Top 5 Resources to Understand Social Enterprises in Canada

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The term ‘social enterprise’ can sometimes be freely thrown around to encapsulate many activities that appear very different. Because of this, it can be hard to grasp what social enterprise is and isn’t.

To keep it simple, we’ll borrow the definition from Innoweave (Resource #4) and define a social enterprise as an ongoing venture working to achieve an environmental, social and/or cultural mission by selling a product or service.

We’ve used ‘social enterprise’ to describe our work here at Growcer, because we partner with communities and organizations (ongoing) to help them provide fresher, nutritious produce locally (mission) through our modular farms (product).

Social enterprise can also refer to a business employing underserved groups, like youth or people with disabilities, or a gift shop running alongside a nonprofit museum. The beauty of social enterprises are that, however they look like, they’re tools to create greater impact for good.

Here are five resources to help you better understand what’s a social enterprise and the knowledge you need for starting one in Canada:

1.This 3-minute video on Social Enterprise 101

Before diving into longer resources, a short, animated video is a great place to start to gain a better understanding of what social enterprise means.

2.Canadian Social Enterprise Guide

The Canadian Social Enterprise Guide is an extensive 134-page guide created by Enterprising Non-Profits and a standout resource for nonprofit organizations in Canada. It is intended to be used by project managers, executive directors, board members, and staff thinking about social enterprise. However, it can be used by anyone with a thirst to learn more about the topic.

It arms you with a roadmap and work templates to answer these questions with your organization:

  • How can you tell if your group is ready to embark on a social enterprise?
  • What are the steps in a social enterprise planning process?
  • How do you identify and assess enterprise opportunities?
  • How do you plan for a social enterprise?
  • How can you measure social returns in a business setting?
  • What do you need to know about the legal context?

The Social Enterprise of Canada’s website - another useful starter resource - includes links to the guide and to region-specific resources, like Vancity Community Foundation in B.C. or The Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED) in Ottawa.

3.Government of Canada’s Social Enterprise Page

While The Canadian Social Enterprise Guide includes a full chapter on the legal context of social enterprise, the Government of Canada’s website is an essential resource to continue the conversation. Their social enterprise page wastes no time sharing considerations for tax and ownership structure and is perfect for those who are past the brainstorming stage and ready to take steps forward.

4.Innoweave - Coaching for Social Enterprises

Innoweave focuses on supporting social enterprise ideas being launched by established nonprofits and charities. Based on where you are in your journey to social enterprise, there are varying levels of resources available.

The first is a Social Enterprise 101 webinar. It’s a deeper dive for beginners looking to learn more about what a social enterprise is, the different types and examples of social enterprises, and considerations for developing a social enterprise. Start at 8:42 to jump right into the 101 presentation.

The second is a self-assessment. Answer five questions to gauge whether your organization is ready to level up. The self-assessment will ask you questions like:

  • Does your staff and board of directors have the business experience and skills to plan and operate a social enterprise?
  • Does your organization have a clear and shared definition of the impact it seeks to achieve and how your work generates this impact?

Finally, the self-assessment is a precursor to receiving coaching from Innoweave. Researching can only take you so far, and Innoweave could be a potential opportunity for those in the nonprofit sector looking to invest in individualized coaching. Be mindful that Innoweave only offers coaching, not investment, for Canadian social enterprise ideas.

5.The Social Enterprise Institute Courses

If you’re ready to take it to the next level, The Social Enterprise Institute offers the world’s largest collection of online social enterprise courses. The considerable list of paid courses cover various topics, from marketing to business strategy, at costs ranging from $200 to $1,000.

6.Bonus Resource For Social Entrepreneurs

If you’re reading this and you’re a social entrepreneur, there are resources for you too! Futurpreneur Canada helps aspiring business owners aged 18 to 39 launch businesses in Canada, through mentorship and funding opportunities. Social entrepreneurs can start with the 10-step framework for starting up a Social Purpose Business, which walks you through early stage planning for your business into how to hire the right people.