What is Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises are business ventures operated by non-profits, with the dual purpose of selling a product or service in the marketplace and creating a social value.  They strive for a blended return on investment, both financial and social. Their profits are returned to the business or to a social purpose, rather than maximizing profits to shareholders.

Social enterprises produce a broad range of products and services including catering, courier services, landscaping, janitorial services, fulfillment, printing, hauling and moving, e-recycling, manufacturing, property management, painting, and construction.

In addition to providing a business product or service, social enterprises create a social value in one or more of the following ways:

Social enterprises can fill a need the market will never meet on its own, such as employment for marginalized community members. Examples of this type of social enterprise include:

• Potluck Catering creating employment in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
• The Right Stuff providing employment for youth at risk in a rural community
• The Cleaning Solution, a commercial janitorial service employing people with mental health issues

Social enterprises can provide an opportunity to advance a non-profit's mission, particularly in areas of cultural and environmental activities. Examples of this type of social enterprise include:

• Strathcona Community Dental Clinic which delivers dental care to low income youth and seniors in Vancouver's inner city

Social enterprises can enhance a non-profit's financial sustainability through the generation of profits that flow to a social purpose. Examples of this type of social enterprise include:

• Summerland's Penny Lane Bargain Outlet, a thrift store whose profits support youth services
• Atira Property Management, a for-profit property management service owned by Atira Women's Resources Society

To find a social enterprise in your area, please visit our searchable database of social enterprises at the Canadian Social Enterprise Marketplace. You will find that social enterprises, just like any business, offer valuable products at a competitive price.

Key Links

• Watch our "What is Social Enterprise?" video production.
• Listen to our "What is Social Enterprise?" podcast.
• Browse the products and services offered by Canadian Social Enterprises in our online directory: The Canadian Social Enterprise Marketplace.
• Click here to see enp's collection of Social Enterprise Videos
• Click here to see enp's collection of Social Enterprise Stories and Snapshots
• Click here to see a Social Enterprise Slideshow featuring over 100 different social enterprises from around BC