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Start a Social Enterprise

What is it?

A social enterprise is a business with mainly social aims which invests its profits into furthering those aims in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.

At their best, social enterprises, as businesses with a social or environmental mission, play a major role in building a stronger economy and fairer society.

How can I get involved?

Anybody can get involved in social enterprise, whether you want to start a social enterprise or if you are looking to find work in an existing social enterprise.

If you would like to find out more about starting a social enterprise you can contact the Social Enterprise Coalition on 020 7793 2323. There are other organisations, listed below, providing support specifically to people wanting to set up a social enterprise.

If you are looking to find work in an existing social enterprise you can apply directly to them if they have vacancies, or alternatively search for positions in a social enterprise directory, also listed below.

Where can I find out more?

For more information on social enterprises go to the Social Enterprise Coalition.

Business Link is the Government funded primary access point for business support in England with advice and resources for social enterprises.

These organisations also provide support to start up social enterprises:

If you want to search for jobs or get in contact with a specific social enterprise you can visit one of the following social enterprise directories:

Policy