Why I Love Social Enterprises

I can actually remember the first time that I heard somebody speak about social entrepreneurship and how to use business as a force for good. It was in Dr. Robert D'Intino’s class at Rowan University. Early on, we studied Mohammad Yunus and his brilliant work with The Grameen Bank. In fact, I still have my copy of Creating a World Without Poverty on my bookshelf today. Later, we read about the unique structures that social businesses can take and how these different legal structures can help maximize impact and deliver services. Pretty quickly, I knew this was something I wanted to learn more about.

In the years since I’ve been fortunate enough to work hands-on with social entrepreneurs and their incredible organizations. So what exactly is a social enterprise? The SEA defines it best:

'An organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being—this may include maximizing social impact alongside profits for external shareholders.’

This definition is one of my favorites because it encapsulates the broad spectrum of organizations that can exist under the social enterprise umbrella. There continues to be great debate about what delineates a social enterprise from a socially conscious business or from a purpose-driven for profit. To be honest, the lines that divide the different structures have never been important to me. I’m just excited to see the growth of organizations using business acumen to approach our country’s biggest challenges.

Further, Social Enterprises that exist within nonprofit organizations as an earned income stream are easily my favorite structure. Essentially what this means is that these nonprofits are providing goods and services that are mission related and earning unrestricted revenues from them. These types of programs are what will help nonprofits provide more competitive wages, achieve unprecedented scale and escape the limitations of the ‘overhead myth’.

There are two incredible social enterprises operating within Raleigh’s city limits, both approaching core issues in this region. The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle uses their catering business to fund their culinary job training program, where individuals with barriers to employment are enrolled in a free 11-week course that provides them with the certifications, skills, and services to find steady, reliable jobs in the food services industry. Another great example is Carroll’s Kitchen. Carroll’s Kitchen uses their restaurant storefront on Martin St. to generate revenue that is used to fund their impactful programs that create opportunities for women experiencing homelessness.

Both IFFS and Carroll’s Kitchen are using this innovative model to help further their mission, serve more people and help Raleigh become the best city it can be. My favorite part of both of these enterprises is that they create EASY ways for the everyday consumer to get involved and put their money to a good cause. Although, it sure doesn’t hurt that both make some pretty delicious food!