What is a Social Enterprise to you? Discuss a Social Enterprise that inspires you! This is not a test!

Social Enterprises are businesses which exist to pursue social and environmental objectives, rather than to realise profit for owners or share-holders. Profit, better called "surplus", is generated but not distributed and is therefore available to develop the public benefit business further. Social Enterprises come in many shapes and sizes, from small community-owned village shops to large charities delivering public services; from individual social entrepreneurs to national businesses. Characteristics of a Social Enterprise

They are distinctive from other businesses in that the majority of their profits will be used to further social and/or environmental goals. They are distinctive from more traditional charities or voluntary organisations in that they generate the majority, if not all, of their income through trading goods or services rather than donations. Characteristics of a Social Enterprise (Continued)

Examples of Social Enterprises… Social Enterprise Solutions CIC Shabby2Chic Selnet

Voluntary or Business?

Where do Social Enterprises fit?

To raise public sector awareness of Social Enterprises To maintain the distinctiveness of Social Enterprises way of doing business To improve business support to Social Enterprises Challenges

SENW Cumbria SE Coops NW Lancashire SE Cheshire & Warrington Gtr Manchester Gtr Merseyside Locality Social Enterprise North West

Useful Links Selnet (Social Enterprise Lancashire Network) Social Enterprise Solutions CIC