MAPISER, the Development of a Social Holding Company Seeking (and Finding) Social Business Opportunities

Abstract

This paper presents the experience of the Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) named Manipulados y Servicios Picarral SL. (MAPISER). This social enterprise is focused on employment and social integration for people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental illnesses. MAPISER has been seeking employment niches in several areas (industrial handling, cleaning graffiti and painting facades, wooden packing, logistics and distribution, information and data services, etc.), becoming a social holding company whose enterprises complement each other in maintaining a balance between social objectives and the need to be economically viable.MAPISER demonstrates the benefits of maintaining a willingness to pursue business opportunities in the real market. These market opportunities suppose employment niches for the target population of the WISEs if these organizations are able to adapt the opportunities for satisfying the needs of these groups. Furthermore, collaboration and business cooperation are keys for creating and strengthening the networks serving these groups and gaining long-term viability.