About social enterprise

About social enterprise

What is a social enterprise? What characteristics, principles and features define them? Read on to find out more.

What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise has a social and/or environmental mission and operates as a business selling a product and/or service. Unlike traditional businesses that focus on private profit, social enterprises are mission-locked, reinvesting in their mission. 

Working in collaboration with partners around the world, we have identified five key characteristics of a social enterprise. These characteristics are used by the People and Planet First verification.

1. Purpose: Exists to solve a social and/or environmental problem  
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2. Operations: Prioritises purpose, people and planet over profit in operational decisions 
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3. Revenue: Has a self-sustaining revenue model  
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4. Use of surplus: Reinvests the majority of any surplus towards its purpose. 
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5. Structure: Chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long-term
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