Social Enterprise Organisations

Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is addressing a social or environmental need above creating profit for owners or shareholders.  They bring together the entrepreneurial skills of the private sector and the values of public service.  Examples include charity shops, some other retail outlets or coffee shops, and many local businesses that may appear to be unconnected with the VCFSE.  Some social enterprises generate profits that are then used to deliver charitable activities within the community.

A social enterprise will suit you if you have an entrepreneurial background and want to feel that you are making a difference to society.  They operate as professional businesses, but employees get the added benefit of knowing their efforts are driving social change.  These businesses often have a flexible and family centric approach which affords their staff an attractive working environment.  Be aware that usually these organisations operate on the same basis as the business sector, you will need to work just as hard as you would elsewhere.