Company Overview:
The Enterprising Non-Profits Program uses the term “social enterprise” to refer to business ventures operated by non-profits, whether they are societies, charities, or co-operatives. These businesses sell goods or provide 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.
Others use a broader definition that includes privately owned ventures that have a very strong blended financial and socially responsible return on investment.
For non-profits and charities, operating an enterprise is nothing new. Museums and art galleries have operated gift shops as a way to generate revenue to support their exhibits and promote art. Service organizations such as the YMCA and YWCA have used fee-based programs to support their charitable activities. And many non-profit social service or relief agencies have operated thrift stores as a means of generating revenue for their activities and providing low-cost goods to their clients.
Use the following link to access the enterprising non-profits Web Site.
Interactive Links:
enterprising non-profits: What is a Social Enterprise (excerpt)?
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NOTE: use this Link to view the video in its entirety.
Procurement Insights Media Coverage:
PI Window on Business Segment (Social Enterprise During an Economic Downturn) – Air Date, June 18th, 2009
Procurement Insights Articles and White Papers:
June 17th, 2009 – Social Enterprise During an Economic Downturn
September 9th, 2008 – The Socially Responsible Procurement Practice: Moving Beyond Social Consciousness
Social Network Links (Groups):
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