social enterprise business plan example

Social Enterprise Business Plan Template

• Written by Dave Lavinsky

Table of Contents

Social enterprise business plan.

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their social enterprise businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a social enterprise business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Social Enterprise Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your social enterprise business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Social Enteprise

If you’re looking to start a social enterprise business, or grow your existing social enterprise business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your social enterprise business in order to improve your chances of success. Your social enterprise business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Social Enterprise Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a social enterprise business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for social enterprise businesses.

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How to write a business plan for a social enterprise.

If you want to start a social enterprise business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your social enterprise business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of social enterprise business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a social enterprise business that you would like to grow, or are you operating social enterprise businesses in multiple markets?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the social enterprise industry. Discuss the type of social enterprise business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of social enterprise business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of social enterprise businesses:

• Trading social enterprise : this type of social enterprise refers to cooperatives, collectives, and other organizations that are worker or employee-owned. This type of ownership structure allows a higher degree of economic resiliency compared to a traditional organization.
• Financial social enterprise: this type of social enterprise includes credit unions, cooperative banks, and revolving loan funds, which are all membership-owned. In other words, the money deposited from a member is used to help other members who may need financial assistance.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charity social enterprise: this type of social enterprise businesses are usually created to support a specific social, environmental, or political goal. The profits are used to further the social or environmental aims of the organization or to provide salaries for people who provide free services to specific groups of people.

In addition to explaining the type of social enterprise business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, number of positive reviews, reaching X amount of clients served, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the social enterprise industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the social enterprise industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your social enterprise business plan:

• How big is the social enterprise industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your social enterprise business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your social enterprise business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments:non-profits, individuals, social causes, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of social enterprise business you operate. Clearly, social causes would respond to different marketing promotions than individuals needing financial assistance, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other social enterprise companies. 

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes social enterprise companies such as brand awareness companies, community organizations, government programs, etc.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other social enterprises with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be social enterprise businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What clients or causes do they serve?
• What type of social enterprise company are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide social enterprise services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will your social enterprise business help more people in need?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a social enterprise business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of social enterprise company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to social enterprise services, will you provide access to funding, marketing, counseling, and/or brand awareness, and any other services?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your social enterprise company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your social enterprise business located near an office complex, a university, an urban setting, or a busy neighborhood, etc. Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your social enterprise marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Website and SEO marketing
• Community events
• Commercials
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your social enterprise business, including communicating with clients, marketing, accounting, accounts payable, fundraising, and searching for grant opportunities.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to obtain your XXth client, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your social enterprise business to a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your social enterprise business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing social enterprises. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a social enterprise business or are connected to a wide network of professional organizations that frequently tend to donate to various causes.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you take on one new service at a time or multiple services ? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your social enterprise business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. 

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a social enterprise business:

• Cost of social enterprise services
• Cost of overhead, marketing, and outreach
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your social enterprise outline of services, types of customer and/or cause you will be targeting, and the areas your social enterprise business will serve.   Summary Putting together a business plan for your social enterprise business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the social enterprise industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful social enterprise business.  

Social Enterprise Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my social enterprise business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Social Enterprise Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of social enterprise business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a social enterprise business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of social enterprise businesses?

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to hire someone to write a business plan for you from Growthink’s team.   Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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Social Enterprise Business Plan

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How to Write A Social Enterprise Business Plan?

Writing a social enterprise business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

Highlight the social enterprise services or products you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your business. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of social enterprise business you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following social enterprise businesses:

• Fairtrade organizations
• Community development enterprises
• Socially responsible manufacturing
• Trading social enterprise
• Education and skills development enterprises
• Describe the legal structure of your social enterprise, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established social enterprise, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Future Goals:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your social enterprise business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services:

Mention the social enterprise products or services your business will offer. This list may include products or services like,

• Eco-friendly household products
• Sustainable fashion items
• Job training
• Healthcare services
• Renewable energy products

Explain the benefits:

Showcase the innovative side:, additional services:.

In short, this section of your social enterprise plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your social enterprise business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your social enterprise business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & machinery:.

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for social enterprise, such as manufacturing or production equipment, kitchen & cooking equipment, recycling or waste management, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your social enterprise business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your social enterprise services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your social enterprise business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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This sample social enterprise business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful social enterprise plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our social enterprise business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a social enterprise business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful social enterprise business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your social enterprise business.

How to get funding for your social enterprise business?

There are several ways to get funding for your social enterprise business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your social enterprise business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your social enterprise business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind. .

What is the easiest way to write your social enterprise business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any social enterprise business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Social Enterprise Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Social Enterprise Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Social Enterprise business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Social Enterprise businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Social Enterprise business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

EmpowerU is a startup social enterprise located in Ogden, Utah. The business was founded by Matt and Lauren Goodwin, a couple who have personally placed over three hundred job seekers into viable positions of employment over the past ten years by working in a nationally-known employment agency group. Both Matt and Lauren secured thousands of dollars for their employer, who received a payment for every person successfully placed into employment. With outstanding reviews by employers and a large following of those who have been placed by Matt and Lauren, they’ve determined that they can give back to the city of Ogden by opening their social enterprise, EmpowerU.

EmpowerU will provide a full-service employment placement agenda, from the time they first receive a new applicant to the 6-month period after employment when the employer-employee review is completed. Each step of the interview preparation, interviewing process, and employment negotiation is focused on bringing a new employee into a personally upward bound position that will change their life for the better.

Product Offering

The following are the services that EmpowerU will provide for the potential employers:

• Extensive recruitment of job candidates to fulfill employer requests
• Pre-employment training
• Employment assistance in pay package negotiation
• Reasonable on-hire rates with sliding scale of percentages
• Monthly and yearly reviews and assessments of employee to service employer

The following are the services that EmpowerU will provide for the potential employees:

• Personal training leading to interviews and employment
• Testing to determine skills, abilities, temperament-style
• Resume construction
• Personal deportment training
• Interview techniques for a “win”
• Negotiation techniques for employment
• Personal management in an organization
• Time management skills
• After-hire review and further training, if required
• One-year assessment

Customer Focus

EmpowerU will target both potential employers and candidates as potential employees. To do so, they will target medium-to-large businesses within the Ogden area and residents within the Ogden area. EmpowerU will target human resource managers within the Ogden area. EmpowerU will also target community associations and governmental agencies with job training programs.

Management Team

EmpowerU will be co-owned and operated by Matt and Lauren Goodwin. They have recruited their former administrative assistants, Austin Maven, and Jeanie Parker, to help manage the office and operations of EmpowerU.

Matt Goodwin is a graduate of the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Lauren Goodwin is a graduate of Utah State College, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Social Sciences. Matt and Lauren have been working at an Ogden-based employment recruiter agency for the past ten years. During that time, they observed and practiced the functions of candidate placement into employment positions. They successfully placed over three hundred job-seekers into employment. They now want to help job candidates who need a “hand up” in securing employment by using all their acquired skills to make a change for the good of the city and state.

Austin Maven will become the Office Manager and will oversee all day-to-day office functions. He will manage the accounting and payroll for the social enterprise, as well as the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the social enterprise financials.

Jeanie Parker will become the Operations Manager, assisting in the movement of people resources in and out of the business and overseeing the training and assistance programs.

Success Factors

EmpowerU will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of EmpowerU
• Comprehensive menu of services that benefit both the employers and the job candidates.
• Full support and training for potential employees
• Reviews and assessments of employee during monthly and yearly visits
• As a social enterprise, EmpowerU charges extremely reasonable rates for employee placement, making them the lowest-priced employment service in Ogden.

Financial Highlights

EmpowerU is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its social enterprise business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for EmpowerU.

Company Overview

Who is empoweru.

EmpowerU is a newly established, full-service job training and placement agency in Ogden, Utah. EmpowerU will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and effective choice for employers in Ogden and the surrounding communities who seek employees who are eager to establish a better personal life for themselves. EmpowerU will provide a comprehensive menu of job training, placement and review services for any job candidate and business to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive array of services that benefit both the job candidate and hiring company.

  EmpowerU will be able to provide job candidates for a wide spectrum of potential employers. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in employee placements and training and reviews of those employees. EmpowerU removes all headaches and issues of seeking qualified personnel and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously, while delivering the best customer service.

EmpowerU History

EmpowerU is owned and operated by Matt and Lauren Goodwin. Together, they have personally placed over three hundred job seekers into viable positions of employment over the past ten years by working in a nationally-known employment agency group. Both Matt and Lauren secured thousands of dollars for their employer, who received a payment for every person successfully placed into employment. With outstanding reviews by employers and a large following of those who have been placed by Matt and Lauren, they’ve determined that they can give back to the city of Ogden by opening their social enterprise, EmpowerU.

Since incorporation, EmpowerU has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered EmpowerU, LLC to transact business in the state of Utah.
• Have a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot office in a prime downtown building location.
• Have reached out to numerous former associates and people they placed to include EmpowerU any time they search for new employees.
• Began recruiting a staff of three and two office personnel to work at EmpowerU.

EmpowerU Services

Industry analysis.

The social enterprise industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $1 billion. The growth will be driven by an increased recognition of the need to assist in improving the lives of others within the world. The growth will be driven by an increased desire to serve the world by using talents and time to build social enterprise businesses. The growth will be driven by the popularity of including a “social awareness” facet within corporate mission statements. Costs will likely be reduced as social enterprises seek to reduce profits and increase services. Costs will likely be reduced as businesses increase voluntary funding for social enterprises.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

EmpowerU will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Medium-to-large businesses
• Residents of Ogden
• Human resource managers
• Community associations
• Governmental agencies

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

EmpowerU will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Home Companion Care Services

Home Companion Care Services is a full-service placement agency of caregivers. The primary target market consists of elderly individuals who require in-home care and people with disabilities who need assistance with daily activities. Home Companion Care Services also engages with families seeking compassionate support for their loved ones. While services are not medically related, services may include medication reminders, running errands, purchasing and preparing food, bathing and personal grooming and other essentials for daily living.

Home Companion Care Services was started by Liam Gallagher, who saw a gap in the employment of caregivers when his mother required a caregiver and the availability for one was extremely limited. He also noted that most caregivers were not paid enough to make their lives sustainable. With this in mind, he started Home Companion Care Services as a social enterprise to invest in making the lives of the elderly and disabled better, as well as the lives of the caregivers enriched. With these positives at the forefront, Home Companion Care Services was started six years ago and continues to build momentum at this time. Fees for placement of caregivers is modest and reasonable in comparison to competitors.

Heads-Up Auto Repair

Heads-Up Auto Repair was started in 2020 by Neil Patterson, the owner of an auto repair chain in Utah. When Neil noted that several viable auto repairmen did not have employment due to former prison records, he started the social enterprise, “Heads-Up Auto Repair,” as a way to enrich the lives of these qualified repairmen, while earning a profit that would enrich their lives. The program for job training contains the phrase, “Heads Up,” as in “holding one’s head up high with pride in one’s work and the completion of that work successfully”.

Heads-Up Auto Repair serves customers throughout the state of Utah, where location managers are specially trained to assist repairmen in various aspects of customer service, team-bonding, personal skills and education, English-as-a-second-language training, and other services that increase the likelihood of the individuals continuing to excel in both the repair services they provide, but with an increased confidence in their lives overall, as well.

Animals Gone Wild

Animals Gone Wild is a wildlife viewing business that is a social enterprise located thirty miles from Ogden, Utah. Animals Gone Wild was started in 2010 by Amber Stenson, who determined that wild animals should live in the wild, even if their lives started in an enclosed zoo exhibit or other enclosed experience. Amber began a fundraising campaign to build and maintain the wild existence arenas for several wild animals, encouraging volunteers to serve the animals with her throughout their lives. Animals Gone Wild charges a fee for visitors to ride a trolley through the “villages” where various species of wild animals live. Payments by visitors covers the costs of caring for and feeding the animals, while fundraiser campaigns pay for the structures, buildings and care of the Animals Gone Wild structural needs.

Competitive Advantage

EmpowerU will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Comprehensive menu of services that benefit both the employers and the job candidates
• As a social enterprise, EmpowerU charges extremely reasonable rates for employee placement, making them the lowest-priced employment service in Ogden

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

EmpowerU will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide a comprehensive array of services benefiting employers, employees, and the greater Ogden population
• Intensive training and preparation for job candidates, far beyond those of competitors
• Unique reviews and assessments of employees during monthly and yearly visits

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for EmpowerU is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

EmpowerU has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to their clients and personal associates. Several former employer clients will follow the Goodwins in their new social enterprise to secure employees and will refer EmpowerU to their associates.

Professional Associations and Networking

EmpowerU will extensively target the professional associations and governmental agencies within the city of Odgen to inform and invite potential employers to seek qualified employees through EmpowerU.

Social Media Outreach

Through several social media channels, prospective employees with a wide variety of skills will be invited to reach out to EmpowerU for job training and placement. Invitations via social media will also invite employers of private companies and governmental agencies, particularly human resources managers, to engage with EmpowerU to place employees into advantageous roles.

Website/SEO Marketing

EmpowerU will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that EmpowerU provides. The website will also list their contact information and offer an online reservation system for potential employees who would like to talk with or visit the EmpowerU offices. The website will engage SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “job recruitment company” or “employment agency near me”, EmpowerU will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of EmpowerU will be moderate and below competitors so employer clients will feel they receive excellent value when engaging new hires as a result of their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for EmpowerU. Operation Functions:

• Matt Goodwin will be the co-owner and President of the company. He will oversee all employer client relations.
• Lauren Goodwin will be the co-owner and Vice President of the company. She will oversee the recruiting of potential job candidates.

Milestones:

EmpowerU will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts
• 6/1/202X – Finalize employment contracts for EmpowerU clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into EmpowerU office
• 7/1/202X – EmpowerU opens its office for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for EmpowerU are the fees they will charge to employer clients for their employee placement services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff EmpowerU. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

EmpowerU is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its social enterprise. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Employer Clients Per Month: 30
• Average Revenue per Month: $60,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, social enterprise business plan faqs, what is a social enterprise business plan.

A social enterprise business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your social enterprise business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Social Enterprise business plan using our Social Enterprise Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Social Enterprise Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of social enterprise businesses , some examples include: Trading social enterprise, Financial social enterprise, and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charity social enterprise.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Social Enterprise Business Plan?

