This SocialBusiness.org top list of social enterprise innovations speak to the range -- and debate -- surrounding just what exactly is social enterprise. Are social enterprise, social business and social entrepreneurship interchangeable? What are the distinctions? Does it matter?
Part of what makes the social entrepreneurship community thrive is its current ongoing discussion questioning the very definition of what it is and what it does. It's a dialogue that can only, in the end, help strengthen a community that many people still don't even really know exists. Indeed, a critical look at definitions is crucial and won't necessarily bring people apart as many people have been blogging and tweeting. Even within the broadness that is social enterprise innovations, critiquing each other and each other's businesses will only bring about, hopefully, more positive change. Because the status quo obviously isn't working -- so pushing boundaries is key.
100 Social Enterprise Innovations
From Paradigm-Shifting Marine Organizations to Accessible Loans:
Tiana Reid — Jun 6, 2012 — Social Good
100
Ancestor-Inspired Accessories
Wakami Helps Disconnected Communities Find Urban Markets
99
Eclectic Ethical Fashion
Upcycled 'Adamah Stein' Designs by Artisans in Senegal and Paris
98
Schoolbags That Give
Denim 'Benson Backpacks' Help Fund Education in Tanzania
97
Ethically Refurbished Vests
Toronto-Based 'Local Buttons' Partners with Tailors in Haiti
96
Sustainable Change Beads
The Vibrant Andean Collection Supports Artisans in Ecuador
95
Soulful Wedding Sandals
Sseko Designs Help Women in Uganda Earn Money for University
94
Antislavery Pants
Punjammies by Women Who Have Escaped Prostitution in India
93
Alternative Food Networks
The People's Supermarket Focuses on Community Development
92
Fashion to End Violence
My Sister's Closet in Vancouver Sells Vintage Clothes for Good
91
Life-Changing Macbook Cases
Della LA Creates Unique Accessories That Employ Women in Ghana
90
Yoga Mat Repurposing
Debrand Helps Brands Rid Their Materials in a Secure, Eco-Friendly Way
89
Collaborative Consumption Infographics
The Unstash Manifesto Mixes Altruism with Action
88
Affordable Eco Fashion
'Pickled Green Clothing' Makes Sustainable Affordable Accessible
87
Economically Empowering Jewelry Programs
Senhoa Benefits Survivors of Human Trafficking
86
Entrepreneurship-Enabling Crafts
Buying a Prosperity Candle Helps Women Refugees Open a Business
85
Leadership Learning Institutes
The Social Enterprise Academy in Scotland Delivers the Goods
84
Paradigm-Shifting Marine Organizations
Blue Ventures is Funded by Non-Profit Distributing Projects
83
Eco-Conscious Sundresses
Worldstock Sells Fair Trade Goods, Giving 60-70% of Profits to Artisans
82
Artist-Supporting Social Enterprises
Art Sumo Offers Paintings from All Over the World
81
Micro Loan Bikinis
RubyMoon Swimwear Donates its Profits to Female Entrepreneurs
80
Customizable Charity-Driven Accessories
C4 Belts are Socially Conscious and Eco-Friendly
79
Philanthropic Print Platforms
Help Ink Connects Socially Concerned Consumers with Feel-Good Art
78
Fair Trade Weaving
WomenCraft Offers Ethical Employment in East Africa's Mafiga Matatu Area
77
Surfing for a Cause
'Much Better Adventures' Help You Organize Ethical Travel Experiences
76
Fair Trade Monsters
Cambodia Knits Employs Marginalized People in Phnom Penh
75
Eco Community Centers
Evergreen Brick Works is a Social Enterprise Fostering Nature in Toronto
74
Revamped Castaway Accessories
Project Repat Collaborates with Artisans in the Majority World
73
Custom Bottles with Purpose
Miir Lets You Customize Your H20 While Supporting Clean Water Projects
72
Rehab Restaurants
'Cafe Therapy' in Prague Helps People Overcome Drug Addictions
71
Nonprofit Coffee Shops
Strawberry Line Cafe Employs Adults with Learning Disabilities
70
Austrian Innovation Hubs
Emersense Brings Together Social Entrepreneurs in Vienna
69
Refugee-Employing Enterprises
The 'Open Arms Shop' Provides a Living Wage for Women
68
Drink 1, Give 1
Every Bottle of 1for1 Water Sold Brings Clean Water to Someone in Haiti
67
Industry-Tapping Social Enterprises
Australia's Thankyou Water Uses Profits to Fund H2O Projects
66
Strategists for Change
Junxion Strategy offers Social Purpose and Sustainability Management
