While it may seem that a majority of social entrepreneurship ventures are in the start-ups, because they keep sprouting up in some fashion, these small social businesses learn from where they are, that is, from being a small business. They also tend to make use of being small whether it's through promoting their tight-knit team through a YouTube series on how the work gets done or personalizing a gift bag on its Kickstarter campaign.
From community resource recycling to micro loan bikinis, these small social businesses do a number of things with the resources they have -- for better or for worse. There is also the recently released Impact Report by ANDE that focuses specifically on small businesses.
36 Small Social Businesses
36
Sustainable Hipster Fashion
'Threads for Thought' is Eco and Donates Proceeds for Good
35
Ethically Refurbished Vests
Toronto-Based 'Local Buttons' Partners with Tailors in Haiti
34
Superstitious Karma Tees
'Reverse the Curse' Gives Goats While Helping Cubs Fans
33
Microloan-Giving Tees
The Naked Hippie Invests in Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in the Majority World
32
Accessible Bamboo Bicycles
Zambikes International Creates Jobs and Transportation in Zambia
31
Micro Loan Bikinis
RubyMoon Swimwear Donates its Profits to Female Entrepreneurs
30
Revamped Castaway Accessories
Project Repat Collaborates with Artisans in the Majority World
29
Gender-Based Violence Support
SHE WILL is a Project of the Acclaimed Global Enrichment Foundation
28
Community-Connecting Commerce
Cause.it is a Free Mobile App Pushing for Change
27
Business-Generating Grants
Popuphood Allows Entrepreneurs Six Months Rent Free
26
Small-Living Catering Businesses
'Hand Made Food' is an Independent Chef Kitchen in London
25
Community Resource Recycling
Bridport TLC Creates Partnerships to Reduce Waste
24
Business Development-Focused Cuisine
Exceline Catering's Founders Commit to Small Enterprise Ideas
23
Market-Based Poverty Solutions
Khosla Impact Invests in Products and Service for the World's Poor
22
Alternative Banking Loans
The Hilltop Microfinance Initiative Helps in Low-Income Entrepreneurs
21
Social Mission Totes
Cause Boutique Promotes a Variety of Worthy Causes
20
Luxury Organic Beauty Markets
The Detox Market Carries a Wide Range of Vegan & Toxin-Free Products
19
POS Social Enterprises
Frogtek Uses Cellphones to Bring Tools to Small-Scale Retailers
18
Debt-Countering Start-up Apprenticeships
Enstitute Matches Young Entrepreneurs with Founders
17
Supply Chain Integrating Loans
Kinara Capital is a Social Enterprise Supporting Startups in India
16
Alternative Micro-Investment Platforms
InVenture Helps Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
15
Women-Only Fitness Chains
'B-Fit' is a Turkish Gym and Social Enterprise
14
Community Funding Platforms
Smallknot Helps You Invest in Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood
13
Purposeful Travel Opportunities
OneSeed Expeditions Invests in Community Through Exploration
12
Online Eco Printing
'A Local Printer' Offers Affordable Services for Offices
11
Local Food Biz Connectors
Sustaination Makes It Easy and Efficient to Get Healthy Food
10
Ethical Gastropubs
The Duke of Cambridge Serves Organic and Local Foods
9
Global Microfinance Networks
FINCA Provides Financial Services to Low-Income Entrepreneurs
8
Fairly Traded Arts & Crafts
Ethnic Supplies was Created by Ugandan-Born Ida Horner
7
Future-Oriented MDG Responses
Business Action for Africa is a Network of Collaborations
6
Latin American Business Accelerators
Agora Partnerships Supports Social Entrepreneurs
5
Alternative Loan Products
Fair Finance Offers Affordable Banking to Urban Populations
4
Crowdfunded Social Enterprises
OC Theory Makes a Difference by Funding Small Businesses
3
Neighborhood-Revitalizing Banks
Next Street Financial Works in Inner-City Communities
2
American-Based Microlending
ACCION Chicago Provides Financial Access to Small Business Owners
1
Small Biz Impact Reports
The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Released Its Data
Related Ideas
Sustainable Play Clothes
Peace House Studio Designs Are Made to Be Recycled
Multifunctional Micro-Camper Vans
The Toyoya Kayoibako Prioritizes Flexibility
Upcycled Sneaker Sustainable Bags
Bibi Bazz Designs the Limited Collection of Eco-Friendly Bags
Exclusive Brand Ambassador Programs
