David LePage BBC World Challenge Article

Social Enterprise is the Blending of Dreams and Numbers

David LePage was invited to write an article on social enterprise for The World Challenge, a BBC World editorial initiative.  Below is an excerpt from his article.

From http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk 

August 9, 2011

"The social enterprise field continues to emerge and expand across Canada. After enp's 15 years of non-profit social enterprise development supports, I am more and more often asked: "So, what are the critical factors for successful social enterprises?" And as I've thought about it, I think I'm coming to a way to frame the answer: successful social enterprises blend dreams and numbers!

In Vancouver walk into a workplace like Starworks Packaging, where they employ over 50 persons, mostly with developmental disabilities, and see the smiles and earnestness of those employees. The dream of a job, with a pay cheque, friends, and self-esteem is blended with business success of fulfilled contracts from international corporate customers and government.

Or examine the value that the Craft Shop at Vancouver Airport offers, as a single point of sale, for many area artists; the connection between farmers and consumers created by the local farmers' market; or the marketing success of Common Thread bringing together smaller social enterprise sewing entities, enabling access to much larger markets?

Want a delicious lunch at Elise's in Winnipeg? Or need some printing from Eva's Phoenix in Toronto to support youth at risk build their skills? Or enjoy a juice in Halifax supporting employment training for persons with mental health issues? Need bread from St. John's Bakery in Toronto? Day care? Health care? Art gallery? Family counseling? Want a tour of Stanley Park that focuses on Aboriginal culture and history? The examples of blending of social value (dreams) and the business models (numbers) through social enterprise are vast, and across almost every business model; and continue to emerge and expand across Canada. ..."

Click here for the full article.