65
Community Giving Sites
'A Little More Good' Helps Vancouverites Give Back to their Communities
64
DIY 1 for 1 Businesses
'Buy One Give One' Lets Anyone Create a Social Enterprise
63
Wasted Apple Beverages
Batlow Premium Cider Stems from the Australian Co-Operative
62
Social Good Cuisine
La Tablée des Chefs Teaches Kids About Nutrition While Feeding the Homele
61
Upcycling to Fight Poverty
The 'Recycle Not a Waste Initiative' Empowers Ghanian Street Youth
60
Group Solar Deals
One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) Helps Neighbours Get Discounts on Green Energy
59
Soaps That Employ
CLARITY Offers Job Opportunities for the Blind and Disabled
58
Online Education Charities
Brightside Offers Mentoring and Tutoring on the Web
57
Scarves for Education
Zaanha Fashions Help Send Children in Afghanistan to School
56
Old Cars for a Cause
GiveaCar Accepts Unwanted Vehicles, Sells them for Charity
55
South Asian-Focused Health Services
Apnee Sehat is a Social Enterprise Promoting Lifestyle Choices
54
Vibrant Opportunity Dining
Cafe Create Employs People Who Have Been Homeless
53
Social Nutrient Packs
'Valid Nutrition' Pastes are Made Locally Where They Are Needed
52
Social Exclusion Enterprises
The United Kingdom's 'Destiny Support' Seeks Out Engagement
51
1 for 1 Toothbrushes
When You Buy From Smile Squared, They Give to a Child in Need
50
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
49
For-Profits Women's Clinics (UPDATE)
Penda Health Sees its First Patients in Kenya
48
Farmer-Empowered Beekeeping
'Under The Mango Tree' Services Both Ends of the Honey Market
47
Digital Literacy Agencies
New Found Network Employs Youth to Create Nonprofit Campaigns
46
Skill-Sharing Social Enterprises
The Bicycle Academy Teaches You How to Make Bikes
45
Empowering Bakeries
The Bread Maker in the UK Employees People with Learning Disabilities
44
Celeb Chef Apprenticeship Charities
Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall Blends Fine Dining & Education
43
Social Scooter Repurposing
'Brighter Future Workshop' Recycles Mobility Equipment, Provides Jobs
42
Social Enterprise Garages
Auto22 in Gravesend Supports Youth Through Employment
41
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
40
Social Entrepreneur-Supporting Groups
Adsila Helps Those Who Aim to Address Universal Concerns
39
Kind Community Catering
Potluck Cafe Offers Employment in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
38
Professional Good Doers
Catchafire is a B Corp That Lets Professionals Volunteer Their Skills
37
Mission Mentorship Programs
'Academies for Social Entrepreneurship' Shoots for Sustainability
36
Women's Center Honey
Blackburne House Empowers Females Via Tech Skills, Wellness, Entrepreneurship
35
Good Karma Web Dev
PICnet Offers Tech Services for Non-Profits and Social Businesses
34
Socially Conscious Newborn Fashion
Rockin Baby Benefits Haitian Mothers with "One-for-One" Slings
33
Women of Color Enterprises
I'mPOSSIBLE. is a Socially Focused Initiative Celebrating Success
32
Safe Trash Enterprises
Waste Ventures Incubates and Empowers Garbage Collectors
31
Social Good Careers
'Give to Get Jobs' is a Board for For-Profit Jobs With Positive Impact
30
Healthy Community Sales
'A Moveable Feast' Focuses on Arabs & Bangladeshis Who Live in SW1, London
29
Cause Mentorship
The Canadian Social Entrepreneurship Foundation Invests in Innovation
28
Digital Divide Connectors
Talk2One is a Social Enterprise Connecting People to Communication
27
Opportunity-Creating Social Enterprises
'People Can' Focuses on Building Strong Communities
26
Social Enterprise Gift Baskets
'Saul Good' Sells Eco and Socially Responsible Presents
25
Street Youth Enterprises
SYJA Helps Vancouver's Young Homeless People Find Jobs
24
Accessible Loans
My Home Finance is a Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneer
23
Youth-Led Coffee Shops
Studio 89, a Social Enterprise Cafe in Mississauga by YTGA
22
Ethically Focused Digital Companies
Datse Multimedia Productions Works with NGOs & Social Business
21
Social Enterprise Financing
'Big Issue Invest' is a Social Business that Invests in Others
20
Mobile-Enhanced Giving
'mGood' Allows Non-Profits to Create Text Message Campaigns
19
Microloans for Homelessness?
Beyond the Cardboard Shares Stories, Interviews and Resources
18
Changing Consumption Practices
Goodsumption Highlights Ethical Products Around the Globe
17
Mind-Altering Social Enterprises
Positive Intentions Works for the People by Working with Them
16
Job-Creating Recycling Programs
Bangladesh's 'Waste Concern' is an Eco Social Business with Bite
15
Health Service Social Enterprises
The SCA Group Offers Community Care in the United Kingdom
14
Social Purpose Gardens
'Landscaping With Heart' Employs People with Mental Illnesses in Vancouver
13
Education-Giving T-Shirts
GeboMana Sends a Child to School for 2 Months for Every Shirt Sold
12
Design Solutions for Purpose
Cause Creative Offers Marketing Services for Charities
11
Altruistic Eye Surgeries
Aurolab is Eliminating Needless Blindness via Affordable Cataract Surgery
10
Life-Enhancing Senior Enterprises
'Action For Elders' is a CIC Tackling the Challenges of Old Age
9
Poverty-Ending Crusades
The Adventure Project Aims to Eliminate Struggles and Misery
8
Educational Leader Networks
'Teach For All' Builds National Movements to Improve School Systems
7
Waste-Reverting Social Enterprises
Wombling CIC Recycles Goods Headed for the Landfill
6
Business-Building Education Programs
The Global Social Benefit Incubator at Santa Clara University
5
Action-Oriented Business Guides
Sojo Empowers Social Entrepreneurs to Make a Difference
4
Community Resource Sites
'seToolbelt' Assists Social Entrepreneurs in Kickstarting Their Ventures
3
Rehabilitating Social Enterprises
Aspire Ensures That Those with Spinal Injuries are Not Forgotten
2
Youth Ownership Organizations
Five Lamps is a Social Enterprise Focusing on Creating Possibilities
1
Purpose-Driven Certification Authorities
The Social Enterprise Mark Gives Businesses Criteria
Related Ideas
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Niche Search Engine Tools
Global Explorer Helps Users Discover and Dive Deeper into Topics
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Affordable SEO Insights Platform
SEO Stuff Offers All-Things Keyword Research
Social Movement Medals
The Openness Medal by Samsung Invites Gen Z to Share Challenges
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
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Digital Nomad Lifestyle Insights
Work, Wealth & Travel Podcast Offers Tips for Digital Nomads
Ethical Coffee Partnerships
Win Win Coffee Collaborates with Aramark for Community Impact
Creative Text-to-Infographic Tools
Infography Converts Blog Posts to Artistic Infographics
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Innovative Blockchain Technology Seminars
The Finsai Group is Organizing a Major Seminar in Milan
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Remote Work-Catering Modern Homes
Studio Plow and Brit Epperson Creates a Workspace-Home
Circular Fashion-Enabling Partnerships
Coach and Poshmark's Collaboration Makes Buyer Resale Easy
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Eco-Friendly Pet Programs
Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures Launch a Sustainable Pet Food Program
Idea Validating Platforms
HeadStarter Helps Entrepreneurs Discover If Their Idea Exists
Human Connection-Centric Campaigns
Etsy's New Ad Campaign Wants to Keep Commerce Human
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Eco-Friendly Spa Capsules
Divana Unveils a New Sustainable Collection Composed of Eight Scents
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
AI Startup Pitch Assistants
PitchBob.io Helps Entrepreneurs Refine and Hone Their Pitches
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Neuroinclusive Workstations
MeSpace is a Modern Workstation for Neurodiverse Professionals
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Blockchain-Powered Credit Unions
KeyPoint Credit Union Joins a Banking Innovation Program
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Luxury Adventure Travel Platforms
UNCHARTED Recently Introduced the EVOLVE Multimedia Platform
AI Search Engines
OSO AI Scans Text Across the Expanse of the Internet
Collaborative Bright Office Spaces
Bespoke Only Designs Her New Spring Office Loft Space
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
Publicly Available Social Medias
'Bluesky' is Now Open to All Users Without Invitation
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Basketball Social Networks
Basktball is the Sports Social Network for Fans and Players Alike
Adventure-Focused Social Platforms
Outside Debuts an All-In-One Experience for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Introvert Networking Platforms
The 'IONA' Platform Connects Users Together Daily Over Email
Chance to win £10,000
Meet the Cornish upcycler inspiring people
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Sustainable Brand Certificates