Better for All Seeks to Promote More Eco-Friendly Practices
Sustainable Beauty Bars
Sunniemade Offers an Array of Hand + Body and Hair Sustainable Swaps
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Environmental Cost Receipts
ASKET's Impact Receipts Measure Water Usage, CO2 Emissions & More
Retail Overconsumption Campaigns
Coachtopia's 'The Wasted Parts' Explores Overconsumption Culture
Entertainment Industry Expansions
Starbucks Enters the Entertainment Industry as Starbucks Studio
Best-Selling Adaptive Apparel
Anthropologie Launches a New Adaptive Apparel Capsule
Inclusive Social Support Programmes
MCR Social is Supporting Underrepresented Neurodiverse Youth
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Rice Straw Fashion Collections
Siam Kubota and Greyhound Original Launch 'Turn Waste to Agri-Wear'
Beauty Brand Community Initiatives
Thrive Causemetics and Beauty 2 The Streetz Partnered in LA
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Crowdfunded Circular Childrens Toys
Tiny Earth Toys is Launching a Kickstarter for 'Tiny Spaces'
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Sustainability-Driven Fashion Campaigns
pitusa's Sustainability Campaign Focuses on Reducing Waste
E-Commerce Recycling Programs
GUESS Launched GUESS Again in Partnership with SuperCircle
Ethical Coffee Partnerships
Win Win Coffee Collaborates with Aramark for Community Impact
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Luggage Resale Programs
Second Béis Shares Gently Used Bags and Travel Essentials
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Affordable Housing Prototypes
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jai Complete the Tiny House
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Circular Fashion-Enabling Partnerships
Coach and Poshmark's Collaboration Makes Buyer Resale Easy
Plastic Waste Brand Initiatives
Roberts Beauty Partnered with Oceanworks to Reduce Plastic Use
Circular Packaging Services
Returnity's 'In Rotation' AIms to Reduce Packaging Waste
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Textile Recycling Solutions
SuperCircle Secures $7M to Enhance Textile Recycling Infrastructure
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
3D-Printed Housing Communities
The Community First! Village Will Have 100 Homes
Open IP Shoe Initiatives
Thesus Opensources Sustainable Footwear Design to Drive Industry Change
Neighborly Contracting Apps
Pigybak Ride Helps Neighbors Support Neighbors with Home Projects
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Plastic-Free Compostable Sportswear
Community Clothing's Organic Athletic Uses Natural Materials
Gamified Custom Kidswear
Supermix Studio Empowers Kids to Create Their Own Apparel & Accessories
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Travel Influencer Initiatives
Klook Unveils a New Travel Influencer Program for Micro-Influencers
Communal Social Health Clubs
STUDIO K Designs the BIÂN to Celebrate Third Anniversary
Entrepreneur-Focused Online Marketplaces
Agora Exchange Caters to the Need of Creatives and More
Wasteful Fashion Campaigns
Vestiaire Collective Reminded People to Shop Mindfully on Black Friday
Imperfect Produce Subscriptions
Odd Bunch Delivers Oddly Shaped Produce to Consumers' Doors
Hybrid Community Supermarkets
The After Market is a Grocery Store and a Food Pantry
Sustainable Turkish Textile Initiatives
ILO Turkiye and Ekodoku Aim to Boost Eco-Friendly Textiles
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Social Media Impact Studies
Instagram Allows COS to Conduct Mental Health Research
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Eco-Conscious Production Facilities
Soorty Enterprises Achieves SBTi Validation for Its Eco Goals
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Apparel Brand Industry Expansions
'Reebok' is Expanding to Enter the Micro-Mobility Space
Sustainable Zero Waste Initiatives
LILYSILK is Unveiling a Series of New Zero Waste Initiatives
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Clothing Recycling Services
Marine Layer and Trashie Lead Sustainable Fashion with New Initiative
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Drop-Off Garment Recycling Systems
CheckSammy Launched a Circular Program in the U.S.A
Waste-Reducing Culinary Starters
The Spare Food Co.'s Spare Starter Uses Surplus Farm Produce
Affordable Deadstock Apparel
