The public policy objectives of enp are to:

Encourage Awareness and Demonstrate Value

Anecdotal information indicates the amazing role of social enterprise in the health of communities. Social enterprises provide positive contribution in the economy, the labour market and their intentional involvement in the social, environmental and cultural fabric of communities, both urban and rural. Evidence based research is needed to authenticate the actual extent to which social enterprise contributes to the economy, creates employment (especially in marginalized communities) and creates social value.

The research results will be the basis for a marketing campaign for social enterprise. A broader demonstration of the value of social enterprise to the general public, non-profit organizations, government policy makers and politicians, and the private sector will help foster the necessary relationships and partnerships that will impact social enterprise growth and the creation of a supportive environment.

Enhance Enterprise Skills

Blending business operations with social outcomes in social enterprises requires a particular set of governance and management skills not common in the traditional separation of for-profit business skills and non-profit service skills. This emerging business model presents a challenge to the non-profit sector as it ventures into the business arena and to experienced business managers as they integrate social values in everyday operations. This gap in skills and experience requires the creation and funding for the appropriate and on-going learning opportunities for individuals and organizations along the entire social enterprise development path. As well, adding social enterprise to at all levels of the educational sector curriculum will enhance current and future strength of the social enterprise management and governance skills.

Ensure Access to Capital and Investment

All businesses require access to financial capital, especially investment and patient capital at start up and points of growth in the business. Social enterprises, by the nature of their predominantly non-share incorporation, have limited options beyond traditional grant models and straight forward loan arrangements. Grant income is not sustainable in the long term and loans are a cash flow problem and often an expensive avenue to raise capital at a start-up or growth stage.

New forms of patient, investment-like, capital pools have to be developed, investor tax credits for social enterprise are needed and innovative share-based social enterprise incorporation models are required.

Expand Market Opportunities

Every purchase has a ripple effect and multiplier impacts, whether unintentional or intentional. Intentional purchasing can insure the greatest impact opportunities for social enterprise. The procurement policies and the purchasing practices of the three levels of government, NPO's and private sector need to maximize their buying from social enterprises. This requires marketing schemes, purchaser and supplier matching, and appropriate incentives to encourage participation in a changing supply chain management model. It includes targeted purchases, unbundling, and supportive RFP criteria.