BC Social Enterprise Study: Developing Community Capital

SCD 403: Centre for Sustianable Community Development
Simon Fraser University
March 30, 2009

The study reveals much about the diversity and strength of this emerging sector in British Columbia. Although they are concentrated in the Lower Mainland, social enterprises are active in all regions of the Province of BC. Social enterprises are highly networked: more than half have partnerships with other social enterprises, cooperatives and non‐profits, governments, community groups, and educational institutions. In 2008, the  surveyed social enterprises alone:  employed 860 people in full‐ and part‐time positions, of which at least 660 people were from identified demographic groups in need and generated at least $90m in revenue and paid at least $8.4m in wages and salaries. Four‐fifths of social enterprises broke even or were profitable.