MERCi is unique within Manchester with its focus on action around community enterprises, the social economy and voluntary sector groups who provide employment through the pioneering use of environmental technologies and information, community development and activities which are environmentally friendly & ethically sound.
MERCi works to:
facilitate the creation of community enterprises to address social exclusion and empower disadvantaged people
promote the social economy to deliver maximum environmental, community and economic benefit to Manchester
facilitate job creation, through the support of individuals who interpret business opportunities in present and future environmental legislation and market opportunities
What is the Social Economy?
Workers co-operatives, social enterprises, community-run businesses, local exchange and trading schemes (lets), credit unions, development agencies, micro-credit, and time banks. Although there is no clear definition of the term 'social economy', it is generally accepted to cover the range of organisations that are neither part of the public or private for-profit sectors. It is a 'middle way' relying often on innovative partnerships and creative management techniques to ensure environmental, and social as well as economic benefits for its' local community.
The Social Economy is the part of economic activity that exists between public & private sector businesses and which functions for social purposes. It is characterised by the following criteria:
