Finding Meaningful Private Sector Work At A Social Enterprise

When you’re not keen on non-profits but still want your company to make a difference.

By Mark Swartz

Do-gooders with a business bent (and conscience) often shun the private sector. Those corporations fret about too much focus on profits, not enough on people and planet. But jobs that flaunt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be more smoke and mirror than fixing the world’s problems. Meanwhile, non-profits may not pay well enough. So where’s a conscientious commercialist to turn? Working for a social enterprise might be the answer.

What's a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is a for-profit company with a philanthropic mission baked into its DNA. The Social Enterprise Council of Canada says their members are “community-based businesses that sell goods or services in the market place to achieve a social, cultural and/or environmental purpose; they reinvest their profits to maximize their social mission.”

When exploring working for a social enterprise, know that there are two main kinds. One is independent companies founded to better the world. For instance, Variety Village thrift stores is a privately-owned chain with several hundred outlets. It keeps more than 700 million pounds of used goods from landfills each year and helps more than 100 non-profits by buying donated goods from them. There are many other ventures focused on healthcare, environment, social justice…you name it.

The other kind is for-profit businesses nested in a non-profit, like a substance abuse treatment facility operating a moving company that employs recovering addicts.

What they look for

Jobs in social enterprises range from entry-level to senior management, just like in any business. There’s work in marketing, sales, research and development, finance, HR, quality control, production, logistics…depends on the kind of company.

Here’s what they like to see in applicants:

  • First and foremost, experience or education in the appropriate field.
  • A proven ability (or desire) to contribute in a for-profit, deadline and goal driven business.
  • Passion for the company’s cause helps. Highlight if you’ve ever volunteered, donated or advocated for a related mission.
  • At least a basic understanding of what a social enterprise is.

Where to find ’em

Social enterprises don’t generally leap out when skimming lists of businesses. Only sometimes does such a socially responsible company’s name give it away: KlinkCoffee (which employed recently-released prisoners); Aboriginal Curatorial Collective; Drive Change; Women’s Healthy Environments Network.

Don’t spin your wheels guessing. Look at related industry associations. There’s the Social Enterprise Council of Canada, which runs an annual conference (check their list of speakers and exhibitors). Local and regional support services are also excellent sources. Hubcap is BC’s social innovation hub. There’s a Social Enterprise Network of Nova Scotia.

SeeChange Magazine chronicles the stories of Canada’s social entrepreneurs. Social Venture Connexion, an impact-first investment platform. It connects social enterprises with investors and service providers. Ontario’s provincial government has a Social Enterprise Demonstration Fund, with a yearly list of successful applicants. Toronto’s Centre for Social Innovation houses a range of mission-driven concerns.

Want to make a difference yet make private sector bucks? Could be working for a social enterprise is right for you.