In 2026, the training 'Master Public Procurement and Meet the Social Economy' was offered to non-profit associations (ASBLs) and social economy enterprises, with a session in Mons in June and a webinar in September, following an initial event in Namur in 2025. The goal is to train ASBLs in public procurement and foster collaborations with the social economy sector.
Co-organized by the SPW and SAW-B, this initiative aims to equip ASBLs with tools for more responsible purchasing and connect them with social economy companies. On June 11, a session in Mons, hosted by Hainaut Développement, brought together 25 organizations. Following a presentation on the weight of the social economy by ConcertES and testimonials from companies, practical training sessions were provided: one on structuring public procurement for ASBLs (by the SPW and SAW-B), and another on visibility for social economy enterprises towards buyers (by Hainaut Développement).
Participants then discussed encountered challenges and explored tools from the SPW and the Source Hub platform. The morning concluded with a speed-meeting session between buyers and social economy enterprises, encouraging exchanges and collaboration opportunities.
On September 24, a webinar concluded the 2026 cycle. Around fifteen participants attended a practical training on public procurement for ASBLs, complemented by testimonials from social economy enterprises sharing their successful collaborations. These examples aim to demonstrate that working with the social economy within public procurement is not only possible but also meaningful.
