WHAT IS A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE?

The Social Enterprise Alliance suggests the following basic working definition:

"Organizations that address a basic unmet need or solve a social or environmental problem through market-driven approach."

" Social enterprises span the spectrum of non-profit to for-profit entities. The Social Enterprise Alliance recognizes three general social enterprise models:

1. Opportunity Employment: organizations that employ people who have significant barriers to mainstream employment. 

2. Transformative Products or Services: organizations that create social or environmental impact through innovative products and services.

3. Donate Back: organizations that contribute a portion of their profits to nonprofits that address basic unmet needs."

Source: https://socialenterprise.us/about/social-enterprise/