Social Enterprise

A social enterprise is a type of business that is set up to tackle social or environmental issues. They are businesses with a social or environmental mission at their heart. Their main aim is to make a positive difference to society or the environment, rather than make profit for shareholders.

There are many different types of social enterprise, but all share some common features. These include:

-Having a clear social or environmental mission

-Making money through trade, not donations

-Reinvesting profits back into the business or the community

-Being accountable and transparent

Social enterprises can be set up as charities, companies limited by guarantee or Community Interest Companies (CICs). In the UK, the Social Enterprise Mark is awarded to organisations that meet certain criteria, including having a clear social and/or environmental mission, generating income through trading activities, and reinvesting profits for social good.