Definition: A business set up to address a social, economic or environmental issue. Generates its own income but puts people and the community ahead of profit.
Different to a charity as it operates like a business and does not rely solely on donations and volunteers to operate.
E.g. Rise at the Cove, FoodCloud, Meals on Wheels. Role
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Social Enterprise
• Provides services that are underprovided to people who need help.
• Raise awareness of social issues so problems like homelessness and food waste get the attention they need.
• Offers a platform to volunteer so people can give back / gain new skills.
• Can provide employment to people who may find it hard to get other work, so they have a route into earning a living.
Challenges
• Relies on volunteers so services suffer if volunteer numbers fall.
• Must operate a good enough business to earn enough income to cover costs while putting people and community first.