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

Methods

  1. Positive Incentive Approach: Showcase the economic advantages of inclusive employment rather than focusing solely on rights-based arguments
  2. Good-Practice Identifikation: Systematically analyze theoretical success factors for transferability between countries
  3. Peer Learning: Exchange proven concepts through transnational workshops and an online platform
  4. 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/

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