i-SME (Inclusive SMEs in Europe)
i-SME (Inclusive SMEs in Europe) is a cooperation project funded by the European Commission with partners from eight EU countries. Its aim is to raise awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about hiring people with disabilities, motivate them to implement inclusive HR measures, and provide them with practical tools and best-practice models.
Project Data
- Titel: i-SME – Inclusive SMEs in Europe
- Duration: 2021 – 2023 (project designed to run for approximately two years)
- Funding: European Commission (Erasmus+ / EA SI)
- Status: Completed – materials and results available online
Objectives & Scope
- Raising Awareness: Demonstrate the economic benefits of inclusive employment and reduce reservations through concrete success stories
- Motivating Action: Provide clear information on the recruitment and support process for employees with disabilities
- Practical Tools: Develop and disseminate guidelines, video case studies, and a “20 Tips” brochure for SMEs
- Policy Support: Draft “Action Guidelines” for use by EU institutions, national authorities, and civil-society actors
Consortium
- INTAMT e.V. (D – Koordinator)
- Business Cooperation Center of Southern Lithuania (PLVKC) (LT)
- FORMEM – Portuguese Federation of Rehabilitation and Integration Facilities (PT)
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) (FI)
- CEPYME – Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ES)
- GTB (BE)
- dafür Unternehmens- und Personalberatung GmbH (AT)
- Disworks (NL)
Methods
- Positive Incentive Approach: Showcase the economic advantages of inclusive employment rather than focusing solely on rights-based arguments
- Good-Practice Identifikation: Systematically analyze theoretical success factors for transferability between countries
- Peer Learning: Exchange proven concepts through transnational workshops and an online platform
- Stakeholder Involvement: nvolve people with disabilities and employers jointly in the development of materials
Project Results
- Documentary Mini-Series: Videos featuring entrepreneurs sharing the successes of their inclusive HR policies
- Information & Support Portal: Online access to case studies, videos, brochures, and guides on recruiting and workplace adjustments
- 20-Tipps Brochure: Concise, practical recommendations for successfully employing people with disabilities
- Action Guidelines: Comprehensive handbooks for EU, national, and regional institutions on planning funding schemes and policy initiatives
License & Access
All project materials are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license and may be freely used and shared with proper attribution.
Website & Download:
https://www.i-sme.eu/
