What is a Social Enterprise?

A Social Enterprise is a business with primarily social objectives whose profits are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community.

The Social Enterprise Coalition in the UK defines it similarly as “an organisation that trades in the market for a social purpose”.

Social enterprises see trading as a significant and defining part of their business. They earn profits but reinvest them differently from other businesses.

The sector is incredibly diverse, including development trusts, community enterprises, membership associations, social firms, NGOs, civil society groups and co-operatives.

The Social Entrepreneur

Social entrepreneurs are a distinct group of individuals with definite and more positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship.

They spot social problems, issues, and find innovative ways to overcome them. They are primarily concerned with social innovation, or “innovative activities and services that are motivated by the goal of meeting a social need.”

If the social enterprise is the organisational form, the social entrepreneur is the agent.  He or she often sees areas where an imbalance exists in the market…and explores them as an opportunity to provide a new solution, product, service, or process.

Our programme on Social Enterprises

The British Council is investing in research and design for a new global programme called ‘Skills for Social Entrepreneurs’

We believe social enterprise is an exciting way for young people to set up sustainable businesses for positive social change.

We want to provide opportunities for young people to help them make a difference in their communities.

We want to link UK and East Asia organisations and individuals and work with partners who can make technical and financial contributions to develop social enterprise training opportunities for thousands of young people.

For more information, please write an email to: britishcouncil@britishcouncil.org.ph