Social Enterprise Day

A Celebration of Business for Good

Social Enterprise Day is a brilliant way to shine a light on businesses that are changing the world for the better. As someone who’s been knee-deep in this world for years, I’m chuffed to bits to share the ins and outs of this special day with you. So, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of social enterprise!

The Lowdown on Social Enterprise Day

Picture this It’s the third Thursday in November, and all around the world, people are coming together to celebrate businesses that put people and planet before profit. That’s Social Enterprise Day in a nutshell.

Now, you might be wondering, “What’s all the fuss about?” Well, let me tell you, it’s about time we gave these amazing organisations their moment in the sun. These are the folks who wake up every day thinking, “How can we make the world a bit better?” And then they go out and do it!

But it’s more than just a day of celebration. It’s a movement, a call to action, and a reminder that business can be a force for good. It’s about recognising that profit and purpose aren’t mutually exclusive – in fact, they can be perfect bedfellows.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Social enterprise isn’t some newfangled idea that popped up overnight. Oh no, it’s got roots that go way back. Let me take you on a quick jaunt through history.

The OG Social Entrepreneurs

• Florence Nightingale Not just a nursing pioneer, she was a data whiz who used her skills to improve healthcare. Talk about multitasking! Nightingale’s work in the Crimean War wasn’t just about bandaging wounds. She collected and analysed data on mortality rates, using innovative statistical methods to demonstrate how improved sanitation could save lives. Her “rose diagrams” were an early example of using data visualisation for social impact.
• Vinoba Bhave This chap walked across India, convincing landowners to share their wealth. A real smooth talker, that one. Bhave’s “Bhoodan Movement” in the 1950s was revolutionary. He walked over 70,000 kilometres, persuading wealthy landowners to voluntarily give a portion of their land to the poor. By the end of the movement, over 4 million acres had been redistributed. It was social entrepreneurship on a massive scale, addressing wealth inequality through peaceful means.
• Robert Owen A factory owner who cared about his workers’ well-being. Radical stuff for the 1800s! Owen’s New Lanark mill in Scotland was a social experiment ahead of its time. He provided decent housing, free healthcare, and education for workers’ children. He even opened the first infant school in Britain. Owen proved that treating workers well could go hand in hand with running a profitable business.

These trailblazers showed us that you can do good and do well at the same time. They were social entrepreneurs before it was cool.

From Then to Now

Over the years, this idea of using business smarts to tackle social problems has taken off. It’s gone from a few isolated examples to a global movement. And when Social Enterprise Day became part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, well, that’s when things started to heat up!

The term “social enterprise” itself is relatively new, first appearing in the 1970s. But the concept gained traction in the 1990s and 2000s. Organizations like Ashoka, founded by Bill Drayton in 1980, began identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs worldwide. The rise of microfinance institutions like Grameen Bank, founded by Muhammad Yunus in 1983, showed how business models could be used to address poverty on a large scale.

In the UK, the social enterprise movement got a boost in 2002 when the government launched a Social Enterprise Unit. This led to the creation of the Community Interest Company (CIC) legal structure in 2005, giving social enterprises a distinct identity in law.

Why Should We Care?

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but what’s in it for me?” Fair question, my friend. Let me break it down for you.

Making a Difference, One Business at a Time

Social enterprises are like superheroes in the business world. They’re:

• Tackling tough issues From poverty to climate change, these businesses are taking on the big baddies. Take Plastic Bank, for example. They’re turning plastic waste into currency, incentivizing people in developing countries to collect plastic in exchange for money or goods. It’s tackling poverty and plastic pollution in one fell swoop!
• Creating jobs And not just any jobs, but good ones that make people feel valued. Social enterprises often focus on employing people who might struggle to find work elsewhere. The Big Issue in the UK is a prime example, providing homeless people with a way to earn a legitimate income.
• Boosting local economies When a social enterprise thrives, the whole community feels the love. They often source locally and reinvest profits back into the community. Divine Chocolate, co-owned by cocoa farmers in Ghana, ensures that a share of its profits goes back to the farmers, helping to develop their communities.

