Social Enterprise – What is that?
Social enterprises are innovative businesses that drive social change. They sell products or services to generate income, and take the principles of entrepreneurship and for-profit management practices to find sustainable solutions to social, cultural or environmental issues.
Why Social Enterprises are Important
Social enterprises can help promote resilience in rural communities by driving sustainable development by bridging economic and social gaps, providing essential services and fostering local resilience. They empower communities to address their needs from within and use community assets and profits for community benefit. This is why Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) has taken a leading role to support the development of social enterprises.
CFEK, in partnership with Impact Toolbox, are leading the Innovate for Impact program that provides hands-on support to individuals and organizations exploring social enterprise. This program advances social entrepreneurship in the Kootenays by supporting purpose-driven innovators with the tools, training, and community to build impactful, sustainable ventures.
Thank you to ETSI-BC for the funding for our pilot project, and to Purppl and Impact Toolbox for partnering with CFEK on the delivery of the project.