Social Enterprises - Basics

Definition:

In contrast with a regular business, a social enterprise is also a profit-driven company, but one which generates positive social externalities, other than those typically accepted of any business, such as employment creation.

Popular Business Sectors

- Ethical consumerism
- Health and wellness
- Education and training
- Alternative energy and entertainment

Interesting Examples:

Justgiving
PicassoMio
ResponsibleTravel
Ethical Superstore
Abel & Cole
KleenAir Systems
Green Tomato Cars
theNag.net


Things to Consider:

Do you start with a social problem and create a business solution or do you start from a corporate perspective and create positive social implications.

Social Return on Investment:

One of the most critical elements of social enterprise that most experts are still struggling with; It attempts to quantify the positive externalities of the investment.

Sources for Funds

For Profit-type:

Breakthrough
Triodos
Bis Issue Investment
Bridges
Catalyst

Non-for-Profit type:
Cdfa
Adevnture Capital Fund
Charity Bank
CAF
Ark