A New Way to Make a Difference
Business With a Built-in Purpose
Social enterprises are businesses driven by a mission to create positive change, blending the best of charity and commerce to build a better world.
What's a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business built to make a difference. Unlike traditional businesses that aim for profit first, social enterprises use their commercial model to create positive social and environmental change. Their mission isn't just a side project—it's woven into everything they do.
Think of it this way: instead of just making money and then donating some, a social enterprise makes money by doing good. They aim to be financially strong, but any profits go straight back into growing their impact, not just shareholder pockets. They're a powerful blend of business smarts and social heart, distinct from charities that rely on donations, or companies that only give back after making profits.
Why Champion Social Enterprises?
Meaningful Work
Social enterprises provide jobs that empower individuals, fostering a sense of purpose and community.
Sustainable Impact
By prioritizing sustainability, social enterprises ensure long-term benefits for both people and the planet.
Innovative Solutions
Using business creativity and flexibility to solve societal problems.
If you're driven by collective good more than personal profit, and love the dynamic challenge of the business world, a social enterprise might just be your perfect path to making a real impact.
How Social Enterprises Get Things Done
Empowering Employment
Providing jobs and training for specific groups, like a café that helps people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.
Delivering Vital Services
Offering valuable social or environmental services, such as a mobile education service bringing environmental awareness to communities..
Funding Good Causes
Generating ethical profits from a business to fully support a charity's mission, like a charity second-hand store.
Blended Approaches
Combining these and other methods to maximize their impact.
Additional Resources
- The Charities Service for its expectations of social enterprises that seek charities registration
- Contact the LE team for more support