Social Enterprise businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Social Enterprise Business?

Starting a social enterprise business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Social Enterprise Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed social enterprise business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your social enterprise business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your social enterprise business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Social Enterprise Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your social enterprise business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your social enterprise business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Social Enterprise Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your social enterprise business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your social enterprise business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

tools4dev Practical tools for international development

Social Enterprise Business Plan Template

A social enterprise is a business that aims to achieve a particular public or community mission (social, environmental, cultural or economic), and reinvests the majority of its profits into achieving that mission. This template can be used to write a business plan for a social enterprise that describes both the positive impact of the social enterprise and the plan to make it a viable business.

Download the Social Enterprise Business Plan template

This template is appropriate when:

• You are writing a business plan for a social enterprise (if you aren’t sure whether you are running a social enterprise have a look at this article ).

This template is NOT appropriate when:

• You are writing a plan for a non-profit that gets most of its revenue through donations or grants.
• You are writing a plan for a for-profit business. However, in this case you could just use the business section of the template.

The Stakeholder Analysis Matrix Template by  tools4dev  is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License . All other content is  © tools4dev .

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Social Enterprise Business Plan Template

• Written by Dave Lavinsky

Table of Contents

If you’re looking to create a social enterprise business plan, you’ve come to the right place!

Over the past 25 years, the PlanPros team has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs and business owners write business plans….and many of them have started and grown successful social enterprise businesses.

Social Enterprise Business Plan Example

Below is our social enterprise business plan template and sample plan:  

I. Executive Summary

Company overview.

At NobleCause Social Ventures, we are dedicated to fostering community development and social good through our diverse business operations. Headquartered in the vibrant and philanthropic city of Austin, Texas, our company is uniquely positioned at the intersection of commercial success and social impact. We specialize in operating socially-conscious businesses that not only turn a profit but also contribute positively to society. Our portfolio includes a community-focused coffee shop, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, and a thrift shop that supports local assistance programs. By integrating commercial strategies with social objectives, we strive to create sustainable value for both our stakeholders and the wider community.

Success Factors

Our success is underpinned by a strong commitment to social responsibility and a unique business model that aligns profitability with community impact. We have achieved significant accomplishments, including establishing a well-regarded coffee shop that serves as a local gathering place, successfully operating a clinic that provides affordable pet health services, and running a thrift shop that funds valuable community programs. These ventures not only meet market needs but also enhance the quality of life in our communities. Our ability to generate consistent revenue streams while achieving social objectives is a testament to our innovative approach and the dedication of our team.

Industry Analysis

The industries in which we operate are both competitive and ripe for socially-conscious enterprises. The coffee shop market, for instance, is saturated with both large chains and local entities, yet there’s a growing consumer demand for businesses that contribute to local community-building. The pet health service industry is similarly competitive, with a clear need for affordable pet care options, as evidenced by the support for our low-cost clinic. Additionally, the market for second-hand goods is expanding, with consumers increasingly seeking sustainable and budget-friendly shopping alternatives, which our thrift shop directly addresses. These industry trends underscore the viability of our socially-driven business strategy.

Customer Analysis

Our customer base is diverse and driven by values that resonate with our mission. Patrons of our coffee shop span various demographics including local residents, students, and professionals who value a communal space and a local business ethos. Our low-cost pet clinic serves pet owners who prioritize affordability without compromising on care, often drawing from lower-income communities. The thrift shop attracts environmentally and budget-conscious consumers, as well as those who support social causes through their purchases. Understanding these customer segments and their unique needs allows us to tailor our services and create meaningful connections.

Competitive Analysis

Coffee At The Hub: A community-centric coffee shop with competitive pricing and a focus on local products and ambiance.

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection – Garland: Offers accessible pet health services, backed by strong community support and mission-driven practices.

ACO Resale Shop: Provides a range of second-hand goods at low prices, contributing to community assistance programs.

Our competitive advantages include our multifaceted approach to community service, our flexibility in responding to local needs, and our dedication to sustainable practices across our operations. These strengths allow us to stand out in markets often dominated by single-focus entities.

Marketing Plan

In our Marketing Plan, we focus on products, services, and pricing that align with our social mission. Our coffee shop offers a curated selection of beverages and snacks, emphasizing quality and local sourcing, while maintaining prices that are accessible to a broad customer base. Our pet clinic provides essential services at costs designed to remove financial barriers to pet care, and our thrift shop features an eclectic mix of low-cost items, supporting the dual objectives of affordability and sustainability. We also employ a tiered pricing strategy to cater to different economic capabilities within our communities, ensuring inclusivity in our customer base.

Our promotions plan revolves around community engagement and digital marketing efforts. By hosting local events, partnering with community organizations, and utilizing social media, we aim to build strong relationships with our customers. Our promotions emphasize the social impact of their patronage, encouraging a loyal customer base that supports our mission. Through targeted online campaigns and a strong presence on various digital platforms, we maximize our reach and effectively communicate our unique value proposition.

Operations Plan

Our Operations Plan focuses on the efficient delivery of services and the achievement of key milestones. We prioritize operational excellence in our coffee shop, pet clinic, and thrift store, ensuring that each venture operates at the highest standard. We have set strategic milestones that include expanding our service offerings, increasing our customer base, and enhancing our community programs. These goals are designed to drive growth while reinforcing our commitment to social impact. By streamlining processes and leveraging technology, we aim to maximize efficiency and scale our operations effectively.

Management Team

Our Management Team consists of experienced professionals with a shared passion for social entrepreneurship. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, from retail management to veterinary services, and non-profit leadership. Together, we have cultivated a culture of innovation and social responsibility that permeates every aspect of our business. Our team’s diverse skill set and dedication to our mission are the driving forces behind our success and the positive impact we make in the community.

Financial Plan

To achieve our growth goals, we are seeking to secure funding that will enable us to expand our operations and deepen our social impact. This investment will be critical in supporting the scale-up of our current ventures, allowing us to reach more customers and amplify the positive outcomes of our work. Our financial plan outlines the necessary capital to realize these ambitions and positions us for long-term sustainability and success.

Below is an overview of our expected financial performance over the next five years:

II. Company Overview

At NobleCause Social Ventures, we are proud to introduce ourselves as the newest Social Enterprise operating in Wylie, TX. As a local social enterprise, we are dedicated to serving our community with a focus on sustainability and social impact. We’ve noticed a gap in the local market for a social enterprise offering a wide variety of products, and we’re here to fill that gap with our diverse offerings.

Our Products & Services

We take pride in our selection of eco-friendly household products, priced at just $1.50, that not only serve their purpose but also contribute to a healthier planet. Our sustainable fashion items, also available for $1.50, blend style with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, we provide comprehensive job training for $49, equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive in today’s job market. At NobleCause, we believe in providing value that extends beyond the point of sale, creating a positive impact on both our customers and the community.

Our Location

Based in Wylie, TX, we are strategically located to serve the residents of our vibrant town. We understand our community’s needs and are dedicated to addressing them through our social enterprise.

Why We Will Succeed

Our confidence in NobleCause Social Ventures’ potential for success stems from several key factors. Our founder brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from previously running a successful social enterprise. This expertise is complemented by our expansive product range and the variety we offer, setting us apart from the competition and ensuring that we meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Our Story & Legal Structure

Since our founding on January 3rd, 2024, NobleCause Social Ventures has been operating as a Limited Liability Company, combining the flexibility of a traditional business with a focus on social objectives. We have hit several milestones already, including the creation of our distinctive logo, the development of our company name that resonates with our mission, and securing a prime location that will serve as the heart of our operations.

III. Industry Analysis

The Social Enterprise industry in the United States is experiencing significant growth and has become a major force in the economy. According to a recent report by the American Sustainable Business Council, the industry generated an estimated $500 billion in revenue in 2019. This impressive figure demonstrates the size and potential of the market, highlighting the increasing demand for socially responsible products and services.

Furthermore, market research indicates that the Social Enterprise industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. Experts predict an annual growth rate of approximately 17%, which would result in a market worth over $1 trillion by 2025. This projected growth is fueled by several factors, including the growing consumer preference for socially conscious businesses and the increasing recognition of the positive impact that Social Enterprises can have on communities and the environment.

These trends in the Social Enterprise industry bode exceptionally well for NobleCause Social Ventures, a new player in the market serving customers in Wylie, TX. As consumer demand for socially responsible products and services continues to rise, NobleCause Social Ventures is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By offering a range of innovative and sustainable solutions, NobleCause has the potential to attract a significant customer base and establish itself as a leader in the local market. With the industry set to experience substantial growth, NobleCause can expect to see its customer base and revenue expand in the coming years.

IV. Customer Analysis

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

NobleCause Social Ventures will target the local residents of Wylie, Texas as its primary customer base. The organization will cater to community members who are not only interested in purchasing goods and services but also in contributing to social causes. These customers are likely to be values-driven shoppers who prioritize community welfare and sustainable practices in their buying decisions.

The enterprise will also focus on partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to expand its reach. By doing so, NobleCause will engage a customer segment that is keen on collaborative efforts for social impact. These partnerships will provide mutual benefits, broadening the customer base and reinforcing the social venture’s presence in the local market.

In addition to direct consumers and local entities, NobleCause Social Ventures will tailor its offerings to attract socially-conscious investors and volunteers. This group is composed of individuals and entities that seek to support initiatives with a positive societal footprint. Their involvement will not only provide capital and manpower but also serve as brand ambassadors for the venture within and beyond Wylie.

Customer Needs

NobleCause Social Ventures recognizes that residents expect access to high-quality products that not only meet their practical needs but also align with their values of social responsibility and community support. Customers can find a curated selection of goods that are not only superior in craftsmanship but also contribute to positive social impact. This dual satisfaction of product excellence and ethical consumption is a core need that NobleCause caters to.

In addition to quality products, NobleCause understands the growing demand for skill development and personal betterment. The enterprise offers training programs designed to empower individuals with new capabilities, enhancing their professional qualifications and personal lives. This educational aspect addresses the community’s aspiration for continual learning and self-improvement.

Furthermore, NobleCause identifies the desire for a sense of community and connectedness among consumers. By creating a space where people can engage with the enterprise and each other, customers can forge meaningful relationships and foster a spirit of communal support. This social need is just as important as the tangible products and services, contributing to NobleCause’s holistic approach to serving its customers.

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct competitors, coffee at the hub.

Coffee At The Hub offers a selection of coffee beverages, light snacks, and pastries to customers in the local area. Their price points are competitive, appealing to daily coffee consumers and those seeking a community-centric coffee shop experience. The enterprise operates in a single location, creating a hub for social interaction and local engagement.

They serve a diverse customer segment that includes local residents, students, and professionals looking for a space to relax or work. Geographically, they cater to the immediate neighborhood and attract customers who appreciate the convenience of a local coffee shop. Key strengths include their commitment to using locally sourced products and providing a cozy, welcoming environment for community gatherings.

However, Coffee At The Hub’s weaknesses lie in its limited product range and reliance on a single location, which may restrict growth potential and market reach. They also face the challenge of differentiating themselves in a highly competitive coffee shop market that includes larger chains and other local options.

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection – Garland

The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) – Garland provides affordable spay, neuter, and vaccination services for pets. Their price points are designed to be accessible to pet owners, with a focus on promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. They generate revenues through services rendered and donations from supporters.

TCAP operates in Garland, TX, and serves customers in the surrounding areas, including pet owners who might not otherwise afford these services. Their key strengths include strong community support, a mission-driven approach, and partnerships with local organizations.

One weakness could be the potential for limited service capacity due to high demand, which can lead to longer wait times for customers. They also compete with full-service veterinary clinics that offer a wider range of services, which might be preferred by some pet owners.

ACO Resale Shop

ACO Resale Shop offers a variety of second-hand goods, including clothing, home décor, and furniture. The shop aims to provide affordable options to budget-conscious consumers while supporting community assistance programs through revenue generated from sales. Price points at ACO Resale Shop are kept low to attract a wide range of customers.

The shop is located in a single storefront and serves the local community in and around Wylie, TX. The customer segments include bargain hunters, environmentally conscious shoppers, and individuals seeking to support charitable causes through their purchases. ACO Resale Shop’s key strengths are its commitment to the community and the ability to offer unique items at low costs.

However, weaknesses include the unpredictable nature of inventory, which can vary greatly in quality and quantity, and competition from larger thrift store chains that have more robust supply chains. Additionally, they may face challenges in maintaining customer interest without a steady flow of desirable merchandise.

Competitive Advantages

At NobleCause Social Ventures, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of products that surpasses what our competition can provide. This variety not only caters to a broader demographic but also ensures that our customers can find exactly what they need, all in one place. Our expansive inventory is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of our community, allowing us to foster strong relationships with our customers. We understand that choice is paramount when it comes to consumer decisions, and we strive to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience with options that accommodate different tastes and requirements.

Furthermore, our commitment to social impact provides us with a significant edge in the market. We integrate social responsibility into our business model, ensuring that every purchase contributes to the betterment of our society. This resonates with the growing number of consumers who are looking for more than just a product or service; they are seeking to make a positive difference with their spending. Our approach not only helps us to connect with our customers on a deeper level but also builds a loyal customer base that values and supports our mission. By aligning our objectives with the aspirations of our customers, we create a robust, purpose-driven brand that stands out in today’s competitive landscape.

VI. Marketing Plan

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products, Services & Pricing

Eco-friendly household products.

NobleCause Social Ventures caters to environmentally conscious consumers by offering a range of eco-friendly household products. These products are designed to minimize the environmental impact and support sustainable living practices. Customers can expect to find items such as biodegradable cleaning supplies, reusable kitchenware, and energy-efficient appliances, each thoughtfully priced at an average of $1.50, making sustainability accessible to a broader audience.

Sustainable Fashion Items

Embracing the movement towards sustainable fashion, NobleCause Social Ventures provides a selection of fashion items that blend style with sustainability. The enterprise sources clothing and accessories made from organic, recycled, or upcycled materials that do not compromise on quality or aesthetic appeal. Fashion enthusiasts who are keen on reducing their carbon footprint can explore these items at an approachable average price point of $1.50.

Job Training Programs

Beyond products, NobleCause Social Ventures plays an active role in community development through its job training programs. These programs are tailored to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the growing green economy. Participants can expect to receive comprehensive training in various areas, including but not limited to sustainable agriculture, renewable energy technologies, and eco-friendly product manufacturing. The job training is offered at a competitive rate of $49, providing valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Promotions Plan

NobleCause Social Ventures understands the importance of strategic promotion in attracting and retaining customers. Effective promotion raises awareness, engages the local community, and communicates the unique value proposition of the enterprise.

Online Marketing

Online marketing stands at the forefront of NobleCause Social Ventures’ promotional strategies. The enterprise leverages the power of digital platforms to reach a wider audience. A robust website serves as the central hub for information, storytelling, and community engagement. Social media profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are meticulously managed to foster a sense of community and encourage social sharing.

Email marketing campaigns will keep subscribers informed about new initiatives, events, and ways to get involved. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will ensure that NobleCause Social Ventures appears prominently in search results for relevant queries. Additionally, the enterprise will engage in targeted online advertising to reach potential customers with precision.

Community Engagement and Events

Active involvement in local events and community engagement will form a key part of NobleCause Social Ventures’ promotional efforts. Hosting workshops, participating in local markets, and collaborating with other local businesses will raise the enterprise’s profile while underscoring its commitment to social impact. These events will provide opportunities for direct interaction, fostering a loyal customer base and word-of-mouth promotion.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Strategic partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and influencers will amplify NobleCause Social Ventures’ reach. Aligning with entities that share similar values and objectives will not only extend its network but also reinforce its credibility and mission.

Public Relations and Media Outreach

Public relations efforts will play a crucial role in building a strong brand image. NobleCause Social Ventures will engage with local media outlets to secure coverage of its story, mission, and impact. Press releases, feature articles, and interviews will generate organic exposure and reinforce the enterprise’s presence in the community.

Content Marketing

Content marketing through blogs, videos, and podcasts will provide valuable information and insights related to the enterprise’s field of work. By producing high-quality content, NobleCause Social Ventures will position itself as a thought leader, building trust and authority in the space.

Through these promotional methods, NobleCause Social Ventures will attract customers and create lasting relationships built on shared values and commitments to social good.

VII. Operations Plan

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

• Customer Engagement: Maintain active communication channels with customers through social media, phone calls, and emails to understand their needs and feedback.
• Service Delivery: Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of services or products to customers by adhering to established protocols and standards.
• Inventory Management: Regularly check inventory levels and restock as necessary to prevent shortages and ensure the availability of products for customers.
• Quality Control: Conduct daily quality checks to ensure that all products and services meet the enterprise’s standards and customer expectations.
• Financial Management: Monitor daily financial transactions, including sales and expenditures, to maintain healthy cash flow and budget adherence.
• Staff Coordination: Schedule and manage staff shifts to guarantee that operations are fully staffed during business hours.
• Impact Assessment: Collect data and analyze the social impact of the enterprise’s activities, making adjustments as needed to enhance community benefits.
• Vendor Relations: Communicate with suppliers and partners to secure the best prices and maintain a reliable supply chain.
• Marketing Activities: Implement and monitor marketing campaigns to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
• Community Outreach: Engage in local community events and activities to raise awareness about the social enterprise and its mission.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure that all operations comply with local laws and regulations, including health and safety standards.
• Feedback Analysis: Review customer feedback and implement necessary improvements to services, products, and customer interactions.
• Training and Development: Provide ongoing training for staff to improve their skills and ensure they are knowledgeable about the enterprise’s products and mission.
• Strategic Planning: Participate in regular planning sessions to assess progress towards goals and make strategic decisions for future operations.
• Secure a physical location for the enterprise that is accessible and visible to the community.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses for operation, ensuring compliance with local regulations and laws.
• Build out the location to meet the operational needs and create a welcoming environment for customers.
• Develop and launch an impactful marketing campaign to build brand awareness and attract initial customers.
• Establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to promote services and foster community engagement.
• Hire and train a dedicated team that shares the social mission and can deliver excellent customer service.
• Officially launch NobleCause Social Ventures to the public and begin offering services.
• Implement an efficient operational system to ensure quality service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor and adapt business operations to achieve a consistent increase in revenue, aiming to reach $15,000/month.
• Establish a feedback loop with customers and stakeholders to continuously improve services and address any issues promptly.

VIII. Management Team

Our management team has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan.

Management Team Members

NobleCause Social Ventures management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Avery Hernandez, CEO

With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Avery Hernandez stands at the helm of NobleCause Social Ventures as the CEO. Avery’s prior experience in managing a social enterprise has endowed them with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a mission-driven organization. Their accomplishments in the sector are a testament to their capacity to steer NobleCause Social Ventures toward achieving significant social impact while maintaining financial sustainability. Avery’s strategic vision, combined with their hands-on experience in social entrepreneurship, positions them as an inspirational and effective leader, capable of guiding the company towards lasting success.

IX. Financial Plan

Funding requirements/use of funds.

To accomplish our growth goals, NobleCause Social Ventures needs $163,000 in funding. Key uses of this funding will be as follows:

Financial Projections

5 Year Annual Income Statement

5 year annual balance sheet, 5 year annual cash flow statement, what is a social enterprise business plan.

A social enterprise business plan is a document that outlines the strategies you have developed to start and/or grow your social enterprise business. Among other things, it details information about your industry, customers and competitors to help ensure your company is positioned properly to succeed. Your social enterprise business plan also assesses how much funding you will need to grow your business and proves, via your financial forecasts, why the business is viable.  

Why You Need a Business Plan for your Social Enterprise Business

A business plan is required if you are seeking funding for your social enterprise business. Investors and lenders will review your plan to ensure it meets their criteria before providing you with capital. In addition, a social enterprise business plan helps you and your team stay focused. It documents the strategies you must follow and gives you financial projections you should strive to achieve and against which you can judge your performance.  

Social Enterprise Business Plan Template PDF

Download our Social Enterprise Business Plan PDF to help guide you as you create your business plan for your own social enterprise.  

1. What is a Social Entrepreneur Business Plan?

A social entre­preneur business plan is a de­tailed strategy and roadmap. The Nonprofit Start-Up Busine­ss Plan outlines the social ente­rprise’s revenue­ generation, financial manageme­nt, and progress measureme­nt. By creating a comprehensive­ business plan, social entrepre­neurs can ensure that their social enterprise is we­ll-prepared to meet its objectives.

2. Why do we need a social entrepreneur business plan?

A successful social e­ntrepreneur ne­eds an essential tool: a we­ll-crafted business plan. This plan serves multiple purposes. First, it helps in identifying the specific problem that needs to be addressed. Second, it sets clear goals and de­fines the target audience. Third, it devises strategies for achieving these­ objectives. Additionally, this plan plays a crucial role in identifying potential funding sources and resources. It also maps out a timeline for goal attainment.

A Homele­ss Shelter Business Plan aids organizations in de­veloping successful and scalable business models that can effectively achieve their de­sired impact.

3. Sources of funding for social enterprise businesses

Grants are one­ of the sources for funding social ente­rprise businesses. Social e­ntrepreneurs ofte­n receive grants from non-profit and government organizations. These grants serve as startup capital and provide ongoing operational support.

Links to funds for non-profit organizations: Newprofit: https://www.newprofit.org/ Ashoka: https://www.ashoka.org/en-us MassChallenge: https://masschallenge.org/

In addition to traditional funding sources like­ crowdfunding, angel investors, and venture­ capital firms, social enterprises can also e­xplore loan programs provided by the Small Busine­ss Administration. Two such programs are the 504 and 7(a) loan programs which offer financing options for social e­nterprises.

Furthermore, an increasingly popular ave­nue for funding social enterprise­ businesses is through social impact investing.

4. How to write a social enterprise business plan

• Start by Defining Your Social Mission: Before diving into writing your business plan, it is e­ssential to have a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose, values, and desire­d social outcomes.
• Describe Your Target Market: The target market description is a crucial aspect of your Strate­gic/Operational plan . It is essential to clearly identify your target customers, their needs and desire­s, and outline how you intend to address those­ requirements effectively.
• Outline Your Business Model: Then comes outlining your business model. This step involves de­termining how you’ll generate­ income, what products or services you’ll offer, and how you’ll deliver them to your customers.
• Develop Your Marketing and Sales Strategy: After your business model is outlined, you should then develop your marketing and sales strategy. This social enterprise business plan should include how you plan to market and promote your products or services, what pricing model you plan to use, and how you plan to generate sales.
• Describe Your Team and Resources: This includes showcasing the skills and experience of team members, outlining strategies for attracting and re­taining top talent, as well as identifying any necessary resources required for the success of the­ business.
• Outline Your Financial Plan: These include­ identifying the start-up funds require­d, determining the me­ans of financing operations, and planning for future investme­nts that may be made.

5. Executive summary

Our social ente­rprise, JYC, has a mission to empower vulne­rable communities in deve­loping countries. The JYC organization collaborate­s with various stakeholders like NGOs, governments, and corporations to establish a comprehe­nsive platform. This platform aims to empower individuals in de­veloping and sustaining their own businesses. Through our tailored training programs, financial resources, and me­ntorship opportunities, entrepre­neurs receive­ the necessary support to build and maintain successful ventures.

6. Company (Institutional) analysis

The social e­ntrepreneurship busine­ss plan aims to establish a sustainable, equitable­, and responsible economy. It does so by offering resources and training to e­ntrepreneurs, enabling them to create busine­sses that generate­ meaningful social and environmental advantage­s.

We strongly believe­ in equal access to resources and networks for building successful businesses, ensuring that everyone­ benefits from their success.

7. Structure and Background

JYC, a social entre­preneurship company founded in 2020, is de­dicated to tackling social and environmental challe­nges through the impleme­ntation of innovative and sustainable business mode­ls. Its main focus revolves around enabling unde­rserved and marginalized communities to access quality education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services.

Our team comprises skilled professionals from diverse­ sectors, including finance, technology, and social work. Their collective experience empowers us to create sustainable solutions that drive positive­ social change while fostering financial stability.

8. Market (Industry) analysis

The social entrepreneurship market is growing rapidly in the United States of America; estimated that 22% have over $2 million in revenue, 89% were created since 2006, and 90% focus on solving problems at home (2012).

https://www.socialchangecentral.com/social-enterprise-statistics-from-around-the-world/

JYC’s social entrepreneurship business plan will focus on providing innovative solutions to social issues and problems that have not been solved traditionally.

9. Competitor analysis

Our social entrepreneur business plan template competitors are:

• Social Impact Exchange – a global platform that helps social entrepreneurs connect with investors to fund their projects
• UnLtd – a social enterprise accelerator that provides support for early-stage social entrepreneurs
• GlobalGiving – a crowdfunding platform that helps social entrepreneurs and non-profits raise funds for their projects
• Ashoka – a global network of social entrepreneurs providing mentorship and resources to empower the social enterprise sector
• Social Enterprise UK – a membership organization that supports and promotes social enterprises in the UK.

10. Services and Products

Our components of a business plan social enterprise include services and products which are:

• Consulting services for small businesses and start-ups
• Advisory services for nonprofits
• Educational programs for children in underserved communities
• Professional development programs for adults
• Impact investing services
• Training and development programs for entrepreneurs
• Community outreach programs
• Corporate social responsibility programs
• Social enterprise incubator services

11. Sales and Marketing Plan

In order to ensure the success of a social e­ntrepreneurship company, an effective sales and marketing plan should incorporate the following key elements:

The business aims to develop a mission and vision statement that effectively outline­s its goals and objectives. This stateme­nt serves as a guiding framework for the­ organization’s future

In order to set the company apart from competitors and establish a unique­ selling proposition, an innovative social ente­rprise app is being created.

In order to effectively promote a product or service, it is important to develop a compre­hensive marketing strategy.

12. Operational plan

Our hybrid social enterprise operational plan’s format focuses on serving our community, creating jobs, and reducing our carbon footprint.

• Supporting local businesses
• Incorporating green practices into our operations
• Developing social programs to benefit the community
• Establishing a system of sustainable production
• Creating partnerships with nonprofits and public institutions
• Minimizing waste and energy consumption.

13. Evaluation/assessment

• Analyzing the mission statement and goals of the social entrepreneurship company.
• Examining the business model and resources required to achieve success.
• Assessing the impact of the company on the community.
• Examining the company’s financial health and sustainability.
• Evaluating the management team and their ability to execute the plan.
• Analyzing the marketing strategy and its effectiveness.
• Evaluating the potential for growth and scalability.
• Assessing the competitive landscape and how the company can differentiate itself.

14. Management team

Executive Team:

• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Head of Human Resources

Advisory Board:

• Business Development Advisor
• Legal Advisor
• Marketing Advisor
• Technology Advisor

15. Projection and Financial Planning

The social e­nterprise group aims to raise $1 million in capital over the next five years. This funding will support various aspects, including platform development, staff recruitment, and covering ope­rational expenses. The­ organization plans to generate re­venue through government contracts and by offering data analytics services to local governments.

Startup Costs

The initial startup costs for this business will be $200,000.

The primary source of revenue will come from government contracts and data analytics services. Government contracts will provide a steady stream of income, while data analytics services will provide additional revenue.

Financial Highlights

The projected financial highlights for the business are as follows:

• Revenue: $1.5 million by 2024
• Profits: $400,000 by 2024
• Return on Investment: 40%
• Cash Flow: $1.2 million by 2024
• Break-even Point: 12 months

16. Discover the Power of Social Entrepreneurship with OGS Capital

Highly efficient service.

Highly Efficient Service! I am incredibly happy with the outcome; Alex and his team are highly efficient professionals with a diverse bank of knowledge.

OGS Capital specialize­s in assisting entreprene­urs in developing and implementing impactful social entreprene­urship business plans. Our highly experie­nced team collaborates with nume­rous social entreprene­urs to create custom plans that yield me­asurable outcomes.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepre­neur trying to make your mark or a seasone­d professional in the business world, our Busine­ss Planning Services are here to assist you. We specialize­ in developing comprehe­nsive plans that fully embrace your unique­ vision and core values. Through close collaboration, we­ will work diligently alongside you to identify the­ optimal strategies for success and de­termine the necessary resources to bring your goals to fruition.

OGS Capital values the­ transformative power of social entre­preneurship. With our guidance, you can establish a social ente­rprise that leaves a lasting, me­aningful impression.

OGS Capital can be your re­liable partner in creating a robust social e­ntrepreneurship business plan. Feel free­ to reach out to us today for assistance.

Q. What are examples of social entrepreneurship businesses?

1. Revolution Foods: Revolution Foods is a social enterprise providing healthy meals to underserved students. https://www.revolutionfoods.com/

2. Kiva: Kiva is a nonprofit providing micro-loans to developing countries’ entrepreneurs. https://www.kiva.org/

3. Ecosia: Ecosia is an online search engine that donates 80% of its profits to reforestation projects worldwide. https://www.ecosia.org/

4. Warby Parker: Warby Parker is an eyewear company that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased. https://www.warbyparker.com/

5. Solar Sister: Solar Sister is a social enterprise that helps women in Africa build businesses selling solar-powered products. https://solarsister.org/

Q. How do you write a social enterprise business plan?

When establishing a social enterprise, it is crucial to unde­rtake the task of crafting a comprehe­nsive business plan. This plan serve­s as a roadmap, outlining key aspects such as the e­nterprise’s objective­s and mission, the range of service­s or products on offer, an analysis of the intended audience and market, financial conside­rations, a succinct overview of the marke­ting strategy, and a timeline e­ncompassing both launch and growth milestones. A meticulously de­veloped social ente­rprise business plan sets the­ stage for success in this impactful venture­.

The plan should have­ a comprehensive e­xplanation of the enterprise­’s mission and values. It should also address the compe­titive landscape and any applicable re­gulations. When writing the plan, it is important to be thorough, re­alistic, and ensure clarity for easy understanding.

Download Social entrepreneur business plan Template in PDF

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Join us as we share crucial insights into the anticipated shifts and emerging trends that will define the funding ecosystem in 2024.

Business plans for social enterprises (SE) and social businesses

Writing a business plan helps to ensure you focus on the core of your business. You must concentrate on key deliverables in a resource-constrained organization and communicate effectively with your stakeholders, including your funders or investors, customers, community, board, employees and volunteers.

The value of social enterprise business planning

Business planning will help any social enterprise (SE) or social purpose business (SPB) to:

• Attract investment
• Identify risks
• Measure social or environmental outcomes
• Demonstrate that you are using a business approach
• Showcase the management team
• Build alliances
• Check thinking
• Determine feasibility

In a business plan, you must clearly articulate:

• The mission of your social enterprise
• The outline of specific actions to achieve your goals and objectives
• Establish targets for planning, measuring and improving performance
• Project the necessary resources, costs and revenues of your program

Sample business plan templates

Many business plan templates exist in the public domain, including this one .

The elements are best used as prompts by social entrepreneurs to build their own plan, assessing along the way whether or not the question (or element) is relevant for the Social Enterprise or the social business.

Social enterprise business plans versus non-profit plans

Description of the business/mission statement.

The social mission and the importance of meeting both the financial and social goals should be discussed in this section.

Management and organization

Financing the capacity of the organization is as important as supporting the programs. Include an assessment of the current organization, planned additions and/or changes as well as the cost of building the team’s capacity in order to achieve the projected growth. Demonstrate that the staff has both programmatic and business skills.

Market assessment and marketing plan

The plan should focus on delivering market-driven products or services as opposed to program-driven products or services to the target customer .

You will also need to articulate how to promote your social objectives along with the product and service.  Partnerships and collaborations extend the reach of the social venture.  Highlight your partnership strategy in this section.

Your marketing plan includes the strategies and tactics to reach your customers, partners and the community.  Outline the public relations, media relations, and advertising that will be required to meet your objectives. The marketing plan should be linked in with your financial plan and your overall strategy.

A solid financial position will allow you to pursue your mission with flexibility and high-quality service, beyond mere stability.  Investors must feel confident their investment will be used effectively to achieve both the social mission and financial results that will enable your organization to thrive and achieve continued growth.

The financial plan provides the framework for social entrepreneurs to forecast the resources they need to create and sustain social and economic value. Commercial entrepreneurs prepare business plans to show why they need money and how they will use it.  Social entrepreneurs should use the same approach and not worry about the limited resources currently available.

Social Enterprise Investors

Investors and funders alike want to know the cost to develop, start up, offer and deliver services or products, whether or not any one user or payer is willing to cover it. When interacting with potential funders or investors, you need a detailed budget and projection of required outside investment tied in with a plan to reach the desired market position.

Investors want returns, typically a blend of financial and social. Your plan must describe the potential “return” on investment for investors and the desired social outcomes, and provide a framework for assessing social performance .

Remember that a social purpose business is similar to any other for-profit business, but the organization will likely raise financing from investors who are interested in a double bottom line. Social enterprises in the non-profit environment will typically raise funding from traditional fundraising, loans and other forms of social finance.

Dees, J.G., Emerson, J., & Economy, P. (2001).  Enterprising Nonprofits: A Toolkit for Social Entrepreneurs . Toronto: John Wiley & Sons.

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Social Enterprise Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Non-Profit Sector

Do you want to start a social enterprise and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample social enterprise business plan template & feasibility report.

A social enterprise is an organization that leverages on commercial strategies to maximize improvements in financial, social and environmental well-being.

Social enterprises have both business and social goals. As a result, their social goals are embedded in their objective, which differentiates them from other organizations and corporations.

The major objectives of a social enterprise organization are to promote, encourage, and make social change. This goes to show that there are diverse areas where you can focus on with your social enterprise ideas.

You can actually invest in the Community Housing & Homeless Shelters industry and interestingly, this industry is made up of businesses that offer temporary and emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing , construction and repairs and other.

A Sample Social Enterprise Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

In the united states, the Social Enterprise Alliance defines a “social enterprise” as “Organizations that address a basic unmet need or solve a social or environmental problem through a market-driven approach.” Interestingly an entrepreneur can focus on starting a transitional housing as a social enterprise.

Transitional housing is temporary housing for certain segments of the homeless population, including working homeless people who are earning too little money to afford long-term housing. Transitional housing is set up to transition residents into permanent, transitional housing.

It is not in an emergency homeless shelter, but usually a room or apartment in a residence with support services. The transitional time can be short, for example one or two years, and in that time the person must file for and get permanent housing and usually some gainful employment or income, even if Social Security or assistance.

Sometimes, the transitional housing residence program charges a room and board fee, maybe 30 percent of an individual’s income, which is sometimes partially or fully refunded after the person procures a permanent place to live in. In the USA, federal funding for transitional housing programs was originally allocated in the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1986.

Transitional housing business is part of the community housing and homeless shelters industry and this industry provides a variety of community housing services, including:

Short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse; temporary residential shelter for the homeless , runaway youths and parents and families caught in medical crises; transitional housing and assisted living for low-income individuals and families; and volunteer construction or repair of low-cost housing.

The Community Housing & Homeless Shelters Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in most developed countries of the world.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 12,323 registered and licensed community housing and homeless shelters companies responsible for directly employing about 132,874 people and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $12 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at – 0.7 percent annually within 2014 and 2019. It is important to state that no company can boast of having a major market share in the industry.

Some of the factors that encourage entrepreneurs to start their own transitional housing company as a social enterprise organization could be that the business is thriving and profitable, and an aspiring entrepreneur can successfully launch the business if they have a pool of cash.

If you are going into the construction of transitional housing as a social enterprise organization, it is very important to be creative, to be able to use your ideas to meet the rapidly changing needs of the society when it comes to housing and meeting related social needs of your target market.

2. Executive Summary

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing , Inc. is a social enterprise and not a charity organization. It is a profit-generating business that serves not just to make money but also to make an impact in the lives of the homeless in the city where we are going to be operating from.

We will have our headquarters in Montgomery – Alabama and will major in the construction of transitional housing so as to provide a variety of community housing services, including:

Short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse; temporal residential shelter for the homeless, runaway youths and parents and families caught in medical crises; transitional housing and assisted living for low-income individuals and families; and volunteer construction or repair of low-cost housing.

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is going to be a self-administered and a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). We will engage in the construction of different transitional homes that will meet the needs of our clients.

We will work towards becoming one of the largest transitional housing construction companies in the United States of America with active presence in major cities.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority and to become one of the leading social enterprise in the United States of America, we have perfected plans to adopt international best practices that can favorably compete with the best in the industry. St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. has overtime perfected plans that will help us to become specialists in our area.

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a social enterprise organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable social enterprise practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. will be owned majorly by Peter McCain and his immediate family members. Peter McCain has a Degree in Civil Engineering.

He is a property guru that has worked with top community housing companies in the United States of America for many years prior to starting his own social enterprise. Other organizations and investors with same social enterprise ideology whose name cannot be mentioned here for obvious reasons are going to be part of the business.

3. Our Products and Services

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the community housing and homeless shelters industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our social enterprise organization is to favorably compete with leading players in the transitional housing cum social enterprise market space in the United States of America.

We will be involved in providing;

• Short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse
• Temporary residential shelter for homeless, runaway youths and families caught in medical crises
• Transitional and assisted housing for low-income individuals and families
• Volunteer construction or repair of low-cost housing
• Repair of homes for elderly or disabled homeowners as a support service

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

Our vision as a social enterprise is to become the leading operator in the social economy of Alabama whose main objective is to have a social impact rather than make a profit for our owners and shareholders.

Our mission of starting a social enterprise cum transitional housing construction business is to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse, the homeless, runaway youths, families caught in medical issues and average low – income earning families, own their own transitional housing in and around Montgomery – Alabama.

Our Business Structure

Our organization’s structure is not entirely different from what is obtainable in the community housing and homeless shelters industry. As a matter of priority, we have decided to create a structure that will allow for easy growth for our employees and also, we have created platforms that will enable us attract some of the best hands in the industry.

We are quite aware that the success of any social enterprise lies in the foundation on which the business is built on, which is why we have decided to build our transitional housing construction company on the right business foundation.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders.  As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target.

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is fully aware of the modus operandi in the community housing and homeless shelters industry, hence adequate provision and competitive packages has been prepared for independent real estate brokers.

Our marketing department will be responsible for managing this aspect of our business structure. Below is the business structure we will build St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. on;

• Chief Executive Officer
• Company’s Lawyer / Secretary

Project Manager

Civil Engineer

Land Surveyor

Admin and HR Manager

• Business Developer / Sales and Marketing

Transitional Housing Officer

• Customer Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (President):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board

Company’s Lawyer/Secretary/Legal Counsel

• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consult and handle all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial / securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
• Develop company policy and position on legal issues
• Research, anticipate and guard company against legal risks
• Represent company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Play a part in business deals negotiation and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
• Prepares annual reports for the company
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervise projects
• Ensure compliance during project executions
• Providing advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Using IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and billing of every project
• Represent the organization’s interest at various stakeholders’ meetings
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.
• Responsible for preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients, public agencies and planning bodies
• Ensures that sites meet legal guidelines, and health and safety requirements
• Assessing the environment impact and risks connected to projects
• Responsible for judging whether projects are workable by assessing materials, costs and time requirements
• Drawing up blueprints, using Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages
• Discussing requirements with the client and other professionals (e.g. architects and project managers et al)
• Responsible for managing, directing and monitoring progress during each phase of a project
• Responsible for creating building designs and highly detailed drawings
• Working around constraining factors such as town planning legislation, environmental impact and project budget
• Writing and presenting reports, proposals, applications and contracts
• Adapting plans according to circumstances and resolving any problems that may arise during construction
• Work with project team and management to achieve a common goal
• Responsible for applying for planning permission and advice from governmental new building and legal department.
• Responsible for undertaking land surveys/measurements
• Responsible for presenting data to clients
• Responsible for producing and advising about construction plans and drawings
• Responsible for advising about technical matters and whether the construction plans are viable
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• In charge of inspecting and reporting on the structural attributes of a building
• Responsible for handling reporting on and evaluating the component systems of a building (electrical, fire, roofing and plumbing)
• Assessing compliance with building, electrical, plumbing and fire codes
• Evaluating building plans and permits
• Studying and assessing the soil composition and attributes of where the building is located
• Reviewing and approving plans that meet building codes, local ordinances and zoning regulations
• Issuing violation notices and stop-work orders until building in violation is compliant
• Keeping daily logs, including photographs taken during inspection
• Handle real estate consultancy and advisory services

Marketing and Sales Executive/Business Developer

• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s need s, and communicate with clients
• Finds and qualifies land for development based on company’s land requirements; maintains a land search database; initiates discussions with property owners about the possible sale of property
• Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent the company in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managers with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Front Desk/Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives Visitors/clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels/documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the line manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s properties that are put – up for sale, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

The fact that transitional housing construction business is a very rewarding business does not mean that there are no challenges in the industry. In order to compete favorably in the community housing and homeless shelters industry as a social enterprise organization we have been able to hire the services of tested and trusted business and HR consultants to help us conduct critical SWOT analysis.

We intend maximizing our strengths, explore all opportunities we will come across, properly manage our weakness and confront our threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc.;

Some of the strengths that we will be bringing to the table in the industry is our robust relations with properties investment moguls in the whole of the United States of America. Also, our access to pools of low-income earning families and the homeless who are willing to own their own transitional housing.

Again, we have a team of experts who have cut their teeth in the social enterprise market. Our commission structure and relationship with freelance real estate agents in Montgomery – Alabama and other state in the US will also count towards our advantage.

As a newbie in the transitional housing line of business, we might have some challenges competing with big time social enterprise organizations and other transitional housing construction companies that have been in the industry for many years; that perhaps is part of our weakness.

• Opportunities:

Unemployment usually leads to a decline in income, which makes housing less affordable. A rise in the national unemployment rate will increase demand for community housing services. Conversely, a decrease in the unemployment rate will reduce the number of individuals seeking the services provided by the industry.

The national unemployment rate is expected to decrease in 2019. However, potential economic uncertainty in the near future could contribute to higher unemployment, presenting an opportunity for the industry.

The majority of industry revenue comes from the federal, state and local government-funded homeless and housing assistance programs. Any changes in funding or government policy will drastically affect industry revenue. Federal funding for social services is expected to decrease in 2019, posing a potential threat to the industry.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Housing choice is a response to an extremely complex set of economic, social, and psychological impulses. For example, some households may choose to spend more on housing because they feel they can afford to, while others may not have a choice but to stick to transitional housing via as a way of escaping being homeless.

Market forces, policy decisions, and demographic changes have converged, making it more difficult to increase transitional housing for renters. The US affordable-housing crisis shows no signs of going away anytime soon, and it’s having the unadulterated effects on people with the lowest

So also, with the high rate of people migrating to the United States, it is the norm for them to contract transitional housing construction companies to help them with transitional housing that they intend leasing or renting on a short time basis. In essence, most transitional housing construction companies are targeting migrants and the vulnerable in the society who are likely going to need such properties.

Another obvious trend that is common with transitional housing construction companies in the United States of America is that most of them are improvising on more means of making money in the industry and as matter of fact, they are also acting as property developers and home staging agents.

One thing is certain for every transitional housing construction company; if they are hardworking, creative and proactive, they will always generate enough income to meet all their overhead and operational cost, keep their business going without struggle and make reasonable profits.

8. Our Target Market

As a social enterprise operating in transitional housing market space, our target market cuts across homeless and vulnerable families who are classified as low-income earners. We are coming into the community housing and homeless shelters industry with a business concept that will enable us work with a wide range of clients and make positive social impact in their lives.

Our target market are vulnerable and low – income earning families in the whole of the United States of America and we have put plans in place to recruit freelance agents (brokers) nationally to represent our interest wherever they are located in the United States of America.

Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically designed our services for;

• Victims of domestic violence
• Sexual assault or child abuse victims
• The homeless, runaway youths and parents and families caught in medical crises
•  Low-income individuals and families
• Families who are interested in acquiring/renting a decent and well renovated transitional apartment

Our Competitive Advantage

The availability of competent and reliable real estate professionals under our payroll, our business process, pricing model and social impact packages et al are part of our competitive advantages.

Another possible competitive strategy for winning our competitors in this particular industry is to build a robust clientele base, and ensure that our transitional homes designs are top notch and trendy. Our organization is well positioned, key members of our team are highly reliable and competent and can favorably compete with the some of the best in the industry.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and objectives. We will also engage freelance real estate brokers/agents on a commission level to help us market our services.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is established with the aim of making maximum social impact and of course profits. Although we are a social enterprise in the transitional housing market space, but part of our work force are also licensed real estate agents hence we intend generating additional income from diverse means in the real estate agency.

We have successfully built a vibrant real estate network that covers the whole of the United States of America so as to help us build a profitable social enterprise organization. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc.;

• Repair of homes for elderly or disabled homeowners as part of our give back to the community.

10. Sales Forecast

It is a known fact that as long as there are vulnerable people and low – income earning families in the United States of America, there will always be need to for transitional housing construction companies from time to time.

We are well positioned to take on the challenges that are synonymous with social enterprises that operate in the transitional housing market space in the United States, we are quite optimistic that we will meet out set target of generating enough income/profits from the first month or operations and grow the influence of our social enterprise beyond Montgomery – Alabama to other states within record time.

We have been able to examine the social enterprise market, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions peculiar to similar start – ups in Montgomery – Alabama;

Below are the sales projections for St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. it is based on the location of our social enterprise and the services we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $1 million
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $2.5 million
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $3.5 million

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and any major competitor offering same services and social impacts as we do within the locations where we have a strong business presence. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher since some factors are beyond our control.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We quite mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions in the transitional housing market in the United States of America, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developers to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.  The training is not restricted to only our full – time employees but it will also get to our freelance brokers. St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies;

• Introduce our social enterprise cum transitional housing construction company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to low income earning families, vulnerable families, individuals and other key stake holders throughout the city where our social enterprise organization is located.
• Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get your message across
• Create a basic website for our business so as to give your business an online presence
• Directly market our services
• Join local social enterprise organization associations for industry trends and tips
• Join local chambers of commerce and industry with the aim of marketing our services
• Advertise our social enterprise organization in community – based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List our social enterprise on yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to take the transitional housing cum real estate industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our social enterprise organization.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our social enterprise organization;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant TV shows so as to be able to communicate our brand and what we do
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other platforms (real estate online forums) to promote our business and list our properties for sale and for lease.
• Install our Billboards in strategic locations in and around Montgomery – Alabama
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time
• Attend landlord and residence association meetings with the aim of networking and introducing our business.
• Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and ambulances are well branded with our company’s logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

The fact that a social enterprise is not a charity organization but a profit-generating business that serves not just to make money but also to make a social impact, means that we will charge far less than what people in main stream industry will be charging.

We will ensure that we don’t know run at a loss but at the same make relative profits that we can easily leverage on to make maximum impact in our city.

• Payment Options

At St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will not accept payment by cash because of the volume of cash that will be involved in most of our transactions.

Real estate deals usually involve huge amount of money. Here are the payment options that St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans without any itches and we will also pay our freelance sales agents (real estate brokers) with same platforms.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market survey and feasibility studies, we have been able to come up with a detailed budget on achieving our aim of establishing a standard and highly competitive social enterprise cum transitional housing construction company in Montgomery – Alabama and here are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

• The total fee for incorporating the business in The United States of America – $750.
• The budget for permits and license – $2,000
• The cost for hiring business consultant – $2,500.
• The cost for computer software apps (Accounting Software, Payroll Software, CRM Software, real estate software, and QuickBooks Pro et al) – $7,000
• The budget for insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $5,400.
• The cost for acquiring suitable Office facility with enough space in Montgomery – Alabama – $1.5 million.
• The cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $150,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• The cost of launching our official Website – $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need approximately 2.5 million dollars to successfully set up a small scale but standard social enterprise in the transitional housing market space in the United States of America.

Please note that the salaries of all our staff members for the first month is included in the expenditure and the pool cash needed for the construction of the first set of affordable houses is not part of this financial projection. We will contact our partners to pool cash together when the time comes.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc.

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is a social enterprise that will be owned and managed by Peter McCain, his immediate family members and other business partners. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the social enterprise to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $1 million (Personal savings $800,000 and soft loan from family members $200,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $1.5 million from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and business structure. If all these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to rent / lease / sell our transitional housing services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

St. Peter McCain© Transitional Housing, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring of Office Facility and remodeling the facility in Montgomery – Alabama: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from the CEO/President and Business Partners: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Marketing/Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies): In Progress

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Latest News

Social enterprise business plan: templates and examples.

7 August 2021

A social enterprise is an organisation that exists to address a social need. Think of it as a cross between a business and a charity. Like a business, a social enterprise sells products or services in exchange for cash. But like a charity, instead of using these profits to enrich shareholders, a social enterprise will instead channel them into schemes to help them achieve their social objectives.

How does a social enterprise work? There’s more than one way to run this type of organisation. For more information, read our complete guide to the various different social enterprise business models .

If you’ve got an idea for a social enterprise, you can also read our step-by-step guide to setting one up .

To get your social enterprise off the ground, you’ll need a source of funding. There are many grants and opportunities out there, and we have a guide to finding grants that works for you .

Do I Need a Business Plan for a Social Enterprise?

For your social enterprise funding applications to be successful, you’ll need a social enterprise business plan. In this post, we’ll explain what a business plan is, and link you to numerous templates that’ll help you put a solid plan together for your big idea.

What is a Social Enterprise Business Plan?

Your social enterprise business plan essentially outlines:

• Who you are,
• What you want to achieve,
• How you plan on achieving this,
• How you plan on funding this,
• And how you intend to measure your success.

Let’s explore the various sections you’ll need to include in your business plan, and the sort of information you’ll have to include.

How to Write a Social Enterprise Business Plan

1. executive summary.

This is where you outline, as succinctly as possible, who you are and what you want to do. It’s a proof of concept, something potential investors can skim over to get a good idea of your goals before they delve into the details.

Although your executive summary should open your social enterprise business plan, it’s a good idea to write it last, when you’ll have a better understanding of the market, your competitors, and other aspects of your plan.

The executive summary should include:

• A brief overview of the industry or sector you wish to enter, and of the problem you wish to address.
• A description of your organisation, and of your business concept.
• Your value proposition – why should people work with you, rather than your competitors?
• Key success factors – how will you measure your impact?
• A brief look at your finances – how much do you think you’ll make, and what sort of capital will you need upfront?

2. Your Mission Statement

This is where you expand upon the overview you gave in your executive summary.

Talk about the problem you want to address, and how you want to address it. Your focus is upon detailing how aligned your organisation will be with your mission. As we explored when we discussed the different type of social enterprise business models , some social enterprises help their beneficiaries directly, while others have a less direct relationship.

For example, The Big Issue exists to help the homeless, and they help them directly through paying them to distribute their magazines. The Big Issue are therefore directly aligned with their mission: Their business operations support their goals, and vice versa.

But on the other hand, consider TOMS Shoes , a social enterprise that exists to donate shoes to children in developing countries. To fund this enterprise, they sell shoes to customers in developed countries. And for every pair of shoes they sell, they donate another pair to their beneficiaries.

So when explaining your mission statement, take the time to explain how aligned your social enterprise will be with your goals.

3. Your Business Structure and Operations

This might prove to be the longest section of your social enterprise business plan. Detail how your social enterprise is structured, with a list of all the roles that will exist in your business, and the key responsibilities of each one.

This will demonstrate that you know what you’re doing, and that you’ll make good use of your resources. If you’re applying for funding, outlining your business structure might also help you justify your capital requirements. All the people you need to achieve your goals will need paying, of course!

In terms of your wider operations, you need to explain how you’ll deliver your core products and services, and how you’ll support your beneficiaries. So beyond your management structure and staffing plan, think about your supply chain, your material costs, and your provisions for customer services and support. You can also talk about the facilities you’ll need, along with any specialist equipment, all while accounting for future growth and improvements.

4. Market Analysis and Competitor Analysis

Who are your target customers, and how do you intend to meet their needs? And who are your main competitors, and how will your products or services stand out from the competition?

This section of your social enterprise business plan might include at least one SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for “Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat.” So consider any recent or emerging changes in your sector or industry, as well as any unmet needs that you intend to provide.

5. Products and Services

What specific products and services do you intend to sell? Who’s the target customer for each, and what sort of market demands will each one meet?

There’s no need to talk about specifics at this stage, such as pricing and the supply chain. But you could talk about any future products or services you wish to provide, and how these will be aligned with your goals.

6. Marketing and Sales

How will you reach your target market? How will you convert any prospects into paying customers, and how might these paying customers become loyal, repeat customers?

At this point you’ll have already outlined your social enterprise’s business structure, and the various roles that will exist within your organisation. You’ll have also outlined the key responsibilities of each role. So readers at this point might already be aware that you’ll have a dedicated marketing professional on your payroll, and of the key duties you’ll expect them to perform.

But this section of your social enterprise business plan will allow you to go into specifics about your marketing plan. Which products will you launch first, and how will you introduce them to the market? Which channels will you use, and what sort of messages will you put out on them? Are there any special events, or awareness days, that you can use to spread your word and kindle interest in your products, services and cause?

At this stage you can also include a brief sales forecast. Taking into account all of your expenses, and the various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the market, how much do you expect to make in your first year of business? And given your plans and your projected growth, how much do you expect to make in your second, third, fourth and fifth years of business?

7. Measuring Your Success

An ordinary business can measure its success by its bottom line. If the profits are on the rise, then the shareholders are happy, and thus everyone’s happy.

But a social enterprise is no ordinary business. Profits matter, of course. But to remain compliant , you’ll also have to demonstrate how you’re meeting your social goals. So how will you measure success?

For TOMS Shoes, who we mentioned earlier, measuring success must be easy. For every pair of shoes they sell, they donate another pair to a child in a developing country. So they can measure their success by simply counting the number of shoes they sell and, as such, the number they’ve been able to donate.

Similarly, Baron Fig is a social enterprise that sells notebooks, and for each notebook they sell, they plant a tree. They can count the number of notebooks they’ve sold to measure their profits, and count the number of trees they’ve planted to measure their social impact.

Some social enterprises operate as social firms, providing employment opportunities to people who might not otherwise find work. A good example of this is the Big Issue, who we mentioned above. Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant is another example. They trained homeless people, ex-offenders, disadvantaged youth and others to work as chefs in their restaurant.

How might Fifteen Restaurant have measured success? On one level, just like any other restaurant – through assessing profit margins and customer satisfaction scores. But the Fifteen Restaurant could also consider every person they employed as a person who might otherwise have been in prison, on the streets, or otherwise struggling. So every person in full or part-time employment for Fifteen Restaurant could be considered a measure of success.

So what’s your social enterprise’s goal, and how will you know that you’re working towards achieving it? This part of your social enterprise business plan is essentially your opportunity to make it clear that your idea has potential.

8. Financial Considerations

Finally, the numbers. For at least the first three years of your operations, outline your revenue projections and your key expenses. This is also where you can outline your start-up costs. How much will you need to get everything off the ground, from staffing, to facilities, to production, to sales and marketing?

Talk about your intended sources of funding , and include a cash flow projection .

Remember: The more accurate you are about your expenses, and the more realistic you are about your revenue projections, then the more likely potential investors are to take your business plan seriously, and invest.

Social Enterprise Business Plan Templates

Many places online provide free social enterprise business plan templates. Not all of these follow the structure we’ve suggested above, and some of them are from the US, where there’s different legislation for social enterprises than in the UK. Nonetheless, by following our guide and any one of these templates, you should be able to put a social enterprise business plan together that will tick every box:

• Propel Non Profits
• Profitable Venture (this one uses a fictional social housing company as an example, to help you work out what sort of information to put in each section).
• Tools 4 Dev

Additional Support for Social Enterprises

If you’re setting up a social enterprise, writing your business plan should make it clear just how risky this business can be.

So to help you manage the risks, Worcester-based Hazelton Mountford offer specialist social enterprise insurance . It will cover your unique requirements as a not-for-profit business, ensuring you can support your cause with total peace of mind.

What Is a Social Enterprise?

Angelique O'Rourke

5 min. read

Updated November 9, 2023

A social enterprise is defined by its mission, specifically that it makes a positive contribution to a social cause. Because of this, the structure of a social enterprise can vary. Nonprofits are certainly social enterprises, but many for-profit companies fall into this category by making the conscious decision to have their focus be an altruistic cause, rather than the maximization of profits. Of course, there are also ways to form both a for-profit and a nonprofit arm of the same venture. In terms of legal structure, social enterprises have many options.

The Social Enterprise Alliance offers this definition:

“In its early days, the social enterprise movement was identified mainly with nonprofits that used business models and earned income strategies to pursue their mission. Today, it also encompasses for-profits whose driving purpose is social. Mission is primary and fundamental; organizational form is a strategic question of what will best advance the social mission.”

• What does a social enterprise look like?

An excellent example of a social enterprise is The Empowerment Plan —an organization that hires people currently living in homeless shelters to create a combination winter coat, sleeping bag, and over-the-shoulder bag, which is then distributed to the homeless of Detroit free of charge. This incorporates a socially beneficial mission with a manufacturing arm that produces a useful product for its targeted demographic, while also directly providing employment to members of that demographic.

According to the Harvard Business Review,  in most U.S. states for-profit companies can accept donations and nonprofit companies earn revenue, which dispels the myths that a nonprofit can’t make money, or a for-profit venture would miss out on donations. They also note that after the 2007 recession—when things looked grim for the U.S. economy in general—U.S. charitable giving fell by only 10 percent. Ultimately, you can use either structure, or decide to form separate entities that serve the same cause in different ways, working together.

One social enterprise that embodies this model is InStove, an organization that sustainably makes the world’s most efficient stove, for use primarily in developing nations where fossil fuels and electricity are scarce, and walking long distances to gather wood can be dangerous. Here in the U.S. it is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, but because of its dedication to sustainability, it is now working with local communities to form separate stove manufacturing factories in their countries. InStove contributes both the technology for efficient stoves, and the means to create sustainable jobs.

Overall, the consensus among the experts is that the structure of the social enterprise should be decided by what will best serve the organization, facilitate its charitable mission, and, of course, keep it sustainable. “Our best chance to make the world better is to agree that the choice among corporate structures should be made entirely in service of social impact,” says Rich Leimsider, the Vice President of Fellowship Programs at Echoing Green, a nonprofit that invests with social entrepreneurs.

• Popular structures used for social enterprise

Nonprofits have clear social missions and are not profit-driven. They have to meet specific legal requirements for their organizational structure, and demonstrate the transparency of their funding. This of course does not mean that nonprofits are able to generate revenue to build a sustainable venture, but it does mean that any surplus will be put right back in the coffers. In the United States, most nonprofits use the 501(c)(3) structure, which allows the organization to be tax exempt, and requires regular reporting to the IRS. Each U.S. state has a State Charity Official that can be contacted for more information.

For-Profit Entities

L3cs, or low-profit limited liability company.

L3Cs, or Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies, are one form of legal structure in the U.S. that social enterprises can take. An L3C is a variation on an LLC,  essentially a hybrid form of a nonprofit and for-profit company. The organization is designed so that it can function generally as an LLC would, while legally accepting foundation grants because of the organization’s socially beneficial goals. L3Cs were first formed in 2008, and are currently only legal in Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming, as well as the federal jurisdictions of the Crow Indian Nation of Montana, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

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B corps are corporations that are for-profit, but go through a certification process administered by the independent third party nonprofit B Lab , to be able to publicly demonstrate that their business is focused on a social mission. You can view the steps of the certification process here.  Certification as a B Corp is available globally, and there are currently certified B corps in 34 countries worldwide.

Benefit Corporations

A Benefit Corporation is a legal structure for a business, as an L3C or LLC is. Benefit Corporations do not need to be certified, but they are required to make publicly available their performance on their social missions as compared to a third party standard. The basic idea behind a Benefit Corporation is that it is a for-profit, non-tax exempt entity that is legally able to emphasize it’s stated social or environmental goals ahead of maximizing profits for shareholders.

Maryland was the first U.S. state to adopt this structure in 2010. Currently this structure is available in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C., with many more states pending legislation.

• Social enterprise: Building a better future

“The definition [of success] has expanded to include contributing something to the world.”

To many prominent entrepreneurs and impact-focused investors, socially-minded businesses are the direction of the future. Tim Berry, founder of Palo Alto Software, describes feeling that “the underlying story of a business, the people behind it, and its values, these all matter more now than they used to.” Blake Mycoskie, CEO of the social enterprise Tom’s Shoes,  says that he speaks with entrepreneurs and young people across the US, and he’s noticing a change in opinion on what constitutes success in the modern, globally interconnected world. “The definition has expanded to include contributing something to the world and living and working on one’s own terms,” Mycoskie says.

Given that of all existing U.S. social enterprises, 60 percent were formed after 2006, they just might be onto something.

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22 Awesome Social Enterprise Ideas and Examples

There are several ways you can go about searching for social enterprise ideas. Seeing examples of social enterprise in action is one of these best ways to get inspired for what you might want to create!

Social enterprise ideas, unlike conventional business ideas, typically result from a desire to solve a social need; similar to how many non-profit and charity organizations find their beginning.

As the message of merging business acumen and innovation with the task of building lasting social change spreads, and along with increasing numbers of powerful examples of positive change manifesting around the world, the social enterprise movement continues to gain traction. With this entrepreneurial approach to diversifying funding streams, an organization can be freed from “strings-attached” grant funding and often unreliable corporate or individual donations.

Before sharing a list of social entrepreneurship examples in action, let’s address a few of the most commonly asked questions about social enterprise:

How is a social enterprise different from a business?

Traditional business ideas can also come from identifying a social need but the difference between a social enterprise and a traditional business is the motivation of the entrepreneur. The primary motivation for a traditional entrepreneur is more-often-than-not a desire to make money whereas a social entrepreneur is driven fist and foremost by a passion to solve a social problem. Setting up as a business or using market principles (i.e. selling products or services) is used as a mechanism to solve the social or environmental problems they seek to impact.

What are the main objectives of a social enterprise?

Because of the different motivations that drive the two types of entrepreneurs, we must consider that their businesses will function a bit differently. We often hear the business world talk about focusing on the bottom line business practices that lead to increased monetary profitability. In comparison, social businesses focus on double – or triple – bottom line business practices that lead to social, environmental AND economic profitability. Acumen  defines social enterprise as:  “Any enterprise that prioritizes transformative social impact while striving for financial sustainability.”

What qualifies as a social enterprise?

Social Enterprise  is the practice of using market-based, entrepreneurial strategies for the purpose of progressing an organization’s social or environmental impact. Social Enterprises can take many forms and are not restricted to one particular legal structure or business model design. “Social Entrepreneurship uses business models – selling products or services – to solve social problems.” –  Trico Foundation “ Organizations that address a basic unmet need or solve a social problem through a market-driven approach.” –  Social Business Alliance

How does a social enterprise work?

With goals to achieve both social impact and financial sustainability, social enterprises look to a unique set of business models to achieve their goals. Some of the most common business model frameworks social enterprises use are: 1.  Cross-Compensation  – One group of customers pays for the service. Profits from this group are used to subsidize the service for another, underserved group. 2.  Fee for Service  – Beneficiaries pay directly for the goods or services provided by the social enterprise. 3. Employment and skills training  – The core purpose is to provide living wages, skills development, and job training to the beneficiaries: the employees. 4.  Market Intermediary  – The social enterprise acts as an intermediary, or distributor, to an expanded market. The beneficiaries are the suppliers of the product and/or service that is being distributed to an international market. 5.  Market Connector  – The social enterprise facilitates trade relationships between beneficiaries and new markets. 6. Independent Support  – The social enterprise delivers a product or service to an external market that is separate from the beneficiary and social impact generated. Funds are used to support social programs to the beneficiary. 7. Cooperative  – A for-profit or nonprofit business that is owned by its members who also use its services, providing virtually any type of goods or services.

Can a social enterprise be for profit?

Yes, social enterprises can take on any legal structure! A social enterprise approach is only a means to an end: the profit-making strategies are not in place for profit maximization but are in place as an essential component to bring about social or environmental change in a meaningful and long term way.

What is an example of social enterprise?

Aravind Eye Care  is one of the earliest examples of a social enterprise model at work. This renowned Indian organization is designed to let people pay what they can. Aravind provides cataract surgery and other eye care services to any one who comes for it regardless of their ability to pay. Those who can afford to pay market price, do, and those who can’t, don’t. Amazingly, the number of patients who chose to pay covers the cost of providing care to the entire client base, allowing for wholistic care for all who need it.

Now let’s look at our list of 22 Awesome Social Enterprise Examples!

Social supermarket.

(Business Model: Fee for Service. Example:  Community Shop ) – Create a food market that sells food to low-income communities at a discounted price. Discounted food is donated (or purchased very cheaply) from food suppliers and other supermarkets, who cannot sell the food themselves for a variety of reasons such as approaching expiry dates, dented cans, and product mislabeling.

Used Textbooks for Social Change

(Business Model: Cross-compensation and Independent Support. Example:  Textbooks for Change ) – Partner with student groups/clubs to collect used textbooks at the end of each semester. Students donate their used textbooks. Some of the textbooks are re-sold to students at the college/university of their collection source; some of the textbooks are donated to students in need at underserved universities in the developing world. The profits are split between the student groups/clubs, program administration costs, and any remaining funds are used to support social programs in developing communities.

Online Socially Conscious Marketplace

(Business Model: Market Connector. Example: Etsy and Uncommon Goods ) — Help underserved artisans sell their products to the world by building a platform that makes it easy for them. Artisans can either manage their online store directly, or the platform can act merely as a listing service that connects the artisans face-to-face with buyers. 

Revenue is created by either charging listing fees directly to the artisan, via a commission on goods sold, or built-in as a premium fee to the buyer. The profit generated can be used to fund social services that directly affect the artisan communities.

Sustainable Water  

(Business Model: Fee for Service. Example: EOS International ) — To replicate a model like EOS International, pinpoint regions with a high need for clean drinking water and implement a low-cost, low-maintenance water purification technology that can be easily attached to existing water tanks.

This system should efficiently inactivate pathogens, preferably without the need for external energy sources, like EOS’ chlorine purification tablets. Beyond installation, incorporate an educational component to teach locals how to use, maintain, and repair the technology. This guarantees the project’s sustainability and empowers the community. For example, EOS’ impact model includes a program to empower local entrepreneurs to earn income by distributing chlorine tablets, which boost local incomes and also financially supports EOS to continue expanding clean water initiatives.

Micro Lending  

(Business Model: Market Connector. Example: Kiva or FINCA ) — Create a platform for individuals and organizations to lend money directly to entrepreneurs who would otherwise not get funding, such as those in the developing world. Charge a small fee to cover the operational costs.

Social Crowdfunding  

(Business Model: Market Connector. Example:  Start Some Good ) – Build a platform for social entrepreneurs to find groups of funders. Similar to the Micro Lending platform, but lenders take a promise of something in the future in return for ‘donating’ a bit of money to the Social Entrepreneur’s project now. Charge a small fee to cover the operational costs of the platform.

Baking/Cooking for a Social Cause  

(Business Model: Employment and Skills Training. Example:  Edgar and Joe’s ) – Open a bakery/restaurant or another food-providing establishment that focuses on building employment skills for underemployed groups, such as at-risk youth or former drug addicts. The profit from sales of food and beverage go to wages, training, and social betterment programs for the staff-beneficiaries.

Efficient Wood Stoves for Developing World  

(Business Model: Cross-Compensation. Example:  Bio Lite ) – Millions of women in developing countries suffer from cardiopulmonary diseases as a direct result of breathing in wood smoke on a daily basis. Build a more efficient stove to solve this problem. Sell the stoves at or above market rate to those who can afford it, and use the money from the sale of the stoves to partly subsidize the cost for those who cannot afford it.

Social Awareness Brand  

(Business Model: Independent Support. Example: Beautiful In Every Shade ) — Start by identifying a powerful, inclusive message that resonates with a broad audience, like celebrating the beauty in diversity. Develop an appealing and distinctive logo or insignia that symbolizes your message, akin to the work of artist Chris Charles for Beautiful In Every Shade. 

Launch with a signature product, such as an iconic tee, which acts as a canvas to spread your message. Your brand’s success will come from not just the products you sell, but the powerful message they convey and the community they build.

Micro Power Generation

(Business Model: Fee for Service. Examples:  Husk Power ) – Provide micro-electric solutions for remote applications in the developing world. Two ways you could do this are to create a stand-alone power system from used, rechargeable batteries to power classrooms. Or, you could create a mini power plant that uses biomass produced by the humans, plants, and animals of an off-grid village. These types of systems are very cheap to build and implement and can be paid for on a fee-for-usage basis. This idea might also lend itself well as a cooperative.

Socially Conscious Consumer Electronics

(Business Model: Fee for Service and Market Intermediary. Examples:  Fair Phone .) Build a new kind of consumer electronic device; one that is built with conflict-free materials, provides fair wages to the workers who build it, offers a fair and transparent price for the end consumer, and does not engage in unfair consumer practices (such as locking smartphones, or creating proprietary software/hardware interfaces).

Educational Equity

(Business Model: Cooperative. Example: First Book ) — Focus on the mission of providing equitable educational resources to children from low-income backgrounds. Begin by building a strong network of educators and program leaders, aiming to create the largest online community in this sector. This network is crucial for identifying the needs and gaps in resources across various communities. 

Focus on collecting and distributing high-quality educational materials, such as books, learning aids, and digital resources. These should be sourced to suit a diverse range of backgrounds and educational settings, particularly targeting underprivileged areas. 

Develop partnerships with publishers, educational organizations, and donors to source these materials, either through donations or at reduced costs. Implement a scalable model that allows you to reach a wide demographic, to impact millions of children annually. The success of this model hinges on the effective distribution of resources, which will allow them to reach the classrooms and educational programs where they are most needed.

Ultra-Modern Technology to Attract Economic Development

(Business Model: Fee for Service. Cooperative. Example:  O-Net ) A small community normally doesn’t have much to offer a business, unless you make it a place that has the best business service in one area. For instance, you could create an internet service that is owned by the community and provides internet access at ten-times the bandwidth for the same price as those in another community would have to pay. The cost could be subsidized by the community, but it would attract high-tech businesses to locate in the community, fueling the local economy and benefiting everyone in it.

Beauty Products to Support a Social Mission

(Business Model: Independent Support. Example:  Bottle 4 Bottle .) Partner with major beauty brands to sell their products as an online retailer. Convince them to provide their products to you at a favorable wholesale rate, and divert the profits to purchasing milk and baby bottles for distribution in the developing world.

A Virtual Factory of Computer Workers

(Business Model: Employment and Skills Training. Example:  Cloud Factory .) Build an online community of computer workers, hired from underemployed communities. Train each of them to do one computer-related thing well (ie. writing functions in a particular programming language, translating code for a specific and common API, etc.) Combine dozens of them to complete a product, such as a website, for a client that would normally only require 1 or 2 people. Because each person is highly micro-specialized, the larger team forms as a virtual ‘assembly line’ to finish the project faster, cheaper, and with a higher quality standard than the traditional method of locally hiring or outsourcing a broad-range knowledge worker. Virtual assembly line workers enjoy employment with higher wages than they would normally receive doing menial work.

A Marketplace for Social Good

(Business Model: Market Intermediary. Example: Ten Thousand Villages .) — Sell socially and ethically conscious products in a virtual or real environment. By purchasing these products from the producers, the social good flows down the logistics chain to the beneficiaries, and consumers can find a bunch of the products they want in a convenient shopping format.

Exercise Equipment for Social Outreach

(Business Model: Fee for Service and Cross-Compensation. Example:  Rubber Banditz .) Sell a piece of exercise equipment that is simple to use and affordable. Promote the equipment as an alternative to full gym access for those who can’t afford it. Use profits and product to subsidize outreach programs that promote healthy living, thus promoting healthy living to two underserved groups: direct customers and outreach participants.

Educational Travel Company

(Business Model: Fee for Service. Examples: Think Impact .) — Start a company that brings together travelers with experiences that provide an intercultural learning experience and a positive social impact on a local community. Profits are recycled back into the communities they affect.

Food for Philanthropy

(Business Model: Independent Support. Examples: Newman’s Own .) — Create a food company that provides an already needed/wanted product and use the profits to support philanthropic work. The company is easily scalable and can focus on just one product line/charity, or can be easily scaled to provide multiple food products and support a variety of charities.

Social Products and Employment for the underserved

(Business Model: Employment and Skills Training, Fee for Service. Example: Jobs for Humanity .) Source one or several social good products (clean cookstoves, affordable power solutions for the developing world), and hire an underemployed group to sell these products to their community on a commission basis. It’s both a distribution/marketing method and a way to employ underemployed populations.

Water for everyone!

(Business model: Cross-compensation. Example:  Soma Water .) Create a home water filtration solution that you sell to the first world, and use the proceeds of these sales to provide the same (or similar) solution to the developing world. As a bonus, use environmentally friendly materials and processes in the creation of the product.

Micro-Giving for easy philanthropy

(Business Model: Cross-compensation or independent support. Example:  B1G1 .) Partner with businesses and have them donate micro amounts of products/money to a social cause for every transaction they enter. For example, set up a relationship with a baker. And for every loaf of bread they sell, have them donate a handful of flour (or monetary equivalent) to a food-aid organization in the developing world.

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What Is a Social Enterprise?

Understanding social enterprises.

• Social Entrepreneurship

Examples of a Social Enterprise

Special considerations.

• Social Enterprise FAQs
• Business Essentials

Social Enterprise: What It Is, How It Works, and Examples

Investopedia / Theresa Chiechi

A social enterprise or social business is defined as a business with specific social objectives that serve its primary purpose. Social enterprises seek to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to society and the environment, and the profits are principally used to fund social programs.

Key Takeaways

• A social enterprise is a business with social objectives.
• Maximizing profits is not the primary goal of a social enterprise as is with a traditional business.
• Unlike a charity, social enterprises pursue endeavors that generate revenues, which fund their social causes.
• Regarding employment, preference is given to job-seekers from at-risk communities.
• Funding for a social enterprise is often obtained by selling services and goods.

The concept of a social enterprise was developed in the U.K. in the late 1970s to counter the traditional commercial enterprise.  Social enterprises exist at the intersection of the private and volunteer sectors. They seek to balance activities that provide financial benefits with social goals, such as housing for low-income families or job training.

Funding is obtained primarily by selling goods and services to consumers, although some funding is obtained through grants. Because profit-maximization is not the primary goal, a social enterprise operates differently than a standard company.

While earning profits is not the primary motivation behind a social enterprise, revenue still plays an essential role in the venture's sustainability. Sustainable revenue differentiates a social enterprise from a traditional charity that relies on outside funding to fulfill its social mission. This goal does not mean social enterprises cannot be profitable. Instead, it's simply that their priority is to reinvest profits into their social mission rather than fund payouts to shareholders. 

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identifies social enterprises as being highly participatory, with stakeholders actively involved and a minimum number of paid employees.

Social Enterprise vs. Social Entrepreneurship

A social enterprise is not to be confused with social entrepreneurship , which focuses on individuals who develop solutions to social and environmental problems using existing business techniques and strategies.  Social entrepreneurs seek innovative ways to drive change, whereas social enterprises form to fulfill a business purpose and solve societal needs through their commercial activities.

Many social enterprises successfully maximize improvements in social well-being . For example, Warby Parker is an American eyeglass retailer that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold. TOMS, a California-based retailer, similarly has pledged to donate a pair of shoes or sunglasses for every pair sold.  Also, Radicle trains businesses and gives them software tools to track and cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

Employees of social enterprises come from many backgrounds, but priority is given to those from at-risk sections of the communities. These may include long-term underemployed workers, who have historically worked in jobs where they were informally paid.

Social enterprise opportunities may seek to provide a living wage, which is above the minimum wage in most cities. Some social enterprises may pointedly seek out employees from at-risk groups as a requirement for hire.

What Are Examples of Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises are usually a blend of private and volunteer sectors. A credit union, a coffee shop that sells fair-trade beans and hires candidates from at-risk communities, or a neighborhood food co-op are all examples of social enterprises.

How Can I Start a Social Enterprise?

If you own a business, you could partner with a nonprofit, food pantry (if applicable), or other charity and donate your time, money, or products. If you are starting from the ground up, the first step may be to identify a problem and your solution to it, explain to potential funders your action plan, and make sure you have experts to back up and support your endeavor.

How Can I Get Hired to Work for a Social Enterprise?

If you want to get hired by a social enterprise, you should understand both the for-profit and the social benefits that it provides. Many employees of social enterprises are from diverse backgrounds and some may come from at-risk communities. Like any job, the qualifications will likely be based on experience and education, as well.

Social Enterprise UK. " FAQs ."

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. " The Social Enterprise Sector: A Conceptual Framework ," Page 1.

Warby Parker. " Buy a Pair, Give a Pair. "

TOMS. " Our Story ."

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The Mathematical Revolution That Was Bred on a Sheep Farm

New clues reveal the true origin of earth’s water, openmind books, scientific anniversaries, whatever happened to… mind reading, featured author, latest book, value proposition in social entrepreneurship.

Why do we exist? One person asks another. Silence. What do we want to achieve? They ponder. What value are we trying to create? What problems, needs, goals do we want to help you solve, cover, answer or build?

They look at each other and nodding they murmur asynchronously: What is the heart of our social enterprise?

But the answer to this question, like most important questions in life, although intuitive, might not be easy to pin down, shape or articulate into words. So it needs to be pondered deeply, as we are only able to visualize it in this way.

The value proposition is the ultimate goal, the raison d’être or the telos of our business plan . It is about reflecting on who we want to be and why we want to be like this. Their response will require a deep knowledge of the recipients and will be key to addressing the issues of distribution, communication, partnerships, etc. Now, the value proposition , as the heart of the company, is not static but an organ that breathes and evolves: it adapts to changes in society. So we must define it, true, but not set it in stone. This will allow us to revisit and redefine it in the future.

There is a value proposition in every company, although it acquires special characteristics in the social enterprise. As a company, it camps in new terrain reminiscent of what Pine and Gilmore (1999) call economics of transformation . In this new territory, the qualities of a product, a service or even an experience, however good they may be, are not sufficient. Recipients of the social enterprise are not satisfied with the fact that the value proposition offered can improve their world but demand that they meet a higher purpose: they must contribute to improving the world.

To address the important challenge, we may have to change toolbox or perhaps, as noted by Professor Yunus “use these tools in a timely way” (Noeville, 2011:524). In any case, we consider that the following 10 instruments, in the form of principles, are key:

• Creating a community and social network: the social enterprise has to promote a sense of community, whether physical or virtual. It has to take advantage of and enhance the network effect, at both a cognitive and emotional level.
• Customer focused or customer centric: this involves making a special effort in getting to know customers, recipients, users, or “guests” in order to give them a differential treatment.
• Customization, tuning and individualization: in a globalized world that is increasingly more homogeneous the individualization proposal is particularly relevant. From a more concrete level, customization means adapting to the specificities of customers or their tastes and needs, from a more abstract level, it opens the possibility that the recipient expresses its uniqueness, participating in the design or production process (co-production, co-creation and prosumerism).
• Emotional connection: the recipient of the social enterprise is looking for something more than a mere economic transaction with the supplier. This customer is inspired by human contact and the desire to incorporate those responsible for the social project in its circle of reference or influence.
• Transparency, consistency and integrity: in a world where anonymity is disappearing, the principle of transparency acquires an important social dimension, especially for recipients of the social enterprise. This group likes to be informed, is not easily influenced and places special value on consistency and personal integrity. Tolerant of human mistakes and forgetfulness, these individuals welcome sincere apologies but are relentless with deception and manipulation.
• Sensitivity to the social context and mood: as a result of mobile technology and location aware computing, in the near future it will be possible to know the customer’s immediate geographical and time context. This will require that companies are able to adapt, be flexible and respond to the environment to a great extent. This fact will not only make it advisable to include accurate information on the value proposition circle of life but also be sensitive to the emotional context or general climate in which the social enterprise and the recipient is immersed.
• Flexibility and generosity: flexibility in applying the rules governing the relationship between the company and customer is valued (this is what Trendwatching has called (f)ridig no more) and the generosity of companies (not necessarily understood as free and not necessarily directed to the recipient) as an expression of empathy and sensitivity to the context.
• Balance between futurism and nostalgia: a good value proposition has to adapt to a dual time dimension. It must show some optimism towards the future (room for improvement and learning) but without forgetting the past, an opportunity to connect with affection and identity.
• Distribution of information: this is to help recipients make informed decisions, giving them the choice between different possible alternatives and making them aware of their impact.
• Open value proposition: this involves collaboration between several companies, so that the value proposition is the result of the combination of dialogue and participation between multiple players.

Yet, the social enterprise (when understood in this light) not only makes the entrepreneur become a “social innovator” but offers the recipient the opportunity to participate in social transformation . In other words, it provides them with the opportunity to overcome the consumer’s reductionist acceptance to recover the citizen’s liberating expression as a key player in the already promising economics of happiness.

Guía del emprendedor social de la Universidad Pontificia de Comillas

Noiville, F. (2011). Soy economista y os pido disculpas . Barcelona: Deusto.

Pine, B. J. y Gilmore, J. H. (1999). The Experience Economy. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

Estela Díaz

Member of the E-SOST research group, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Madrid (Spain)

Related publications

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• Big Data: Challenges, Opportunities and Exploitation
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More about Economy

Geopolitics, global economy, comments on this publication.

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• Impact Models

9 Business Model Examples for Social Enterprises

• By Adam G. Force
• In Impact Models

A business model is a structure, design or framework that a business follows to bring value to its customers and clients. However, there are at least three measures of the success of a business model—its ability to generate profit for its owners, its ability to generate positive change in the world , and its ability to achieve a balance of profit and positive change . The first approach applies to traditional for-profit companies; the second approach applies to traditional charities; and the third approach (a balance between profit and positive change) applies to social enterprises.

Given the definition above, a social business model is a structure, design or framework that a social business follows in order to bring about a positive change while maintaining healthy financial returns. Yet despite sharing this basic framework, social entrepreneurs have a wide spectrum of viable social business models to choose from.

To help shed light on that spectrum, in 2012 Wolfgang Grassi (aka W. Grassi) identified nine types of social business models . He began his analysis with three factors guiding any social business: the mission, the type of integration, and the target population. He then explored the way in which these three factors intersected with the three traditional categories of business ( for-profit, not-for-profit and hybrids ) to generate the nine specific types of social business models that any social enterprise could adopt.

Let’s have a look at them:

1. The Entrepreneur Support Model

This model of social enterprise (SE) sells business support services directly to the entrepreneurs in its target population. In other words, this type of SE helps entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. Support can come in the form of consulting services, training, microfinancing or technical support. Organizations that belong to this category may include economic development organizations, business development service organizations and microfinancers.

Examples to Inspire:

• Interview with Rick Alexander: Everything You Need to Know About Benefit Corporations and Legal Structures
• Interview with Kelly Campbell: How She Sold Her Second Company and Created a New Meaningful Business She Loves
• 10 Business Lessons from the Head of Legal Policy at B Lab
• Interview with Ryan Foland: How Mastering Communication Can Change Your Life

2. The Market Intermediary Model

This type of SE generally helps their clients by marketing or selling their clients’ products or services for them. For example, an organization that helps struggling small farmers by marketing and to sell their crops for them would belong to this category.

Want to dig in right now and figure out your impact model ? We love this book: Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers  which is a great tool, resource and guide to get you started! 

3. The Employment Model

This type of SE provides their clients with job opportunities and job training. Revenue generated by those jobs pays for the SEs expenses and flows back into the services provided for those in need. Many youth and disabilities organizations adopt this model.

Examples to inspire you:

• Nasreen Sheikh: From Child Slave to Powerful Social Entrepreneur Helping Women Escape Poverty
• Sydney Sherman: How to Build an Online Marketplace that Combats Poverty Through the Things We Buy
• How These 4 Social Entrepreneurs Are Hacking Away at Poverty
• If You Like Flip Flops Than Here’s How You Can Change a Life Buying a Pair
• Top 7 Socially Aware Clothing Companies to Watch Out For 
• Miscoots: How this Hip Clothing Brand is Disrupting Homelessness

4. The Fee-for-Service Model

The fee-for-service model is one of the most commonly adopted SE business models. The SE charges the customer directly for the socially beneficial services it provides. Many hospitals, schools, museums and membership organizations use the fee-for-service model to a greater or less degree.

Examples to Inspire You:

• University of the Future: The Sustainable Education Model
• 3 Social Entrepreneurs Blazing New Trails Toward Sustainability

5. The Low-income Client Model

SEs in this category generally offer social services directly (as in the fee-for-service model) while focusing on low-income clients. Hospitals and healthcare programs that offer their healthcare services to low-income patients often adopt this model.

