From tablet lit cases to arts and crafts community organizations, this SocialBusiness.org top list of cultural social enterprises understands the importance of advocating for culture. Culture obviously comes in various shapes and sizes, meaning that it comes from within but also from the outside. Culture can mean taking into consideration the arts when delivering social services but it can also mean a US-based business that considers a country's culture when delivering water access, for instance. And shouldn't they all?
These cultural social enterprises show the importance of a holistic approach to innovation. Culture isn't the antithesis to business but rather, it's actually at its very core. From cooperatives to legal advice and banks, both the theory and the practice here is widespread.
78 Cultural Social Enterprises
From Lit Tablet Cases to Arts and Crafts Communities:
Social Business Editor — May 21, 2014 — Social Good
76
Colorful Cascading Jewelry
Live Worldly's Beleza Bib Necklace is Fun and Ethical
75
Ocean-Friendly Summer Totes
The Océé Chaz Ganster Collection Makes Waves with Their Acce
74
Utopic Eco Villages
Costa Rica's Kopali Communities Adheres to the Triple Bottom Line
73
Hip-Hop Social Enterprises
The Global Block Foundation Promotes Personal Sustainability
72
Culturally Relevant Luggage
Ethnotek Creates Bags Using Direct Fabric Trade
71
Lit Culture Tablet Cases
The Out of Print Ebook Jackets Will Feature Fresh Iconic Novel Covers
70
Paradigm-Shifting Marine Organizations
Blue Ventures is Funded by Non-Profit Distributing Projects
69
Eclectic Artistic Infusions
Communitea Packaging Features Distinctive Doodles on Each Variety
68
Small-Format Food Shopping
Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery Attempts to Provide Access
67
Culture-Sustaining Hammocks
Yellow Leaf Provides Alternatives to Child Labor and Toxic Farming
66
Worker-Owned Web Design
CoLab Coop Works Collaboratively for Social Enterprises
65
Compassionate Carpet Shops
BELDI is an Online Store Specializing in Moroccan Decor That Gives Back
64
Bike-Delivered Organic Java
Peace Coffee is a Fair Trade Brew Company in Minneapolis
63
Self-Sustaining Social Enterprises
Kinyei Fosters Independent Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
62
Global Change Cuisine
Kialatok is a French Social Business Channeling Various Cultures
61
Empowering Crochet
Fair Trade 'Pebble' Baby Line Employs Women in Bangladesh
60
Education-Funding Agriculture
Planting Promise is a Business-Oriented Charity in Sierra Leone
59
People-Focused Finance
Triodos Bank Adheres to the Triple Bottom Line
58
Isolated Social Enterprise Models
BRAC is a Global Organization Boasting a Bottom-up Method
57
Aquaculture Business Competitions
'Fish 2.0' is for Sustainable Fisheries and Investors
56
Handmade Hypoallergenic Clothing
Alpaca Artwear Cultivates and Commodifies Andean Allure
55
Community Produce Narratives
Food Connect Brisbane Invites You to Know More About Your Meal
54
Change-Focused Creative Coalitions
Moving Design is a Chicago-Based Collective For Progress
53
Responsible Himalayan Travel
Ecosphere Focuses on the Triple Bottom Line with the Spiti Community
52
Opportunity-Providing Backpacks
Jatalo Products Help Supply Kids with a Year's Worth of Textbooks
51
Charitable Animal Sculptures
The Bundu Designs Rhinos are Made from Wire
50
Craft Connecting Platforms
'Industree Crafts Foundation' Networks Artists with Retailers Over Indi
49
Ecotourism Development Cooperatives
Travel for Change Melds Community-Based Initiatives and Tours
48
Organic Food Delivery Software
Bucky Box Makes It Easier for Businesses and Customers
47
Food Desert Distributors
The Corbin Hill Road Farm Supplies Fresh Produce to Those in Need
46
Rainforest Energy Drinks
Guayaki Yerba Mate Has a Unique Social Business Model
45
Charming For-Good Cafes
The Peace Coffee Shop is in Minneapolis’ Wonderland Park
44
Simplified Ingredient Skin Care
S.W. Basics of Brooklyn Offers Ethical and Sustainable Products
43
Co-Op Cacoa
