social enterprises
Purpose-over-profit companies
Social enterprises are businesses that prioritize social or environmental goals alongside profit.
Unlike traditional charities, they generate revenue through commercial activity rather than relying solely on donations.
Unlike traditional businesses, their primary measure of success isn't shareholder return but social impact: The social enterprise employs formerly incarcerated workers.
They occupy a middle ground between nonprofit and for-profit models.
- microfinanceSmall loans for poor entrepreneurs
- fair tradeEquitable exchange between parties
- crowdfundingRaising capital from masses
- triple bottom lineBusiness accountability triad
- community developmentOrganized local betterment efforts
grassroots movement · impact investing · credit unions · poverty alleviation · nonprofit organizations · entrepreneurship · cooperatives · grant funding · circular economy · partnerships · cultural preservation · environmental sustainability · investment · education access · healthcare equity · benefit · founder · empowerment
social enterprisescommercial enterprises
For-profit organizations
hedge funds · corporate raiders · multinational corporations · big business · Wall Street
social enterprisesgovernment agencies
State-run administrative bodies