A Social Enterprise Snapshot is a managment tool that shows key performance information about the enterprise to support good operational and planning decisions. It helps social enterprises manage different business and mission-related objectives by giving them an integrated picture of how the enterprise is doing.  People outside of the enterprise can also use it to learn about what the enterprise is doing and the value it creates. 

What does it look like?

The Snapshot is a visual, at-a-glance summary of the enterprise.  It can be developed as printed document or an electronic 'dashboard', which allows people to actively engage with the information.  The exact content and format of the Snapshot depends on its audience and the issues that are important to the social enterprise. It can be designed to directly support the key decisions the enteprise makes and/or to show the work and value of the enterprise to others.

The Demonstrating Value website (www.demonstratingvalue.org  Currently under Construction) will help social enterprises  create a Snapshot that fits their needs.

Here are a few examples of Snapshots for a hypothetical social enterprise that provides supportive employment. To read more about this hypothetical enterprise, click here.

Examples

Example 1

Click on image to download the example (The file is in PDF - you will need the most recent Acrobat Reader to interact with the content; allow a minute to load)

• Main audience: The Board of Directors to help them see the issues, and make good strategic and governance decisions.
• Format: Electronic (developed in Excelcius, a SAP Business Objects Software product)

Example 1

Click on the image to download the example (PDF)

• Main audience: Investors to inform them about what the enterprise does, and to show them the value of supporting the enterprise.
• Format: Printed Report (developed Word 2007 using a template)