What's a social enterprise?

Social enterprises are commercially viable businesses existing to benefit the public and the community, rather than shareholders and owners. 

Social enterprises have a defined primary purpose which is usually a social, environmental or other public benefit. 

They gain most of their income from trade and other sources including donations and grants. 

There are three main different types of social enterprise. 

1. The Innovation Model which seeks to address a social need through innovative products 

2. The Employment Model which serves society by employing disadvantage people at a fair wage 

3. The Give Back Model which serves the common good by giving back for every purchase made 

Here at Melbourne Community Goods, all of our partner social enterprises are based on at least one of these models. 

Social enterprises will give 50% or more of their annual profits towards achieving the social purpose. 

Melbourne Community Goods reinvests all profits back into the partner social enterprises.