Kallari Chocolate Bars Support 850 Families and the Rainforest
42
Incubating Himalayan Innovation
'One Earth Designs' Promotes Eco and Social Entrepreneurship
41
Legal Advice for Farmers
Farm Commons is a Non-Profit Organization with Echoing Green Support
40
Social Nutrient Packs
'Valid Nutrition' Pastes are Made Locally Where They Are Needed
39
Connection-Building Beans
DOMA Coffee Roasters Create Relationships That Last
38
Ethical Interior Design
MUMO Gives Native Artisans the Opportunity to Preserve Their Culture
37
Anti Child-Labor Certifications
GoodWeave Tackles Exploitation in the Handmade Carpet Industry
36
Ethnic Exchange Cuisine
Culture Kitchen Employs Immigrants to Teach Cooking Classes
35
Ethical Artisan-Focused Fashion
‘A Peace Treaty’ Employs At-Risk Designers
34
Indian Water-Saving Technology
GEWP Allows Farmers to Yield More Crops and Create More Jobs
33
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
32
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
31
Indonesian Sourcing Trips
The Ethnotek 'Batik Hunting' Video Showcases the Brand's Ethos
30
Certified Sustainable Soaps
LEAP Organics Uses USDA-Approved Ingredients and Recycled Packages
29
Fair Trade Cocoa
Divine Chocolate is a Social Business Partly Owned by Its Farmers
28
Painter-Inspired Catwalks
The Social Studio FW 2012 Collection is Exotic and Ethical
27
Inspiring Altruistic Skateboarding Schools
Skateistan is a Non-Profit Empowering Youth in Kabul
26
Socially Responsible Textiles
Proud Mary Provides Artisan Materials in Developing Nations
25
Red Nosed Charity Tees
The Stella McCartney for Comic Relief Tees Support a Poverty Free World
24
Transparency Trek Narratives
The Ethnotek Travel Blog Delves into Culture and Process
23
Social Innovation Campuses
The LAB Miami Is Bringing Startup Culture to Southern Florida
22
Rehabilitating Animal Introductions
Animal Assisted Interventions Supports People with Needs
21
Purposeful Travel Opportunities
OneSeed Expeditions Invests in Community Through Exploration
20
Sustainable Agro Advocacy
Agriculture for Impact is an Initiative Calling on European Government
19
Arts and Crafts Community Enterprises
Menter Fachwen Works with People with a Disability
18
Educational Organic Foods
Crazy Jack Organic Produces Organic Fruits by Encouraging Biodiversity
17
Innovative Tourism Models
Aoka Offers Insightful Community-Building Trips in Brazil
16
Large-Scale Change Networks
The Social Innovation Generation Addresses Canada's Challenges
15
Altruistic Organic Fertilizer Technology
Byoearth is a Social Venture Preserving the Planet
14
Venture Philanthropy Co-ops
Chetna Organic Seeks to Enable Ethical Supply Chains from India
13
Change-Focused Social Collectives
Summit is a Group of Entrepreneurs with a New Mountain HQ
12
Electrifying Donation Bracelets
Electric Family Creates Friendship Bracelets for World Vision
11
Remote Agriculture Broadcasts
The Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio Supports Communities in Nigeria
10
Ethical Vacation Choices
Responsible Travel is a Locally-Oriented Online Portal
9
Meal-Providing Polos
For Every B Frog Shirt Sold 15 Meals are Provided to Children in Need
8
Closed Loop Plant Systems
Aquaponics UK is a Social Enterprise Tackling Waste, Food and Energy
7
Culture-Based Clinics
'My Time' Helps Fight Depression Through Person-Centered Approaches
6
Co-op Consultancies
Co-operative and Mutual Solutions Ltd. Works Internationallly
5
Conference-Created Advocacy Campaigns
'Women Deliver' Attempts to Heed Development in Corporates
4
Change-Making Communities
Ashoka's Youth Venture Empowers Young People to Promote Positivity
3
Co-op Representatives
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) Brings Members Together
2
Urban Farm Networks
Fresh City is a Toronto-Based Social Enterprise
1
Co-op Trade Bodies
Co-operatives UK Attempts to Raise Awareness on the Benefits of Business
Related Ideas
Culturally Specific Retail Expansions
ICONSIAM and POP MART Establish a Global Landmark Location
Modern Cultural Institutions
Centre SANAAQ Opened in Montreal's Peter-Mcgill District
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Art-Integrated Tech Accessories
The CASETiFY x Tate Collection Reimagines Iconic Artwork
Accessible Urban Furniture Designs
The 'T ‘able' Urban Furniture Concept is Inclusive
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Cultural Workplace Transformations
AAID Designs Ernst & Young's Riyadh Headquarters
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Textile-Topped Table Design
The Tumble Tables Elevate Sustainability Through Sculptural Form
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Business Idea Generators
Crazy Business Idea Generator Lets Users Vote and Share Ideas Socially
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
Regionally Handcrafted Jewelry Lines
SUSU Co. is a New Retail Venture Founded by Susie Mobley
Social Insight Tools
Currents AI Turns Social Media Data Into Actionable Business Insights
Health-Focused Body Positivity Apps
Stories with Substance Collaborates with the UnderBelly
Bathing Culture-Inspired Waterfront Events
Therme Group Ran Culture of Bathe-Ing
Flea-Market-Inspired Brand Experiences
CASEKOO Hosted a DIY Experience in Beijing
Adaptive Community Hubs
Spaced Agency Designs a Space Supporting Small Businesses and Culture
Human-Centric Workplace Designs
Moriyama Teshima Architects Designs the OSSTF/FEESO Headquarters
Connecting Community Centers
UTT Empower Soweto is a Multipurpose Hub Joining Residents and Nature
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Artistic Lakeside Retreats
Ely Retreat Blends Modern Cabin Living with a Serene Creative Studio
Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Intrepid Offers a Diverse Range of Food Tours for Curious Travelers
Art-Inspired Hair Salon Concepts
NOVA ARTS SALON is a Progressive Evolution in Salon Experience
Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives
MyCommunity.Today Delivers Accessible Digital Tools
Printable Learning Tools
'A Learning Digital Resource' is a Library for Printable SEL Worksheets
Literary Tourism Innovations
Jane Austen Festival Launches Character Trail Through Bath Streets
Startup Networking Platforms
'Solution' Connects the Global Startup Ecosystem in One Digital Hub
Idea Repository Books
Business Ideas Database Curates Proven Business Opportunities At Scale
Housing Collective Projects
La Comunidad Habitacional by Cierto Estudio Forms Shared Urban Spaces
Senior Creative Teams
Tosti Creative Put Out a Call for Senior Creatives Aged 70 and Older
Diversity-Focused Entrepreneurs Access Networks
EY Canada Supports 17 BIPOC Entrepreneurs
Lifelong Reskilling Cultures
McKinsey And General Catalyst Highlight Continuous AI-Era Upskilling
Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects
CURA Architekten Presents a Project in Switzerland
Chinese Tech Installations
BOE Technology Group Showcased Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage
South Asian Design Galleries
House of Santal Edition 1 Presents Contemporary Furniture and Craft
Adaptive Workspace Designs
Twobo’s SALT HQ Highlights Material Reuse in a Community-Ready Office
Total Wellness Platforms
CARE Integrates Biological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Health
Experiential Workshop Programs
The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Offers Cultural Art Programs
Social Media Hubs
Unified Socials Centralizes Management Across Multiple Platforms
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
Sustainable Retail Interiors
Sheep Inc London Store Uses Sculptural Displays & Graphic Art
Community Wellness Centres
The Apple House by Okra Supports Nature Based Learning
Revitalized Cultural Park Projects
Turenscape Masterfully Elevates the Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park
Creativity Self-Assessments
Crayola Creative Styles Helps People Understand Themselves & Others
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
International Jewelry-Focused Digital Marketplaces
Jeweler Collective Emphasizes Artistry
