Have you ever bought the Big Issue? Read it over a bar of Divine chocolate? Watched Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen? Visited the Eden Project? Shopped at the Co-op? 
 
Well, then you already know a bit about social enterprises: businesses that are changing the world for the better. 
 
Social enterprises are businesses that trade to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment.  They make their money from selling goods and services in the open market, but they reinvest their profits back into the business or the local community.  And so when they profit, society profits.   Social enterprises do not make profits for shareholders (because they don't have any) or exist to make their owners very wealthy.
 
Social enterprises are in our communities and on our high streets – from coffee shops and cinemas, to pubs and leisure centres, banks and bus companies.

We are the national body for social enterprise. We represent our members to support and help grow the social enterprise movement. 
 
Find out more