Social Entrepreneurship in Sheltered Employment Centres: A Case Study of Business Success

Abstract

Sheltered Employment centres (CEEs) are part of the social economy companies, based on the primacy of people over capital, social benefits and solidarity. Its aim is to carry out productive work and they are a means of integration of the greatest possible number of disabled people. There is a growing interest in this type of business because its number has increased considerably. The objective of this chapter is to give academic visibility to CEEs due to its great contribution to the social corporate responsibility and to encourage the so-called social entrepreneurship. The reasons for creating social firms are analysed and the characteristics that can contribute to the success of this type of companies are studied. Using the case study methodology, a CEE is analysed in depth showing the main features of social economy business by means of a specific case and the key variables that has conducted to its success.