss Social Economy Forum 2021.

The SSEF creates a Switzerland-wide public stage for topics related to impact-oriented management for actors from practice, science, politics and civil society. The social economy and social entrepreneurs make an important contribution to prosperity in Switzerland. The #SSEF contributes to awareness of this sector and improves the framework for the social economy.

SSEF21 | Stories of success

Speaking:

Barbara Buser, architect and partner Baubüro in situ
Paola Gallo, CEO Jobfactory
Ursina Hasler, Communication and Product Development reCIRCLE

Moderation: Lea Grüter

SSEF21 | Intro-Statements

What is the role of the social economy in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic? What does innovation have to do with the social economy and social entrepreneurship? How can the transformative power of the social economy fully unfold? To what extent do social entrepreneurs have a transformative power for a sustainable and resilient economic system? Where do they see the social economy in ten years? What should policymakers and government agencies do to support the social economy? What is the contribution of science to the social economy? Wie transformieren wir die wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Systeme, wie wir sie bis heute kennen?

Speaking:

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Luciana Vaccaro, Vice-President Innosuisse
Erich Geisser, CEO Changemaker
Suzanne Wisse-Huizkes, CEO Euclid Network
Christoph Dunand, Co-Founder APRÈS-GE & Ashoka Senior Fellow
Anna Athanasopoulou, Head of Unit – Proximity, Social Economy and Creative Industries, European Commission
Marthe Nyssens, President EMES Research Network for Social Entreprise
Nora Wilhelm, Co-Founder collaboratio helvetica

SSEF21 | Panel: Social Economy & Social Entrepreneurship in Switzerland

The social economy includes social entrepreneurs, cooperatives, non-profit associations, foundations, and other forms of business. What unites these organizations is a positive social impact as the purpose of their activity. The Social Economy contributes to solving current societal challenges and makes a strong and important contribution to the social and economic well-being of Switzerland. While there is a long-standing tradition of cooperative enterprises in Switzerland, the concept and understanding of social entrepreneurship from the English-speaking world has only arrived in this country in recent years. Awareness of this sector is still low in Switzerland. Time for a fundamental discussion: What role does the social economy play in Switzerland? What is the potential for growth? How does the social economy contribute to solving current societal challenges? What are the challenges for social entrepreneurs in Switzerland? How can these challenges be addressed and which actors are needed?

Discussing:

Prof. Dr. Georg von Schnurbein, Professor of Foundation Management and Director of the Center for Philantropy Studies (CEPS)
Anita Wymann, Chairman of the Board of Directors Alternative Bank Switzerland
Jenny Schäpper-Uster, Co-Founder VillageOffice Cooperative
Dr. Beni Rohrbach, Reserach and Development SENS

Moderation: Pia Tschannen, founder and collaborator fairness at work

SSEF21 | Panel: Framework conditions for the social economy

The social economy makes an important contribution to prosperity in Switzerland because it combines economic activity with a positive social impact, thus helping to solve current social challenges. While the topic has already made it onto the political agenda in Germany and the EU, for example, and better framework conditions are being created for the sector, awareness of the sector in Switzerland is still low. In a response to a postulate on the subject, the Federal Council writes that “the existing framework conditions for promoting social entrepreneurship in Switzerland are favorable.” However, a survey among social entrepreneurs shows: 60 % of the respondents describe the weak lobby in politics as the biggest and most important hurdle for social entrepreneurship. Together with representatives from politics and practice, we will discuss what framework conditions the social economy needs. How can the social economy develop better in Switzerland? How do we get more social startups established? And: which actors are in demand – governments, parliaments or authorities?

Discussing:

Melanie Mettler, National Councillor GLP
Adrian Wiedmer, Managing Director gebana AG
Nik Gugger, National Councillor EVP
Samuel Brülisauer, Research Analyst UNRISD

Moderation: Helen Issler, former deputy editor-in-chief DRS

SSEF21 | Panel: Cooperatives as part of the social economy

Cooperatives have a long tradition in Switzerland; alpine cooperatives were already formed in the Middle Ages. Today, more than 8,000 cooperative enterprises in a wide variety of sectors, such as agriculture, housing, banking, trade and insurance, continue the tradition of socially responsible business. Although the principle of cooperative management as the basis of cooperatives has existed for a long time, the idea has lost none of its relevance. On the contrary, with the demand for responsible and sustainable management, the cooperative has proven to be a very good legal form for this: Democratic values, issues around profit, ownership and participation are anchored in the DNA of this legal form. As a result, many new innovative cooperatives are emerging today in the fields of media, renewable energies, community living, gastronomy, mobility or data/IT. Time to bring this form of enterprise into the public spotlight: What role do cooperatives play for prosperity in Switzerland? What is the potential for growth? How can cooperatives contribute to solving current social challenges? What are the challenges for cooperative start-ups in Switzerland?

Discussing: