They can take many forms and span between charities and for-profit enterprise on the business spectrum. Social enterprise use a business model as a tool to help solve social and environmental issues. Basically, they are purpose-driven organisations that trade to deliver social and/or environmental impact. Think – the heart of a charity with the mind of a business.
1
The social, cultural and/or environmental mission provides a public or community benefit and that is the primary purpose of the organisation;
2
The majority of income is derived from trading a good or a service;
3
The majority of either expenditure or profit is spent in the fulfilment of the purpose of the organisation.
Since 2012, NZ Post and Ākina have worked together to support the growth of social enterprise in Aotearoa-NZ. In July 2017, the partnership evolved to create positive outcomes for Aotearoa-NZ through social procurement. fwd: continues our journey together.
The Social Enterprise Sector Development Programme is a three-year partnership between the Department of Internal Affairs and the Ākina Foundation.
