WHAT IS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE?
When business & philanthropy combine.
Here’s what to know about the innovative business models known as Social Enterprise.
Supporting Social Entrepreneurs in Ohio
Social Enterprises are businesses started by entrepreneurs who want to make a social impact. More than just a part of their business, being leaders of change is why they’re in business.
We get excited about the good they are doing in Ohio!
Some Social Enterprise Models
You may already be supporting businesses taking these common approaches to Social Entrepreneurship.
Opportunity
Employ those with barriers to employment, providing extra HR and other supports.
Freedom a la Cart empowers survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency. We believe that breaking down employment barriers is vital for creating a pathway to freedom.
Buy One Give One
Create change directly through sales and/or donations of products and services.
No one should EVER be forced to choose between food and tampons. For every 10 tampons and pads sold, Aunt Flow donates 1 to PERIOD.ORG.
Donation
Direct a portion of their profits to addressing social needs.
We exist to end injustices, so we roast our coffee with care—for the farmer, for the quality, and for the people in need that our coffee impacts.
Solving Social Needs
The Power of Social Enterprise
Dive deeper into the business model with this informative video.
Healthcare
Environment
Education
Diversity
Poverty
Employment
Social Enterprise FAQs
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A revenue-generating business with primarily social objectives that’s driven by the community instead of shareholders.
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They authentically bring purpose full-circle. Businesses exist to support causes they’re passionate about. Consumers feel good about supporting businesses that align with their values. Social problems are solved and local communities grow stronger.
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Sometimes! Financial sustainability and success are key components of social enterprise. By diversifying their revenue streams through sales, grants and other innovative models, these businesses have greater control over their growth and the social impact they have.
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Not exactly. Many businesses support social initiatives, but for social enterprises, having a positive social impact is part of their mission from the very beginning—which proves far more successful in the long-term compared to organizations who adopt a social mission later on.
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Social Entrepreneurs, investors, foundations, non-profit leaders, government officials, volunteers and most importantly, YOU!
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Because the purpose of our festival is to encourage the community to purchase directly from social enterprises, participating vendors receive all of the proceeds from their sales.
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No. The festival—whether held virtually, in-person or a combination of both—is free for all to attend. We may offer presale packages for discounts on food, drinks and merchandise with those proceeds going toward supporting festival operations like securing venues.
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Sign up to Volunteer here (you’ll get a Festival tee shirt and a beer token!), or contact us to submit an interest form.
Social Enterprise Resources We Love
A training program for social entrepreneurs that offers both in-person and virtual courses.
This simple app is your starting point for volunteering and giving back to your community.
The launchpad for social innovation – creating more impact and making entrepreneurship more attainable.
Ongoing training and support for social entrepreneurs plus a marketplace listing social enterprises nearby.
Columbus Underground’s digital publication dedicated to social enterprise.
ECDI is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to serving underserved and underbanked small business owners.
Put your money where your community is!
Landscapers, caterers, movers and more—there are social enterprises nearby that you can support. Our friends at the Social Impact Alliace have gathered them all in one convenient marketplace.