Mission and vision

The Union for Private Economic Enterprise (UPEE) was established on December 22nd, 1989 as the first non-governmental association of private entrepreneurs in the Republic of Bulgaria to unite the private business and to support its activities and successful development. UPEE had been recognized as a nationally representative employers’ organization since 1993 and according to the latest data of the National Social Security Institute represents the interests of over 10 500 enterprises with over 120,000 employees, 66 branch and 103 municipal organizations throughout the country. Today UPEE is an authentic representative of the micro, small and medium business and crafts in Bulgaria and represents its members before bodies, organizations and institutions on local, national and international level. UPEE is a dynamically developing organization that meets the daily challenges of the business. As a reliable partner, UPEE actively supports its members’ activities through developing of an adequate and appropriate tools, policies and solutions. The mission of UPEE is to support the protection and development of the business of its members; to foster the entrepreneurial spirit and the establishment of new enterprises and jobs; to work actively for the economic and social progress of the country. As a responsible social partner, UPEE contributes to the reliability and growth of SME sector and crafts through lobbying with all legally permitted policy instruments aimed at creating a balanced and favorable economic environment and reduction of the administrative and bureaucratic burdens. UPEE is a proven partner of entrepreneurs and employers that represents and defends their interests. UPEE’s slogan is “Act Small First”, because the small business need to be supported the most in order to cope with the risks and challenges, they face. The activities for achieving the goals of UPEE include conducting studies of the business environment and preparation of systematic analyzes, development of proposals for amendments to laws and regulations, proposals for improving the business climate in the country, plans for economic and financial support of SMEs companies and crafts through:

• Participation in consultations and cooperation in drafting legislation;
• Participation in the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation;
• Representation in commissions and monitoring committees of operational programs;
• Representation in municipal, district and regional development councils and commissions;

UPEE is a member of SMEUnited, ESBA, ECSO, EAfA and Pact for Skills and works in partnership with ADAPT International and other European and international organizations and institutions to achieve its goals.