b, halfmoon Recently Became a Certified B Corporation™ (B Corp™)
AI-Driven Business Transformations
'Unlock the Power of AI' Helps Businesses Integrate AI
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
AI Research Collaboration Platforms
Synthical is an Online Community for Scientists and Research
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Education-Enhancing Chatbot Services
The 'Stretch' Chatbot Offers Resources For K-12 Educators
Retail Accessibility Frameworks
Starbucks Has Unveiled the Inclusive Spaces Framework
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Meaningful Connection Platforms
Livebeam Wants to Connect Like-minded People in an Online Space
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Supportive Women Entrepreneurial Tests
Entrepreneurial Potential Test for Women Has 20+ Questions
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
The Supplier Diversity Fair Aims to Support Locals
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Semantic Search Engines
Does It Exist Determines Whether Concepts Have Already Been Developed
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Group Coaching Platforms
Coaching.com Has Unveiled an Upgraded Version of Its Platform
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Interconnected Design Retrospectives
The Polimi Design System Introduces INTERDEPENDENCE
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Expansive Inclusivity Initiatives
Boathouse Group Implements a Supplier Diversity Program
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Voice-Enabled Digital Paper Tools
Marvin Quickens the Process of Interacting with Complex Papers
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
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Effective Work Environment Technology
HP Inc. Unveils Advancements Within Its Workforce Solutions
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Private Influencer Social Groups
CNDO Offers Private Social Rooms for Influencers and Their Fans
Modern Business Card Scanners
Spreadly Scan Brings Networking to the Modern Age
Summarized Neuroscience News
Neurotech News Summarizes the Science World Without the Jargon
Preemptive Startup Evaluations
Vet My Idea Helps Startups Survive with AI Assessments and Ideas
Emerging London Designer Exhibitions
POOR Collective Showcases the Powershift Exhibition in London
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
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
Social Good Computer Drives
Digitunity Partners with OBAE to Address Technological Barriers
Video Testimonials Tools
Feedspace to Boost your Business's Credibility in the Market
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Sustainable Water Equity Funds
Candriam Unveils a New Water Conservation Fund for Businesses
Inclusive Women's Health Forums
The Online Health Community Offers Topic-Specific Connection
Hacker News Insights
Hacker Search Bridges the Gap Between Anecdotal Evidence and Expert Knowledge
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Connection-Building Prompt Apps
Quiver's Daily Questions Will Connect You to Friends and Strangers
Professional Networking Platforms
Peerlist Helps Individuals and Businesses Create Profiles
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Empowering Educational Initiatives
Sight School Empowers Individuals with Visual Impairments
Product-Validating AI Tools
AskBetter Helps Entrepreneurs Test Out Ideas and Business Plans
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Empowering Nonprofit Organizations
NTI is Committed to Supporting the Disability Community
Quiz Competition Platforms
Jargon Jive is a Space for People to Build Engaging Quizzes
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks
Career-Navigating Mentorship Platforms
Meander Helps Everyone Thrive Professionally
Diverse Job Connection Platform
FlexRem Caters to Hybrid, Remote, In-Office and More
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Business Slogan Generators
The Slogan Generator Will Create a Catchy Slogan for Any Business
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Collaborative Productivity Platforms
Tandemly Elevates Productivity Through Teamwork
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Collaborative Insights Sharing
Collabwriting Empowers Teams to Collect and Share Across the Web
Creativity-Focused Online Networks
NOCK is an Online Network for Creatives to Collaborate
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Streamlined Decision-Making Platforms
Wunderboards Aims to Adds Simplicity and Creativity to Work
Entrepreneur-Specific Global Hubs
Endeavor Has Launched a New Global Hub in London
Re-Branded Housing Nonprofit Organization
Bridges to Housing Stability Modernizes Its Brand Image