Social Enterprise Defined

A social enterprise is a non-profit business that is focused on solving problems in the communities they operate in. We like to think of a social enterprise as a problem solver.

In definition terms, a “social enterprise” is an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in financial, social and environmental well-being. This may include maximizing social impact alongside profit for the company.

Social enterprises can be structured as a for-profit or non-profit, and may take the form of a co-operative, mutual organization, a social business, a benefit corporation, a community interest company, a company limited by guarantee or a charity organization.

Social enterprises have both business goals and social goals. Their social goals are embedded in their objective, which differentiates them from other organizations and corporations. A social enterprise's main purpose is to promote, encourage, and make social change. AKI has been built with the objective of creating social change in each community.

AKI believes that problem solvers such as social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and the small farm movement are demonstrating we can tackle society's most stubborn problems affordably. 

For more information on reconciliation and the solutions economy, check out An Army of Problem Solvers; a book written from one of Aki’s co-founders, Shaun Loney.