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About the Guide …
The Canadian Social Enterprise Guide was originally published in 2006 and was the first extensive and comprehensive published resource, tool kit, and collection of social enterprise stories in Canada. The revised 2nd Edition of the Guide reflects the learning of Enterprising Non-Profits program and its 10 years of supporting the development and success of social enterprise through technical assistance and resource development. The Guide includes chapters written by enp staff, social enterprise practitioners, professional trainers, funders and organizational development professionals.
Who this Guide is for …
If you’re a non-profit organization thinking about creating or already developing a new enterprise, or if you are expanding/formalizing your existing revenue-generating programs, then this Guide is for you. As a social enterprise development and planning tool the Guide is valuable for project managers, executive directors, Board members, and staff of a wide range of non-profit organizations. The Guide is also useful for business classes, students, corporate social responsibility businesses, government, industry, consultants/trainers and funders.
Why we wrote this Guide …
While enterprise development among non-profits has grown exponentially in the past few years, many non-profits still face great challenges in getting their ideas off the ground. If they can readily access the best available information about how to plan their social enterprises, the road towards start-up will be less stressful, and their businesses more likely to succeed. The Guide answers questions such as:
- How can you tell if your group is ready to embark on a social enterprise?
- What are the steps in a social enterprise planning process?
- How do you identify and assess enterprise opportunities?
- How do you plan for a social enterprise?
- How can you measure social returns in a business setting?
- What do you need to know about the legal context?
To ground the guide in reality, we talked to leaders of non-profits across Canada that have started and are operating social enterprises. We also based our approach on our experience at the Enterprising Non-Profits Program, which funds non-profits to plan their social enterprises.
