While there is no “one size fits all” definition to social enterprise, I have come to understand it as a business that uses the market for social good.
From my experience volunteering, as well as exposure to large bureaucratic institutions that are out to “change the world.” I find the former challenging to keep volunteers long enough to create sustainable change (retention is low). While the latter requires so many systems and procedures that “good intentions” often result in poor social impact (form over substance).
While the space is still very young in Melbourne, I hope and believe social enteprises will pave a way to both a sustainable, pragmatic way of doing good. I interview Kirsty McKenzie from Good 2 Go by Youth Projects and get her insights on doing good.