A social enterprise is a business venture operated by a non-profit. The business sells goods or provides services in the market for the purpose of creating 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. - enterprising non-profits
Here are just some of the social enterprise organizations and resources in Canada and the U.S.
Global organization that accelerates social change by identifying and investing in leading social entrepreneurs
Works with voluntary, government and business sectors to build the foundations necessary to encourage entrepreneurial approaches to social innovation
Undertakes research to understand and promote the social economy tradition within Canada and as a subject of academic enquiry within universities
Focuses on education, mentorship, networking and resourcing for the growth of a flourishing social economy in Canada
Organized by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in partnership with MaRS, the Centre for Social Innovation and the Toronto City Summit Alliance
Community hub for social innovators, hosting and facilitating workshops and events to support Toronto’s social mission sector and operating a collocation facility at 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 120.
An initiative of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public for “open sourcing social solutions™”
Funding program that provides matching grants to non-profit organizations in BC who are interested in starting or expanding a business.
Provides community capacity building, outreach, advocacy and education to promote and support social enterprise
American venture philanthropy fund designed to provide the necessary resources for social entrepreneurs to achieve their visions
Social enterprise consulting firm working in partnership with leading academic institutions and consulting firms
Encourages society to view the social sector as a leading force in creating healthy communities and improving the quality of life
Provides a global platform to promote social entrepreneurship as a key element to advance societies and address social problems
Advances systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs
Invests in social enterprises that employ populations outside the economic mainstream in Canada
Promotes and disseminates multidisciplinary research and policy analysis on issues affecting the social economy
A program of the Skoll Foundation, a global online community where social entrepreneurs and other practitioners of the social benefit sector connect
Engages with leaders in the nonprofit, for-profit, and public sectors to generate and disseminate practicable resources, tools, and knowledge with the ultimate goal of bettering society
Generates and disseminates learning about the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors through collaborative research, curriculum design and community engagement
Provides North American social entrepreneurs and nonprofit enterprise directors with practical news and information, business tools, and inspiration
Award-winning magazine covering best strategies for nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible businesses