6. The Cooperative Model

This is one of the most widely recognized categories of SE. The cooperative is generally a fee-based membership organization that provides member services to a group that shares a common need or goal. The cooperative is owned and operated by its members, who both run the cooperative and receive the benefits of its success. Two of the most well-known types of cooperative include credit unions and employee-owned businesses (“co-ops”).

7. The Market Linkage Model

SEs that serve as brokers for their clients often adopt this model. These SEs focus on building relationships and otherwise connecting their clients with markets for their clients’ products and services. However, unlike SEs adopting the market intermediary model, these SEs generally do not market or sell their clients’ products and services for them. Many trade associations adopt the market linkage model.

8. The Service Subsidization Model

This type of SE funds social programs by selling products or services in the marketplace. Service subsidization is one of the most common SE models, as almost any SE can adopt it. In contrast to organizational support SEs (see below), service subsidization SEs integrate their internal business with external social programs. For example, a law firm may use the revenue generated from the firm’s regular law practice to fund a social program that provides free law services to those in need. The firm may run the program out of their own offices and may provide the free law services themselves.

If you want an easy, scaled-down book to read, why not try Business Models for Dummies ? It’s got a lot of info that is easy to digest! You might just want to spend a few afternoons getting into that one.

• Blake Mycoskie Exclusive: The Brand that Launched a Thousand Impact Businesses
• Stand for Tomorrow: Inspiring Change Across Canada
• How this Winery is Reversing Climate Change While Growing the Bottom Line
• 7 Lessons Learned from Zero-Waste Fashion Entrepreneur Rachel Faller
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• Christal Earle, Brave Soles: How Woman’s Mission to Save her Daughter Led to Upcycling and Ingenuity Breaking the Poverty Cycle
• Saving Women’s Lives: How Nomi Network is Taking on Modern-Day Slavery
• How this Backpack is Tackling Plastic Waste and Looking Super Fly Too!
• How this Hybrid Business Model is Tackling Food Security
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• How Envirofit Provides Cookstoves for People Around the World
• Interview with Jacquie Berglund: How this Hybrid Business Model is Turning Beer into Food
• How Catlin Powers uses Solar Cooking to Combat Deforestation and Indoor Air Pollution
• Recycling and Shoes? Two Businesses Driving Real Impact

9. The Organizational Support Model

This type of SE, like a service subsidization organization, sells products or services to fund social programs. However, the social programs they fund are part of a separate, parent organization. In other words, an organizational support SE raises funds for a parent non-profit that, in turn, runs the social programs the SE wishes to support.

Although most social enterprises may fall naturally into one of W. Grassi’s nine categories above, there is always room for new and combined models to emerge. If your social enterprise cannot achieve its goals through one of these business models, you may choose to explore entirely new ones.

• How Dr. Alasdair Harris is Rebuilding Communities with Tropical Fisheries

Ready to start planning your business?

Here are some great resources about the Business Model Canvas:

Business Model You: A One-Page Method For Reinventing Your Career

This is a great place to start building out your ideas. Business Model You is just that. Start with you, build a business model that aligns to your personal values. Starting with you, you’ll figure out where you want to go and how to have a lifestyle that lines up with your personal mission.

Here you’ll not only discover how to create your personal business model canvas, but you’ll also do the hard work of reinventing yourself — something we can totally get behind here at Change Creator!

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

Eric Ries’ powerhouse book is a must for any entrepreneur that wants to start a business, not just a hobby. After reading this book, you’ll not only look at your business differently, you’ll have the insights and strategies to get there.

Anyone that wants to grow a business must first read The Lean Startup . That’s just a fact. If you haven’t gotten a hold of it yet, what have you been doing with your life? But seriously. You can find the latest edition here!

You might also enjoy:

• Top Markets with Big Opportunity for Social Entrepreneurs
• Looking to Nature and Tech to Solve Social Problems with Shel Horowitz
• 5 Simple Ways to Make More Impact Locally
• Keep Plastic Out of the Ocean And Your Pajamas: The Majamas Earth Review
• 5 Predictions: How Social Responsibility will Evolve
• What You Need to Know About Data for Bigger Social Impact
• Why Your Company Should Consider Becoming a 1% for the Planet Member
• The Environment: Innovative Solutions to Our Biggest Challenges
• The Role of Empathy in Social Enterprise: Why it’s Vital to your Success!
• How to Hack Systems for Environmental Change
• A Look at Climate Change and the Role of Social Entrepreneurs
• 15 Ways You Can Integrate Social Impact Into Your Life Now
• Top 10 Social Entrepreneurs Under 30 That You’ll Love Too!
• Mark Agnew: Challenging the Buy-One-Give-One Social Business Model!
• Earth-Friendly Trends to Shape the Face of the Fashion Industry
• What We Can Learn about Creativity from Non-Profit Organizations

7 Productivity Myths Busted: Are You Falling For Any Of These?

How 3 students stepped up to win a national kindness award.

I was fired from my first job and after 10 years working at WebMD I had an epiphany while in Costa Rica. I started my second business, Change Creator, to help early-stage social entrepreneurs grow a profitable impact business through our signature program, Captivate, magazine and podcast. To date, I've had the privilege of talking with people such as Jay Shetty, Seth Godin, Muhammad Yunus, Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington and so many great minds.

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"Discover Powerful Stories For Your Marketing In Less Than 24 Hours - Guaranteed! (Even If You Think You Don't Have Any Stories To Share)"

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Products & Services Section in a Business Plan (+ Examples)

• March 21, 2024
• Business Plan , How to Write

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through writing the products and services section of your business plan. We’ll cover how to describe what you’re selling and why it’s important in your business plan.

Whether you’re launching a new startup or creating a business plan for an existing business, this section is crucial for showing the value you bring to customers. Let’s get started!

Why do we include them in a business plan?

The products and services section of a business plan is more than just a list of what a company sells; it’s a vital narrative that tells the story of the business’s core offerings and their significance to the market.

This section is paramount for readers (especially potential investors) to grasp the essence of what the business is about, the unique problems it solves, or the specific needs it addresses.

A meticulously crafted products and services segment does much more than describe offerings. Indeed, it lays the groundwork for comprehensive marketing strategies , informs operational planning, and financial projections.

Moreover, understanding the business’s offerings in depth enables stakeholders to envision the company’s value proposition and competitive edge.

Where should you include them?

In a business plan, the Products and Services section is typically included within the business overview section.

This allows you to first introduce the business model and what it offers to customers. Only after this you can provide more details of the products and services.

The Products and Services section should clearly detail what you are selling, highlight the unique value proposition . It should also ideally explain how it meets the needs of your target market if it isn’t obvious. T

What to include: 2 Examples

Begin with a clear, engaging description of each product or service you offer. For services, describe the process, customer experience, and outcome. For products, discuss the materials, technology, and any unique features.

Services example: a Cryotherapy business plan

Products example: a Brewery business plan

Privacy Overview

How To Set Business Goals (+ Examples for Inspiration)

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: October 24, 2023

You’re a business owner — the captain of your own ship. But how do you ensure you’re steering your company in the right direction? 

Without clear-cut goals and a plan to reach them, you risk setting your sails on the course of dangerous icebergs. 

The best way to steer clear of wreckage is to map out exactly where you want your business to go. This is what makes setting business goals so important. If you’re not already using them to guide your ship, then now’s a great time to start.

Table of contents:

• What are business goals?

Why business goals are important

How to set business goals, tips to achieve business goals, business goals examples, what are business goals .

Business goals are the desired outcomes that an organization aims to achieve within a specific time frame. These goals help define the purpose and direction of the company, guiding decision-making and resource allocation. They can be short-term or long-term objectives , aligned with the company’s mission and vision.

Operating a business using your gut and feelings will only get you so far. If you’re looking to build a sustainable company, then you need to set goals in advance and follow through with them. 

Here’s what goal setting can do to make your business a success:

• Give your business direction. Business goals align everyone toward a common purpose and ensure all efforts and resources are directed toward achieving specific outcomes.
• Keep everyone motivated to keep pushing forward. Goals provide employees with a sense of purpose and motivation. According to research from BiWorldwide, goal setting makes employees 14.2x more inspired at work and 3.6x more likely to be committed to the organization.
• Create benchmarks to work toward (and above). Goals provide a basis for measuring and evaluating the performance of the organization. They serve as benchmarks to assess progress, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and strategy adjustments .
• Prioritize activities and allocate resources effectively. Goals help you identify the most important initiatives, ensuring that time, money, and effort are invested in activities that align with the overall objectives.
• Make continuous organizational improvements. Goals drive continuous improvement by setting targets for growth and progress. They encourage businesses to constantly evaluate their performance, identify areas for refinement, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Nothing creates solidarity among teams and departments like shared goals. So be sure to get everyone involved to boost camaraderie. 

Setting business goals requires careful consideration and planning. By defining specific and measurable targets, you can track progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Here are the steps to effectively set business goals.

Step 1: Identify key areas to improve in your business

Start by assessing the current state of your organization. Identify areas that require improvement or growth. This could include increasing revenue, expanding your customer base, improving employee satisfaction, or enhancing product offerings.

Step 2: Choose specific and measurable goals 

Setting clear and specific goals is essential. Use the SMART goal framework to ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “increase revenue,” set a specific goal like “increase revenue by 15% in the next quarter.”

Step 3: Prioritize which goals to tackle first

Not all goals are equally important or urgent. Evaluate the impact and feasibility of each goal and prioritize them accordingly. By ranking your goals, you can focus your efforts and resources on the most critical objectives.

Step 4: Break down your goals into smaller milestones

Breaking down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks makes them more attainable. Assign responsibilities and set deadlines for each step. This approach helps track progress and ensures accountability.

Step 5: Decide what your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are metrics used to measure progress toward your goals. Set realistic and relevant KPIs that align with your objectives. For example, if your goal is to increase customer acquisition, a relevant KPI could be the number of new customers acquired per month.

Now that you have set your business goals, it’s time to take action and work toward achieving them. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

1. Write down your action plan 

Develop a detailed plan of action for each goal. Identify the necessary resources, strategies, and milestones to achieve them. A well-defined action plan provides a road map for success.

2. Foster a culture that’s goal-oriented

Encourage your employees to embrace and contribute to your goals. Foster a culture that values goal setting and achievement. Recognize and reward individuals or teams that make significant progress toward the goals.

3. Regularly track and evaluate progress

Monitor the progress toward each goal and make adjustments as needed. Use project management tools or software to track and visualize progress. Regularly review and evaluate your performance to ensure you’re on the right track.

4. Seek feedback and adapt

Gather feedback from employees, customers, and stakeholders. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your goals and strategies. Adapt your approach based on feedback to increase your chances of success.

5. Stay focused and motivated (even when you fail)

Staying motivated to achieve goals is difficult, especially when you come up short or fail. But don’t let this set you back. Continue pushing forward with your goals or readjust the direction as needed. Then do whatever you can to avoid distractions so you stay committed to your action plan.

Also, remember to celebrate small wins and milestones along the way to keep your team motivated and engaged.

To provide inspiration, here are some examples of common business goals:

1. Revenue growth

Revenue growth is a business goal that focuses on increasing the overall income generated by the company. Setting a specific target percentage increase in revenue can create a measurable goal to work toward.

Strategies for achieving revenue growth may include:

• Expanding the customer base through targeted marketing campaigns
• Improving customer retention and loyalty
• Upselling or cross-selling to existing customers
• Increasing the average order value by offering premium products or services

Example: A retail company sets a goal to increase its revenue by 10% in the next fiscal year. To achieve this, it implements several strategies, including launching a digital marketing campaign to attract new customers, offering personalized discounts and promotions to encourage repeat purchases, and introducing a premium product line to increase the average order value.

2. Customer acquisition

Customer acquisition focuses on expanding the customer base by attracting new customers to the business. Setting a specific goal for the number of new customers helps businesses track their progress and measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.

Strategies for customer acquisition may include:

• Running targeted advertising campaigns
• Implementing referral programs to incentivize existing customers to refer new ones
• Forming strategic partnerships with complementary businesses to reach a wider audience

Example: A software-as-a-service (SaaS) company aims to acquire 1k new customers in the next quarter. To achieve this, it launches a social media marketing campaign targeting its ideal customer profile, offers a referral program where existing customers receive a discount for referring new customers, and forms partnerships with industry influencers to promote its product.

3. Employee development

Employee development goals focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of employees to improve their performance and contribute to the organization’s growth. By setting goals for employee training and skill development, businesses can create a culture of continuous learning and provide opportunities for career advancement.

Strategies for employee development may include:

• Offering training programs
• Providing mentorship opportunities
• Sponsoring professional certifications
• Creating a career development plan for each employee

Example: A technology company aims to have 80% of its employees complete at least one professional certification within the next year. To achieve this, it offers financial support and study materials for employees interested in obtaining certifications, provides dedicated study time during working hours, and celebrates employees’ achievements upon certification completion.

4. Product development

Product development goals focus on creating and improving products or services to meet customer needs and stay competitive in the market. Setting goals for product development can prioritize your efforts and so you can allocate resources effectively.

Strategies for product development may include:

• Conducting market research to identify customer preferences and trends
• Gathering customer feedback through surveys or focus groups
• Investing in research and development to create new products or enhance existing ones
• Collaborating with customers or industry experts to co-create innovative solutions

Example: An electronics company sets a goal to launch three new product lines within the next year. To achieve this, it conducts market research to identify emerging trends and customer demands, gathers feedback from its target audience through surveys and usability testing, allocates resources to research and development teams for product innovation, and collaborates with external design agencies to create visually appealing and user-friendly products.

5. Social responsibility

Social responsibility goals focus on making a positive impact on society or the environment. These goals go beyond financial success and emphasize the importance of ethical and sustainable business practices. Setting goals for social responsibility allows businesses to align their values with their actions and contribute to causes that resonate with their stakeholders.

Strategies for social responsibility may include: 

• Implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact
• Donating a percentage of profits to charitable organizations
• Supporting local communities through volunteer programs
• Promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization

Example: A clothing retailer aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% in the next two years. To achieve this, it implements sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials, optimizing packaging to minimize waste, and partnering with ethical manufacturers. It also donates a percentage of its profits to an environmental conservation organization.

Setting and achieving goals is what it takes to be successful in business. By following the steps outlined in this article and incorporating the tips provided, you can effectively set and work toward your goals. Remember to regularly evaluate progress, adapt as necessary, and celebrate milestones along the way.

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