Resource Centre:

Understanding Social Enterprise

Finding Your 'Why'

Embarking on the journey of creating a social enterprise begins with understanding your 'why.' This foundational step is crucial, as it shapes the mission, values, and direction of your enterprise. Here’s how you can discover your 'why':

For all aspiring social entrepreneurs, a list of must-haves that are readily available. A successful social entrepreneur is scrappy and resourceful. They know how to do more with less, and create a social impact while doing so. The 10 resources listed in this article are free monetarily, but each is an invaluable tool for launching and sustaining a lean social enterprise.

This article is from the Stanford Social Innovation Review

It can be difficult to decide if you idea would be best served as a nonprofit or a for-profit. This presentation take a straightforward look at the tradeoffs between non profit and for profit ventures, and a stab at simplifying the question of how a start up entrepreneur can choose between the two. 

Take a look at these 6 slides for more information.

So you’ve got an idea you think could make the world a better place. Even better, you think it can make money. How do you go about turning your idea into a real business?

This article outlines some basic steps to follow in the creation of your social enterprise, including doing your homework, studying the market, understanding the financials, business plans and legal frameworks.

This webinar featured legislative frameworks expert, Simon Naidoo, Chris Dykes from Infinity Learning, Sechaba Phaahla from Setsong Tea Crafters and Thobile Chittenden from the Makers Valley Collective.

Your support plays a vital role in helping us empower social entrepreneurs and build fairer, more sustainable communities across the country.

With the support of Bertha Centre and LeadSA, the Social Enterprise Academy joined an insightful group of thought-leaders to explore key concepts and experiences relating to social enterprise in this five-part podcast series. 

Though the term 'social enterprise' may still be new to many people, the concept has existed for years - supporting countries across the world to sustainably deliver impactful solutions in their communities.

During our recent October 2023 Social Enterprise Connect Roadshows, we hosted the Value Proposition Competition in four provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. In each province, we selected three top winners for whom we have created organisation profiles. We are thrilled to present you with these profiles. Please take a moment to read through them and show your support for our winners.