Social Enterprise
A social enterprise is....
"a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners."
A social enterprise then, is first and foremost a business which is involved in some form of trading activity, selling goods or delivering a service. It must be set up primarily to meet a social objective, for example helping to tackle homelessness, providing training, care services or supported employment.. Some social enterprises are also registered charities.
Social enterprises' legal structure can include:
- A community interest company
- A company limited by guarantee
- An industrial and provident society
- A company limited by shares.
Resources and useful websites
To see the breadth of activity social enterprise covers go to the Social Enterprise Coalition website at
Help in setting your business up as a Social Enterprise from Business Link at
www.businesslink.gov.uk/yorkshire.html
Training and other support from The Social Enterprise Training and Support Consortium (SETAS) at
Social Enterprise information at
The Social Investment Business is the largest social investor in the UK. It manages funding streams for social enterprise and brings finance, knowledge and expertise. Related websites:
www.socialinvestmentbusiness.org
www.communitybuildersfund.org.uk
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Socialenterprise