Sustainability-Focused International Strategies
Haier Group Expands Sustainable Ecosystems
Cafe-Focused Consulting Services
Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Runs the '7 Steps to Success' Program
Futuristic Cultural Spaces
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts Blends Form with Civic Imagination
Technology-Enabled Educational Initiatives
Huawai Supports Technology-Enabled Open Schools for All
Europe-Focused Global Leader Campaigns
SIT Debuts 'Step into the Map. Every Street Teaches'
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Conscientious Tourism Campaigns
Evaneos Advocates Against Overtourism in a New Campaign
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Multifaceted Cultural Destinations
Hale Muskoka Represents an Ambitious New Cultural Development
Creator Community Tools
The Builder's Cohort Connects Makers for Creative Collaboration and Growth
Bar-Centric Lecture Events
Sip & Learn Toronto Merges Night Life with Continued Education
Human-First Marketing Agencies
Alev Digital Prioritizes Human Creativity Over AI-Generated Content
Art Learning Platforms
Chitriv Offers Learning, Community, And Marketplace Features For Artists
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Groundbreaking Workplace Inclusion Frameworks
Tanzania Enhances Accessible Workplace Design
Strategic Urban Development Programs
The Yokohama Silk Renaissance Embraces Global Luxury
Streamlined Case Management Software
Social Work Portal is Introducing a New Case Management Hub
Professional Connection-Promoting Campaigns
TheLi.st Spotlights 10 Minutes of Togetherness
Homelessness-Focused Architecture Studies
Architecture Without Borders Quebec Identifies Issues
Countercultural Wellness Platforms
Saolful Helps People Embrace Messy, Imperfect Wellness
Generational Wellness Campaigns
Sports Research Evolved Its Marketing into a Cultural Movement
Cultural Dining Discovery
AuthFoodMaps Helps Users Find Authentic Ethnic Restaurants Nearby
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Empathy-First Loyalty Playbooks
SumUp's CEO Highlights Main Street Tactics For Tech Loyalty
Internal Social Platforms
Mush Social Enables Private Communication And Engagement For Teams
Italian Cuisine-Celebrating Ventures
Barilla Supports UNESCO's Recognition of Italian Cuisine
Assistive Technology Awareness Campaigns
Texas is Committed to Inclusive Technology
Toronto Healing Shelters
Anduhyaun Emergency Shelter Nods to Indigenous Traditions to Aid Recovery
Organizational Adaptive Workspaces
Craft 3 Helps You Organize, Style, and Share Work Your Own Way
Experimental Pottery Vessels
The Gourd Project Reimagines Integrity and Growth in Ceramic Forms
Accessibility-Dedicated Nonprofit Organizations
VisionServe Alliance Operates in the US and Canada
Hybrid Retail Studios
The Shop by Gantri Organizes Gallery, Workspace, and Gathering Areas
Decentralized Social Websites
Surf Enables Creator-Owned Platforms
Grass-Roots Golf Gatherings
HEAD Golf and Links Social Tour Bring Style to Toronto Invitational
Hands-On STEAM Workshops
Genesis Inspiration Foundation and Genesis Gives Support Students
Civic Theatre Renovations
The Court Theatre Anchors Community and Craft Through Architecture
Art Exploration Platforms
Arts – Every Time Art Lets You Explore Unique Artworks and Artifacts
Social Good Peruvian Menswear
Pieta Menswear Combines Style and Social Reintegration
Adaptive Peer-Coaching Programs
The University of Queensland, Crossroad Arts & Researchers Partner
Community Engagement Platforms
Hivescout Helps You Find And Engage Your Audience Across Forums
Utility Style Capsules
A. SOCIETY x New Era Utility Capsule Introduces Magnetic Caps and Eyewear
Local Shop Portrait Campaigns
Coca-Cola Highlights Bosses Campaign Celebrating 125 Years in UK
Kid-Designed Retail Bags
East of England Co-op sells bags supporting local communities
Culture-Celebrating Museum Experiences
The cs Transitioning
Cultural Trivia Games
Culture King Turns Cultural Knowledge Into Fast-Paced Competition