SHEIN Ventures Into Sustainable Production with a 30-Piece Capsule
Small Business Investment Initiatives
'aeXea Capital' is Investing in Baby Boomer-Founded Brands
Small Business Grants Program
eBay Kicks Off Its Fifth Annual Up & Running Grants Program
Sustainable Swimwear Collections
Kosta Kini Has Launched a New Versatile Swimwear Collection
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Circular Fashion Docuseries
The Road to Circularity by Coachtopia Shares Sustainability Challenges
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Expanded Denim Recycling Programs
Anthropologie Customers Can Turn In Worn Denim to be Repurposed
Rental Bathroom Amenity Projects
Sojo and Clean the World Revolutionize Rental Amenities Recycling
Ethical Clothing Recycling Services
Retold Recycling Aims to Reduce Textile Waste
Sustainable Textile Industry Practice
Soorty Introduces the Soorty Regenagri Initiative (SRI)
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
Social Good Computer Drives
Digitunity Partners with OBAE to Address Technological Barriers
Chance to win £10,000
Meet the Cornish upcycler inspiring people
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
Eco-Conscious Apparel Acquisitions
Lolë Brands Expands Portfolio with Iconic Footwear Brand Sanuk
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
Closet-Clearing Challenges
Traid's Closet Clear-out Challenge Boosts Garment Donations
At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives
Victoria's Secret Notes Its Work with Pacific Links Foundation
Playful Crochet Collections
Hicrochet Brings Together Traditional Craft and Modern Designs
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
Wedding Shopping Experience Partnerships
Bella Bridesmaids Partners with Something Borrowed Blooms
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Supportive Women Entrepreneurial Tests
Entrepreneurial Potential Test for Women Has 20+ Questions
Recycled Polyester Partnerships
Inditex is Teaming Up with Ambercycle as a Polyester Provider
Financial Literacy Platforms
Secret U Supports Gen Z Women with Free Tools for Financial Success
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Activism-Focused Apparel Capsules
Aéropostale and Global Citizen Launch a New Apparel Collection
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Expansive Inclusivity Initiatives
Boathouse Group Implements a Supplier Diversity Program
Rwandan E-Bike Expansions
'Ampersand' Raised $19.5M to Expand its Business Operations
Clog Takeback Programs
Crocs Introduces Innovative Retail Takeback Program for Sustainability
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Post-Launch Entrepreneurial Newsletters
One Year Wiser Interviews People One Year After Launch
Efficient Micro Habit Apps
Micro Habits Breaks Goals into Smaller Steps
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Natural Material-Transformed Artworks
Borrowed Earth Collaborative Uses Natural Materials for Art
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Branded Hurricane Relief
Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn Supports Asheville’s Entrepreneurial Community
Pre-Loved Clothing Markets
Charity Super.Mkt Will Take Over Fenwick's on Bond Street
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Website Starter Packs
The Binge Island Website Starter Plan Helps Establish an Online Presence
Social Good Brand Practices
Dignity Coconuts Positions Itself to Combat Human Trafficking
Sustainable Service Industry Toolkits
RECOUP Has Launched a New 'Bring it Back' Toolkit with PECT
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Circular Garment Repair Services
Nanushka Launches a Garment Repair Service with Sojo
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Forest-Preserving Brand Initiatives
Three Prominent Chinese Fashion Companies Join Canopy
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Empowering Home Improvement Initiatives
Resurfacing Solutions Offers Mentorship & Ownership
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Local Economic Growth Initiatives
Hershey's is Supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Community Cohesion-Promoting Grocery Campaigns
EDEKA Provides Insights of Neighborhood Relations
Weekly Finance Newsletters
Deelscoop Keeps Users Informed from Seed to Series D and Beyond
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks