After introducing the concept of Social Public Procurement (SPP) and Social Economy, and providing an overview of the EU and National legal frameworks of the partner countries (including public tendering procedures, contract laws and existing public procurement schemes), the Deal4Good training programme will further identify barriers and opportunities for participation of Social Enterprises in SPP, during the Module 3 – Assessing the Needs of Social Enterprises.
Why this module matters
A structured analysis of SEs’ needs helps to:
- Identify readiness gaps (e.g., compliance, capacity, quality assurance).
- Translate buyer requirements into capacity-building priorities for SEs.
- Support better alignment between procurement demand and SE supply potential.
- Meet procurement standards (e.g., documentation, delivery timelines).
- Scale production and improve efficiency.
- Sustainably grow while preserving their social mission.
Needs analysis provides the evidence base to:
- Map the current SE ecosystem by sector, size, and readiness level.
- Prioritize sectors or communities where SE support will ensure the highest social value.
- Monitor progress in building inclusive supply chains.
What this module delivers
Overall, Module 3:
- Equips the participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively assess the needs of Social Enterprises (SEs) and align those needs with relevant procurement opportunities.
- Analyzes the SE needs and creates a shared understanding among stakeholders such as buyers, SEs, intermediaries, and government, promoting:
- Collaborative procurement readiness programs.
- Joint problem-solving between SEs and buyers.
- Enables buyers and policymakers designing procurement processes that reduce barriers, such as complex tendering requirements or lack of access to finance, this contributing to:
- Job creation for marginalized groups.
- Local economic development through community-based enterprises.
- Greater diversity and innovation within supply chains.
Key takeaways for trainees
After completing Module 3 learners will be able to:
- Understand the specific characteristics, strengths, and challenges of social enterprises.
- Learn how to conduct a structured needs assessment using appropriate tools and methods.
- Learn how to engage stakeholders in consultations to identify barriers and opportunities for participation in procurement.
And there is more to come…