There are many shapes, sizes, and types of social enterprise, however there are a few distinguishable features that make a social enterprise different from both conventional businesses and charities. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts that helps distinguish a social enterprise from other similar entities.
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The people behind social enterprises
Anyone can get involved with starting up a social enterprise. Business Ventures such as Organic Vegetable produce, cleaning companies, hairdressing, decorating & labouring, or even street dance classes on housing estates; are some of the examples of successful social enterprises.
Social enterprises are not only started by the younger generation; within the UK people who have retired are also actively getting involved with setting up projects. In some instances groups of public sector workers have come together to form social enterprises tackling local and wider community issues, often with help and support from the Government.
Social enterprises such as Academy4housing have also been set up by Housing Associations and various other housing entities such as ALMO’s and TMO’s, as well as by schools and community groups.
Why are social enterprises the new driving force behind improving living standards?
The evidently frequent successes of social enterprises (even during times of economic hardship) has led to a growing desire among businesses to transform the ways in which they operate, contributing towards a more sustainable future. It is no surprise that increasingly within society, people are more and more convinced that social enterprise is the new way of doing business, working not just for increasing profits but also for the benefit of the wider community. Increased social awareness has led to consumers wanting to know where the goods they buy come from, and tend to ask the following questions prior to making a purchase decision:
- Have they caused human suffering or environmental damage along the way?
- Are workers being treated well?
- Am I getting value for money?
- Where does the company’s profit go?
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