Social economy organisations are entities which put social and environmental purposes first, reinvesting most of their profit back into the organisation. There are 2.8 million social economy entities in Europe that employ 13.6 million people, and which offer solutions to key challenges in our societies. They span a diverse range of sectors and forms, from care services to recycling, and from cooperatives to social enterprises. Enhanced support to the social economy not only creates jobs, but also allows organisations to increase their social impact across the EU. The Social Economy Action Plan smooths the way for social economy organisations to prosper and grow. With the Action Plan, the Commission aims to create the right conditions for the social economy to thrive; open opportunities for social economy organisations to start up and scale up; and make sure the social economy and its potential are recognized.