If you generate the bulk of your income from trading (over 50%, or at least 25% for start-ups) and use the majority of any profits to further social or environmental goals, then your business or charity could be classed as a social enterprise.
Defining factors include:
- social aims embedded within the business and its governance
- the application of any surplus income to social goals
- business activity achieving social goals and bringing benefit to the wider community
Establishing a social enterprise, just as setting up any business, requires appropriate advice and support and there are agencies that can help you to plan ahead.
