The Benefits of Running a Social Enterprise
Imagine a world where every purchase you make not only gets you a great product but also makes a positive impact on society!
Take Sean, for example. He wanted a great option for a fundraising event for his baseball team. When he found Do Goodies, he was thrilled. It was the perfect blend of a quality product with a purpose. This story, just like many others, represents the power of social enterprises.
That's the world that we live in - and we invite you to join our social enterprise!
But what exactly makes them so powerful, and what are the benefits of social enterprises to you as the customer and to the business itself?
What is a Social Enterprise?
Before we look at the awesome benefits it's important to answer an important question:
Non-Profit vs Social Enterprise - what's the difference?
A social enterprise like ours is a business that prioritizes social, environmental, or community objectives alongside financial goals. Unlike traditional for-profit companies that primarily focus on maximizing shareholder profits, social enterprises exist to make a difference.
By combining the best elements of non-profits and for-profit companies, social enterprises are uniquely positioned to tackle real-world challenges.
They:
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create opportunities
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innovate solutions
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have a genuine positive impact on society
For instance, organizations like ours are dedicated to creating products that give back to communities.
Hint Hint: Try our delicious chocolate lover gift set.
Additionally, we are part of a larger ecosystem under Opportunity Enterprises, which shares a vision of advancing social good while generating revenue to sustain the mission.
The Social and Business Benefits of Social Enterprises
Whether you're considering starting your own social enterprise or just want to know why buying from them matters, understanding their benefits of a social enterprise can be truly inspiring. Let's explore the reasons why social enterprises are reshaping the business landscape.
Empowering Communities
Social enterprises can have a transformative effect on the communities they work with. By creating jobs, funding educational initiatives, or providing necessary resources, these organizations can uplift communities that are often overlooked by mainstream businesses.
The revenue generated isn't simply used to line shareholders' pockets—it's reinvested back into community growth and well-being. For instance, 70% of our employees are individuals with documented disabilities. This empowerment fosters dignity and independence, and helps close the unemployment gap between people with and without a disability.
Transparency and Trust
Customers are increasingly savvy, and they want to make informed choices. Social enterprises are built on transparency, openly communicating their mission and goals. This level of honesty builds trust, ensuring shoppers know their money is making a real difference.
People want to know where their money is going, especially when they choose to buy from a company that claims to do good.
Shoppers can be confident that their purchase is making a difference because social enterprises prioritize ethical business practices and share their impact openly. Transparency builds trust, and trust is key to building lasting relationships with customers.
We invite you to find out more about what we do as an organization:
With social enterprises like Do Goodies, you know exactly what your money supports—a workforce of all abilities. Plus, you’re invited to be part of the journey as we share the stories of those positively impacted by your purchases.
Creating Meaningful Consumer Connections
Social enterprises build meaningful relationships with their consumers, transforming the transaction from a simple purchase into a shared mission. Customers feel like partners in creating positive change, knowing that their money is being used for something impactful.
This is especially powerful during moments like gift-giving, where shoppers are looking for something more than just a material item—they want a story, a connection, and a cause to support.
Our customers, for example, are not just buying a product; they are making a conscious decision to contribute to a world where every purchase has a purpose.
This connection fosters brand loyalty, making consumers more likely to return, and share their experience with others.
Innovation and Long-term Solutions
Social enterprises are often at the forefront of innovation. Faced with unique challenges, these organizations come up with creative and often disruptive solutions that solve real-world problems.
They aren’t limited by traditional profit motives, which allows them to think outside the box and prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains. Whether it's developing a new biodegradable packaging method or crafting a fair-trade supply chain, social enterprises constantly push the boundaries of what's possible.
This culture of innovation creates a business ecosystem that benefits everyone - and ideas often cross over into classic businesses.
Increased Reach
Social enterprises often have a larger reach due to their positive mission and community-focused values. People are more inclined to share and promote businesses that align with their ethical beliefs, leading to organic growth and increased visibility.
This kind of reach helps spread awareness of important causes while bringing in more support and customers.
Lower Employee Churn
Social enterprises often experience lower employee churn compared to traditional businesses. Employees are more likely to stay with an organization when they feel that their work contributes to a greater purpose.
Knowing that their efforts are making a difference in the world creates a sense of fulfillment and loyalty, reducing turnover and fostering a committed workforce.
Increased Productivity and Creativity
Social enterprises foster an environment that encourages creativity and productivity. Employees who feel passionate about the mission of their organization are more motivated to contribute innovative ideas and work harder.
The purpose-driven nature of social enterprises often leads to a workplace culture where people feel valued and inspired, ultimately boosting productivity and fostering creative problem-solving.
Why Supporting Social Enterprises Matters
Want to join a movement that makes a difference? Supporting social enterprises isn’t just about buying a product; it’s about standing for something greater. Here’s why it matters.
When shoppers choose to support a social enterprise, they aren't just buying a product; they are:
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Making a statement about the kind of world they want to live in
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Aligning themselves with companies that prioritize people and the planet over pure profit
In a market flooded with mass-produced goods and impersonal transactions, social enterprises offer an authentic alternative—one that adds value to our lives beyond the item purchased.
Your gift can go beyond making someone smile—it supports a community that needs help.
That’s the beauty of social enterprises. They show us that it's possible to make a profit and make a difference at the same time.
How to Find Genuine Social Enterprises
It’s important to ensure the brands you support are genuinely committed to social impact and not just leveraging the label as a marketing ploy. Look for transparency in their communication—brands like ours provide details about the impact they’re making, the causes they support, and how every dollar is spent. Hopefully, you'll see our commitment shining through!
Real social enterprises provide information about where their money goes, the impact they are making, and who benefits from their initiatives. Do Goodies is a great example of a brand that clearly communicates their purpose and impact.
Also, consider the certifications and partnerships that a company holds. Organizations that are certified B Corporations, for example, adhere to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The Power of Choice
Ultimately, the power to make a difference lies in the hands of each one of us. As shoppers, we can choose to make our purchases count.
By supporting social enterprises, we can ensure that our money goes beyond the product, creating a lasting impact for communities in Indiana around the world.
The benefits of running and supporting social enterprises are clear—they create jobs, support communities, promote environmental sustainability, and foster genuine, meaningful consumer relationships.
So the next time you’re looking for a gift, remember that you can give something more.
Every gift counts. With social enterprises like Do Goodies, your purchase has the power to make the world a better place—one gift at a time.
And if you own a business - keep an open mind and see what you can learn from social enterprises!