Social Enterprise

[skeeter]

I think more small business should network to benefit the community and to get one over on Multinational corporations.

Most big companies rely on the supply network of small businesses.

Careful what you wish for...the big boys employ people who spend money in the market place. Who do you think you work for? We're a country, nation and people.

Wouldn't you prefer a cushy high paid job?

[skeeter]

Hi since my ealier post, I've had the pleasure of people giving me the benefit of the objectives for Social Enterprise.

I have to say, I'm really thrilled with the Social Enterprise concept. It falls right in line with my ethos...I originally understood it as a "breakeven" organisation that employes people for the benefit of society.

If anybodyelse had the same misconception as me, I recommend they do a little research. The concept is (as far as I now understand it) profitability to supporting environmental/social causes.

Sounds like a great set-up. Exactly what Top10 is aiming to do (if I am allowed to say that).

[blissy]

Thanks Skeeter

Glad you had some experience of it and cleared up your misconceptions. I think there are many people who se social enterprises as an entity that isn't run like a business. But as you say, they are out to generate profit just like the rest of us. It is the way that they use that money, and the ethic behind who they help along the way, that seperates them. Jamie Oliver's "Fifteen" restaurants are a good example; they train disadvantaged teenagers to become chefs (a business which I know personally needs strong character!) but are nonetheless run as restaurants to make money.

[skeeter]

Hi Blissy,

The information people want is often nested deep down.

This is where we found it:
http://blog.top10tips.co.uk/social-e...ght-tomminter/

The information came from a guy who, himself, is involved with social enterprise. Hope others find it useful.

[skeeter]

Glad you had some experience of it and cleared up your misconceptions. I think there are many people who se social enterprises as an entity that isn't run like a business.

To give you an update, we have been called a "Social Enterprise" by others now. However final closure should come on 19th January 2010 at the event by School for Startups ref: Social Enterprise.

This should provide closure on the final issue that have been such a struggle.

Details of their event (places left) and our issues with the subject on our blog: http://blog.top10tips.co.uk/importan...erprise-event/

[skeeter]

Hmm, dont have the official definiation to hand, though I have it somewhere. But anyway basically its doing something that benefits a community and no one else (ie not shareholders)

I know this thread is long dead, but I've bee working on this since November and thankfully, we have a feature called "Social Enterprise: Business on a Social Mission", which broadly speaking attempts to cover the issue of exactly what a Social Enterprise is.

You may also like to know that recently an organisation released "The Social Enterprise Mark"...

For the most recent material see here:
http://www.top10tips.co.uk/uk/small-...t-it-right.php

Hopefully, this will help anyone else looking for the same answers.