Small social enterprises exist—and even thrive—but do they really help to prevent the highs and lows of unstable funding?

Social enterprises are business ventures operated by non-profit societies, charities, or co-operatives. The businesses sell goods or provide services in the market for the purpose of creating a blended return on investment, both financial and social. Their profits are returned to the business or to a social purpose, rather than maximizing profits to shareholders.

How do social enterprises work? How can small or struggling nonprofits develop their own business ventures?

We speak with Michele Cherot of The Right Stuff program in Trail, B.C., with Jim Eagles, a volunteer at Literacy Central Vancouver Island in Nanaimo, B.C., and with David LePage, program manager at Enterprising Non Profits.

Part One (Michele Cherot, Jim Eagles)  331_july_21_2011_sm

Part Two (David LePage)  332_july_21_2011_sm