What are social enterprises?
Social enterprises are businesses that tackle social and environmental problems. They create jobs and generate income like other businesses, but instead of channelling their profits to owners they reinvest them to support their social mission. In doing so, they are improving people’s lives in our communities and societies.
Our Global Social Enterprise programme
We promote the development of social enterprise and social investment to help foster a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for us all. Our programme draws on UK expertise, striving to share best practice and create opportunities between the UK and other countries. Currently operating in 24 countries and working with a host of international and local partners, we provide social entrepreneurs with:
- training
- business consulting and mentoring
- access to funding and investment opportunities
- study tours
- international networking
We also conduct research and organise policy dialogues, academic exchanges and public awareness activities which promote social enterprise and social investment.
We are keen on developing the social enterprise ecosystem through:
1. Building partnerships
2. Creating awareness about the work of social enterprises
3. Policy development
4. Business support and incubation
5. Community impact and leadership building
Find out more about our work and the social enterprises we support below.