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Social enterprises are mainly non-profit-distributing, but their institutional form is creatively chosen - from forms such as voluntary, co-operative, mutual or companies limited by guarantee. They seek high levels of accountability to their stakeholders.
Social enterprises (also referred to as community businesses) exist primarily to deliver social objectives. They are different from other economic or enterprise organisations, in that they have the following characteristics:
- They have a social, community or ethical purpose
- They generally operate using a commercial business model
- They have a legal status appropriate to not-for-personal-profit
The activities of social enterprises may include, for example:
- Job creation
- Training for employment
- Regeneration
- Integration of people with disabilities
In Northern Ireland social enterprises may include organisations such as:
- Community businesses
- Housing associations
- Credit unions
- Co-operatives
- Local enterprise agencies
- Community development finance initiatives
- Social enterprises
What do the above mean? View definitions.
Social enterprises are further distinguished by a set of values that determine the way in which their social objectives are delivered. These values may include, for example:
- Equity
- Co-operation
- Democracy
- Care and compassion
- Mutuality
- Accountability
- Common good
- People centred
