
Our serial entrepreneur Gjergji is setting up a textile social business to create over 130 better paying jobs with exceptional working conditions for vulnerable women in Albania. Located in an area with some of the highest unemployment rates in Albania, Gjergji’s social business reinvests all profits to create much-needed fair jobs in the region. You can now support him on KIVA’s crowd-lending platform by lending any amount to his social business, starting with as little as 25 USD.
“The concept of a business that operates with the one goal to create profits for its owners is out-fashioned. Building a business that will contribute to a community in need, providing employment for vulnerable women and giving them the opportunity to provide revenues for their families – that is my personal goal”- Gjergji Gjika in Monitor.al, 2012

The company will not only create income-opportunities for women. It is also a commitment towards a healthy working environment, state of the art machinery and training opportunities for employees. We have seen it over and over again in the past: Invest in the women and you invest in their families. Gjergji has already supported over 20 garment factories in Albania and has been a leading advocate of better working conditions in the Garment Industry in Albania.
With the first clients already lined up to order, your support to Gjergii will help his social business grow and provide livelihoods for disadvantaged women.

Social Entrepreneurs and small and growing businesses (SGBs) have been acting as frontline responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing services to the most vulnerable populations. But the crisis shed light on the constraints & challenges they face. We call on on corporations, (impact) investors, funders, support organizations and government institutions to stand by social entrepreneurs

YSB is thrilled to announce our partnership with Ingka Group (the largest IKEA retailer) and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship B.V. to launch the Social Enterprise Partnership Programme (SEP). The programme supports local social enterprises to scale their existing businesses and create more inclusive and sustainable communities while meeting IKEA business needs.

Gain insights from local social enterprises on their experience with B2B partnerships and social procurement in South Africa.