It’s Not Just Feel-Good Fluff

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just about warm fuzzies. Social enterprises are serious business. They’re contributing billions to the economy and employing millions of people. Not too shabby, eh?

In the UK alone, there are over 100,000 social enterprises contributing £60 billion to the economy and employing 2 million people. That’s about 3% of UK GDP and 5% of all employment. And these numbers are growing.

Globally, the picture is even more impressive. A study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that social entrepreneurship activities involved 3.2% of the world’s working-age population. That’s millions of people working to make the world a better place through business.

What’s a Social Enterprise, Anyway?

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. What exactly are we talking about when we say “social enterprise”?

The Nitty-Gritty

A social enterprise is a business that’s on a mission. But not just any mission it’s all about making the world a better place. They’re using the power of the market to solve social or environmental problems.

But here’s the rub it’s not always easy to define exactly what counts as a social enterprise. Different countries and organizations have different definitions. Generally, though, we’re talking about businesses that:

1. Have a clear social or environmental mission set out in their governing documents
2. Generate the majority of their income through trade
3. Reinvest the majority of their profits
4. Are autonomous of the state
5. Are majority controlled in the interests of the social mission
6. Are accountable and transparent

Flavours of Social Enterprise

Just like ice cream, social enterprises come in all sorts of flavours:

• Non-profit organisations that run businesses to support their cause. Think of Goodwill in the US, which runs thrift stores to fund job training and placement programs.
• For-profit companies with a social mission baked into their DNA. Patagonia is a great example. They’re all about making quality outdoor gear while minimizing environmental impact.
• Community Interest Companies A UK special, these are businesses that give back to the community. Cafédirect, a fairtrade hot drinks company, is set up as a CIC.
• Social Firms These are businesses specifically set up to create employment for people disadvantaged in the labour market. Clarity & Co., which employs blind and disabled people to make toiletries, is a prime example.
• Cooperatives Owned and run by their members for the benefit of their members. The Co-operative Group in the UK is one of the world’s largest consumer cooperatives.

The Secret Sauce

What sets these businesses apart? Here’s the recipe:

1. A clear social or environmental mission It’s not just about the bottom line. This mission is at the heart of everything they do.
2. Most profits are reinvested They’re not in it to make shareholders rich. Profits go back into the business or the community.
3. They’re independent No government pulling the strings here. They’re autonomous organizations.
4. They’re transparent What you see is what you get. Many social enterprises publish annual impact reports alongside their financial reports.
5. They’re accountable Often to multiple stakeholders, not just shareholders.
6. They’re innovative Social enterprises often come up with creative solutions to stubborn problems.

Let’s Get This Party Started!

So, how do we celebrate Social Enterprise Day? I’m glad you asked!

Going Global

All around the world, people are getting in on the action:

• Workshops and talks Learn from the pros and get inspired. Social Enterprise UK, for example, hosts an annual Social Enterprise Futures conference around Social Enterprise Day.
• Networking events Rub shoulders with other social enterprise enthusiasts. The Social Enterprise World Forum brings together social entrepreneurs from all over the globe.
• Pop-up markets Shop till you drop, but with a conscience. Many cities organize social enterprise markets where you can buy products directly from social businesses.
• Awards ceremonies Recognizing the best and brightest in the social enterprise world. The UK Social Enterprise Awards, for instance, are usually held around Social Enterprise Day.

Keeping It Local

But you don’t need to jet off to join in. Here’s how you can celebrate right where you are:

• Shop social Swap your usual brands for products from social enterprises. From your morning coffee to your evening tipple, there’s probably a social enterprise option.
• Spread the word Share your favourite social enterprise stories on social media. Use hashtags like #SocialEnterpriseDay or #BuySocial to join the global conversation.
• Get involved Volunteer, donate, or even start your own social enterprise! Many social enterprises welcome volunteers, and some even offer mentoring programs for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
• Organize a social enterprise crawl Get a group together and visit local social enterprises. It could be cafes, shops, or service providers.

DIY Celebration

Feeling creative? Why not:

• Host a social enterprise movie night (I recommend “The Social Shift” it’s a cracker!)
• Organize a social enterprise treasure hunt in your local area
• Start a book club focusing on social entrepreneurship. “How to Change the World” by David Bornstein is a great place to start.
• Host a “Dragon’s Den” style event where local social entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas

Pressies with a Purpose

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favourite topic gifts! Social Enterprise Day is the perfect excuse to give presents that pack a punch.

Gift Ideas That Give Back

• Ethical fashion Look good and feel good? Yes, please! Brands like People Tree and Patagonia offer stylish clothes with a conscience.
• Sustainable homeware Spruce up your gaff while saving the planet. Check out Elvis & Kresse, who make luxury accessories from reclaimed fire-hoses.
• Food and drink from social enterprises Treat your taste buds and your conscience. Divine Chocolate and Brewgooder are tasty options.
• Experiences Gift a cooking class at a social enterprise restaurant or a craft workshop at a social firm.

It’s the Thought That Counts

Want to make it extra special? Here are some tips:

• Write a heartfelt note explaining why you chose a social enterprise gift. Share the story behind the product and the impact it makes.
• Create a ‘social enterprise hamper’ filled with goodies from different social businesses. It’s a great way to introduce someone to a variety of social enterprises.
• Give an experience like a workshop or tour at a local social enterprise. It’s a gift that creates memories and supports a good cause.

Symbols of Change

If you’re after something a bit more symbolic:

• Badges or pins Show your support with pride. Many social enterprises produce their own merchandise.
• Tote bags with social enterprise slogans Practical and meaningful. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter!
• Plantable bookmarks A gift that keeps on growing! Some social enterprises produce stationery embedded with seeds.

What’s Next for Social Enterprise?

As we look to the future, the social enterprise sector is buzzing with excitement. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

Trends to Watch

• Tech for good Using the latest gadgets and gizmos to solve social problems. We’re seeing more and more social enterprises leveraging AI, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies.
• Circular economy Waste not, want not it’s the future of business. Social enterprises are at the forefront of developing circular business models that eliminate waste and maximize resource use.
• Social franchising Taking successful social enterprise models and spreading them far and wide. This allows proven solutions to scale up and reach more people.
• Impact investing As more investors look to align their money with their values, social enterprises are likely to see increased funding opportunities.
• Cross-sector partnerships We’re seeing more collaboration between social enterprises, traditional businesses, and the public sector. These partnerships can lead to innovative solutions and greater impact.

Challenges and Opportunities

It’s not all smooth sailing, mind you. Social enterprises face their fair share of hurdles:

• Access to funding It can be tricky to find investors who understand the dual mission of social and financial returns. However, the rise of impact investing is opening up new funding avenues.
• Measuring impact How do you put a number on changing the world? Social enterprises are grappling with how to measure and communicate their social impact effectively. New tools and methodologies are being developed to address this challenge.
• Scaling up Growing while staying true to your values is a delicate balance. Social enterprises need to find ways to increase their impact without compromising their mission.
• Competition As more traditional businesses adopt socially responsible practices, social enterprises need to continually innovate to stay ahead.

But with every challenge comes an opportunity. The social enterprise sector is nothing if not innovative!

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, folks a whirlwind tour of Social Enterprise Day. We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the history of social entrepreneurship to the latest trends shaping the sector.

Remember, Social Enterprise Day isn’t just a one-off celebration. It’s a reminder of the power we all have to make a difference through business. Whether you’re a consumer, an entrepreneur, or just someone who cares about making the world a bit better, there’s a role for you in this movement.

So, next time the third Thursday of November rolls around, why not do something to support social enterprise? Shop from a social business, spread the word, or even start thinking about your own social enterprise idea. Who knows? You might just change the world.

And there you have it Social Enterprise Day in all its glory. Now, who’s ready to go out and change the world, one business at a time?