The what and why of a social business

       What is a social business? One group defines it, “As with all businesses, they compete to deliver goods and services. The difference is that social purpose is at the very heart of what they do, and the profits they make are reinvested towards achieving that purpose.” (Social Enterprise Coalition). A business with a purpose woven into its fabric from the beginning. Strategically created, not only, to maximize sales, but to maximize impact as well. 

“About 1.1 billion people are living in inadequate housing conditions in urban areas alone.” (Un Habitat)

“...an estimated 100 million homeless people around the world, available data suggest that increasing proportions are women and children.” (Un Habitat)

The growth of the social business sector is incredibly important to changing the inequalities of the world. If set up correctly, it offers the best of both charitable organizations and efficient business. One challenge that charities face is the continual lack of funding; forcing them to spend their valuable time and effort on fundraising activities. Which takes away efforts to impact their cause.  A social enterprise can overcome this by producing continual revenue through their products and services and directing a portion, or all, of their profits into their chosen cause. 

      Imagine a world where the majority of businesses began operating with a social mission at their forefront. Imagine what kind of change that could bring to those with no future, no homes, no water, no education, and no food. Imagine what it would be like if you knew you were impacting humanity in a great way simply by grocery shopping, or in our case by renting vacation home.  

     That is what I find so inspiring about social enterprise and exactly why part of our business, blogs and podcasts will be dedicated to highlighting other great social businesses to begin using. There are many with equal products, or better than the competitor, but that are doing good by it. It is truly the best of both worlds. Muhammud Yunus, nobel prize winner, states that we can create a new form of capitalism. I like that. 

    Our company, Ethic ! Travel, is mainly focused on providing incredible vacation rentals but we are also dedicated to working with and highlighting other great social businesses, or companies that hold CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) highly. 

To find out more about our company, how we are making a difference, or to find some incredible vacation rentals please visit us at - www.ethictravel.com


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Social Enterprise Coalition, retreived Sept 1, 2010, http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/pages/about-social-enterprise.html.

Un Habitat, retreived Sept 1, 2010: 06:08, http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp typeid=19&catid=282&cid=789.