Grassroots Recreational Initiatives
FCC Hoops is Now the Full Court Sports Club
Sculptural Cultural Hubs
AYDC Public Art Centre by Atelier XI Integrates Nature, Art, & Community
Access-Focused Performing Arts Organizations
SHOWAbility Emphasizes Disability Inclusion
Lifestyle Productivity Suites
SkillSphere Offers Ten Apps to Enhance Productivity and Well-Being
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
Purpose-Led Emerging Brands Initiatives
7-Eleven Taps 27 Brands for Its 2026 Brands with Heart™
Collectible Social Communities
Mantel Builds A Social Network For Sharing Stories And Collections
Business Planning Tools
Business Propel Builds Custom Business Canvas For Growth Planning
Collaborative Urban Planning Initiatives
Architecture Without Borders Quebec is Community-Focused
Brand Identity Studios
The Media Hous Builds Portfolios And Brands For Market Visibility
Community-Led Playscape Designs
The Urban Conga Develops the Common Corner Project
CPG-Focused Service-For-Equity Models
Crave Ventures Has Formally Commenced Operations
Philanthropy Art Marketplaces
TheFaunaClub Connects Wildlife Conservation With Art And Giving
Musical Island Regeneration
Soundscape by Heatherwick Studio Alters Nodeul Island to Cultural Hub
Complimentary Community Career Studios
Specialty Food Association Establishes a New Support Center
Cultural Green Libraries
The Taichung Green Museumbrary by SANAA Weaves Architecture and Nature
Culturally-Based Conservation Efforts
Michigan State Unveils Savanna Evidence from Marathi Texts
Community Engagement Platforms
Tchop Enables Businesses To Build And Own Online Communities
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Nuanced Discussion Platforms
Society Speaks Enables Inclusive, Consensus-Driven Public Discussions
Community-Made Eco Campuses
The Wolves Lane Centre Reno Draws Sustainability and Participation
Expansive Cross-Civilizational Events
China's Liangzhu and Rome Enter into a Cultural Dialogue
Social Workplace Branding Tools
Soshial Helps You Build and Grow a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
Customer Engagement Suites
Celerant Technology Enhances Its Customer Engagement Suite
Empowering Entrepeneur Clubs
Saltbox Introduces 'Upstream' for Loyal Members Looking for Community
Award-Winning Landscape Projects
scob Undertakes a Landscape Intervention for a Historic Site
Franchise Business-Friendly Programs
Art of Franchising Strengthens Sector in the Philippines
Accessibility-Focused Evaluation Systems
Santander Work Cafés Implements ‘Accessibility Scores’
Educational Charity Initiatives
BOE Technology Group Concludes Its 'Light the Way Forward' Event
Housing Innovation Symposiums
The Boston Society for Architecture Focuses on the Future of Housing
Culturally Informed Cross-Border Services
EPWK is Credited with Building a Digital Silk Road
Creative Protest Archives
Pocket Protests Showcases Global Creative Resistance Against Fascism
Cultural Travel Stays
Connect With Local Families Abroad Through Adventure Homestay
Green Career Marketplaces
Find Environmental Roles Easily With Environmental Job Boards Platform
Startup Essentials Bundles
The App Tool-Kit Helps Digital Creators Launch with the Right Tools
Social Essay Libraries
Digest Builds Personalized Research Engines For High-Quality Essays
Community Strategy Guides
Community Building Guidebook Provides Frameworks To Grow Engaged Groups
Long-Term Inclusive Activity Programs
Activity Alliance Learning Hub Boasts a Specialized Program
Comprehensive Content Guides
Content Creation Wiki Provides Step-By-Step Guides For Better Content
Local Business Finders
BuyLokals Helps Users Discover and Support Community Businesses
Student Art Exhibitions
Lebanese Students Design in Conflict Shows Student Work Shaped by Crisis
Citywide Digital Literacy Programs
Emerge and Rise Caters to Small Business Owners
Commercial-Transformed Artful Galleries
New Affiliates Designs the Canyon Museum Space
Welfare-Focused Student Hubs
G/O Architecture Uni-Center Renovation Opens Campus Life