From urban farming programs to youthful entrepreneurship endeavors, horticultural social enterprises meld diverse agriculture initiatives with a social mission. It is a term that the Social Business editorial team first learned from a recent YouTube video featuring Cultivate London's General Manager, Adrienne Attorp, but it can be used widely.
As city's become more and more condensed and gentrified, there will be more need and desire to create alternative communities that also produce healthy fruit and vegetables. Flowers are also an important part of being on this planet and they are something that these horticultural social enterprises take quite seriously. Whether you like to get your hands dirty in the garden yourself or you simply appreciate a fresh herb, the goal here is to simply live a greener life -- and that means supporting programs that help to create positive social change.
44 Horticultural Social Enterprises
From Urban Farming Programs to Youthful Entrepreneurship:
Social Business Editor — May 27, 2014 — Social Good
43
Urban Farming Partnerships
BrightFarms Takes Downtown Gardening to New Levels
42
Indoor Reclaimed Farms
The Plant Chicago is a Food Business Incubator
41
Farm Fuel Pickup Services
Bootstrap Compost Collects Kitchen Scraps From Homes and Cafes
40
Revitalizing Compost Companies
Detroit Dirt Utilizes Unused Pieces of Land for Urban Farms
39
Education-Funding Agriculture
Planting Promise is a Business-Oriented Charity in Sierra Leone
38
Labor-Oriented Cacoa Production
The Dandelion Chocolate Bars Team Focuses on Employment Standards
37
Women-Focused Eco Programs
Backpack Farm is an African-Based Entrepreneurship Supporter
36
Online Foodie Marketplaces
FarmersWeb Connects Producers and Buyers in the NY Tri-State Area
35
Micro-Farms
Abalimi Bezekhaya is an Example of Bottom-up Entrepreneurship
34
Community Produce Narratives
Food Connect Brisbane Invites You to Know More About Your Meal
33
Organic Food Fighters
Stonyfield Farms' 'Be a Food Superhero' Campaign Advises Healthy Eating
32
Youthful Entrepreneur Projects
'Social Enterprise Africa' Trains Ethical Changemakers
31
Online Farming Enterprises (UPDATE)
MyFarm.com Allows You to Control Land Using FarmVille Tactics
30
Socially Conscious Vertical Harvesting
VHJH Introduces Efficiency & Job Opportunities
29
Mission-Driven Food Distributors
Common Market Works with Local and Sustainable Farming
28
Organic Food Delivery Software
Bucky Box Makes It Easier for Businesses and Customers
27
Food Desert Distributors
The Corbin Hill Road Farm Supplies Fresh Produce to Those in Need
26
Weekly Aquaponic Deliveries
Blacktop Bloom is a Social Enterprise and Urban Farm
25
Outdoorsy Art Centers
Stepney City Farm Encompasses a Shop, Food Market, Cafe, Crafts and Animals
24
Social Sri Lankan Seasonings
The Spicy Gourmet Supports Small Farmers Through Fair Trade
23
Local Food Movements
SPUD.ca and SPUD.com Stock Your Fridge with Organic Groceries
22
Job-Training Urban Farms
Cultivate London is a Social Enterprise Growing with Community
21
Legal Advice for Farmers
Farm Commons is a Non-Profit Organization with Echoing Green Support
20
Holistic Food Experiences
Aya Community Markets is an Organic Nourishment in Dc
19
Micro Forestry Startups
KOMAZA Creates Sustainable Economic Opportunities for Farmers in Africa
18
Tourist-Attracting Sustainable Infrastructure
Corn Cow Inc. Improves New York's Rural Subsistence
17
Cassava Beer
The SABMiller 'Eagle' is the Company's Ghanaian Brew
16
Indian Water-Saving Technology
GEWP Allows Farmers to Yield More Crops and Create More Jobs
15
Small Farmer Food Products
Equal Exchange Offers Fair Trade Goods Through Long-Term Partnerships
14
Labor-Reducing Dairy Farms
Arohana Works in India to Reduce Dependency
13
Indian Organic Farming Promotion
Krishi Naturals Works with Farmers to Support Biodiversity
12
Self-Sustaining Farms
One Acre Fund Trains Local Farmers on How to Grow Crops Effectively
11
Ethical Organic Java Beans
The Stonepound Coffee Company Brings Eco-Friendly Joe to Toronto
10
Holistic Farming Companies
Coombe Farm Comprises of Enterprises and Business Partnerships
9
Sustainable Agro Advocacy
Agriculture for Impact is an Initiative Calling on European Government
8
Green Java Distributors
Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers Helps Farmers Succeed
7
Small Food Economies
Principle Six Emphasizes Farmers and Locally Grown Products
6
Youth Ecotherapy Retreats
Jamie's Farm is an Agricultural Recovery Experience for At-Risk Kids
5
Organic Food Giveaways
The NYFoods Egg Change Project Fosters the One-for-One Model
4
Remote Agriculture Broadcasts
The Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio Supports Communities in Nigeria
3
Agricultural Data Collectors
Acopio Does Necessary Work for Coffee Producers in Latin America
2
Farm Share Directories
Locally Sourced is an Online Resource Based in Toronto, Canada
1
Urban Farm Networks
Fresh City is a Toronto-Based Social Enterprise
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AI-Powered Plant Care Systems
Gardyn Studio 2 Pairs Patented Hybriponics, Optimized LEDs & AI
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Container Workplace Complexes
Agrosemillas Offices by Impepinable Studio Reuse Shipping Containers
Resilience-Focused Youth Initiatives
Covenant House Toronto Launches ‘Home of the Unbreakable’
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Landscaping Border Exploration Proojects
International Garden Festival Presents Stunning Projects
Farming-Inspired Cocktail Menus
Agri/Culture by Little Red Door Explores Agricultural Methods
Biophilic Workplace Designs
Urban Soul Project and UNStudio Designed The Glade Office
Urban Ecological Design Projects
Henning Larsen Designs Bidadari Park in Singapore
Greenhouse Office Pavilions
Office for Roundtable + JXY Studio Create Multifunctional Office
Renewed Urban Rooftops
The Heineken Seoul Rooftop Turns Unused Rooftops into Community Spaces
Student-Focused Hands-On Garden Initiatives
Martinsburg Roundhouse & For The Kids Partner
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
Cocoa Farmer Support Platforms
Fairtrade International Plot Insights Manages Cocoa Farmer Data
Experimental Fragrance Gardens
Mane Launches Its Grasse Dedicated Experimental Garden Essence
Adaptive Robotic Harvesting Systems
Osaka Metropolitan University Unveiled Edge IoT Harvester
Reimagined Petrochemical Field Projects
Projet Paysage & Cardin Julien Develop a Civic Landscape
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
Packaged Microgreens Expansions
80 Acres Farms Promotes Healthy Eating with Expanded Distribution
Farm-Inspired Museum Installations
HelloFresh and the Natural History Museum Partnered
Biophilic Workplace Designs
Mangrove Garden Office by Bean Buro Reimagines Corporate Spaces
Agriculturally Inspired Art Projects
Almudena Romero is Working on the Farming Photographs Project
Eco Living Vertical Towers
The Eden Rise Vertical Eco Living Community Integrates Food Production
Agriculture-Focused IoT Networks
Emergent Connext Joined Forces with Microsoft's Airband & Cal.net
Architectural Community Spaces
The Street Clubhouse Forms Social Connection Through Open Design
Veggie-Infused Snack Products
These New Happy Orchard Products from Rich's are Functional
Refreshing Adaptogenic Spritzes
Social Spritz is a Light, Lively Drink for Daytime Consumption
Produce Outbreak Swap Campaigns
This Suja Organic Campaign Targets the Cyclospora Outbreak
Botanical Collections
GreenRow Partnered With the New York Botanical Garden on Its Home Décor Line
Social Sports Pavilions
Good City Studio Transforms a Power Plant into Ballers Sports Venue
Workplace-Inspired Salad Campaigns
BrightFarms Launches the Salad Freaks in the Workplace Campaign
University Startup Accelerators
UC Davis Launches Life Science Venture Program With Funding
Adaptive Community Hubs
Spaced Agency Designs a Space Supporting Small Businesses and Culture
Food Insecurity-Targeting Community Initiatives
Coordinated Care Focuses on Food Advocacy
Connecting Community Centers
UTT Empower Soweto is a Multipurpose Hub Joining Residents and Nature
Gamified Productivity Apps
Growdoro Turns Focus Sessions Into A Rewarding Garden Experience
Ambitious Urban Revitalization Proposals
Yujin Cao & Xiaofan Ye Design the Brooklyn Dairy Project
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Living Landscape Homes
Hedge and Arbour House by Studio Bright Merges Garden and Architecture
Community Sports Pitches
EA SPORTS FC and LALIGA Opened Its Grassroots Soccer Pitch in the Bronx
Automated Commercial Kitchen Gardens
Instafarm Lets Restaurants Grow Their Own Ingredients
AI-Driven Food Security Solutions
Agroz is Expanding to New Geographical Regions
Regenerative Coffee Sourcing
Nescafé Sources Over Half Its Coffee from Regenerative Farms in 2025
Science-Backed Youth Sports Programs
Sportball Systems Inc. is Expanding to India
Housing Collective Projects
La Comunidad Habitacional by Cierto Estudio Forms Shared Urban Spaces
Collaboration Prepackaged Plant-Based Foods
Gosh! and Urban Eat Partnered for Plant-Based fare
Regenerative Agriculture Programs
SAI Platform Unites Food Brands Around Shared Farming Goals
Greengrocer Dance Parties
Gosh! is Taking Over a Local Shop for a One-Night-Only Veg Rave
Community-Centered Dining Experiences
Joyous Enriches Seniors' Lives Through Food & Experiences
Nutrition Ecosystem Restaurants
Fork to Fit Kitchen links meals, fitness, and wellness tracking
Artisan Fashion Incubators
Ibu Atelier Supports Women-Led Heritage Craft Businesses
Community Event Hubs
Annex House is a First-of-Its-Kind Physical Gathering Space from Usal Project
Community Wellness Centres
The Apple House by Okra Supports Nature Based Learning
Revitalized Cultural Park Projects
Turenscape Masterfully Elevates the Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park
Comprehensive Private Health Societies
Everhaus Emphasizes Luxury and Proactive Health
Playful Learning Villages
Kinder Rain Kindergarten Creates a Garden Based Learning Environment
Hispanic Garden Campaigns
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Launched a Hispanic Marketing Campaign
Live Gardening-Focused Virtual Events
Great American Media Partners with Gardenuity
Hobby-Based Socialization Apps
The Hobbimate App Connects Users Based on Mutual Interests
Flavor-Driven Salad Ranges
These New Olivia’s Organics Salad Products Prioritize Freshness
Regenerative Wheat Agriculture Initiatives
Puratos Expands Efforts in the US Wheat Supply Chain
Long-Term Farm Agreements
Sainsbury's Signs 10-Year Deals to Expand British-Grown Vegetables
Regenerative Organic Matcha Products
Wild Orchard Debuts at Sprouts Farmers Market
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Sustainability-Focused International Strategies
Haier Group Expands Sustainable Ecosystems
Flexible Catering Formats
Build Your Own Sweetgreen Bar Brings Customization to Group Occasions
Seasonal Social Good Sandwiches
Urban Eat and Teenage Cancer Trust Partnered for the Holidays
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Customer Collaboration Hubs
Rise Baking Opens a Commercial and R&D Center in Atlanta
Multifaceted Cultural Destinations
Hale Muskoka Represents an Ambitious New Cultural Development
Experiential Afternoon Teas
High Sociétéa serves tea aboard a touring double-decker bus
Sustainable Award-Winning Grocers
Natural Grocers is 2026 Sustainability Retailer of the Year
Black-Owned Cannabis Business Accelerators
The Gotham Growth Project Supports Black Businesses
Revived Heritage Courtyards
Savarin Project Revitalizes Prague's Historic Center with Terraces
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
Fully-Automated Greenhouse Trolleys
The eternal.ag Trolley is Engineered for Optimal Safety
Supportive Investment Initiatives
The Branded Agency Debuted a New Investment Arm — Snail Ventures
Lush Garden Housing Designs
Monadnock Unveils Vibrant Volante Social Housing in the Netherlands
Urban Food Ecosystems
This Living Sphere Presents a Self Contained Food Production System
Modern Urban Placemaking Projects
Min Design Spotlights Two of Its New Urban Projects
business-focused cannabis collectives
Arcana Collective represents a new business venture
Culinary Research Landmarks
The Gastronomy Open Ecosystem Unites Education and Innovation
Urban Roofscape Projects
Groundscaper's Central Yards Transforms Rooftop Lanes into a Development
Nourishing Community-Focused Initiatives
Fresh Thyme Market Expands Efforts During the Holidays
Compact Civic Workspaces
The Stroud Green Housing Centre Creates a Modest Community Hub
Design-Forward Rural Kindergarten
Chen Yang and Liwei Guo Imagined Greenterrace Kindergarten
Family-Operated Organic Brands
Olivia's Organics Boasts Greens, Vegetables & Fruit Products
Generational Wellness Campaigns
Sports Research Evolved Its Marketing into a Cultural Movement
Sustainable Growth Systems
TreeSoil 3d-Printed Bricks Support Young Trees in Changing Climates
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Slow Living-Focused Campaigns
The TurfMutt Foundation Frames Yards & Parks as Sanctuaries
Community Hub Convenience Stores
Co-op turns local stores into delivery and service hubs
Social Finance Ecosystems
Venmo blends payments, rewards, and social discovery features
Community Hunger Initiatives
Capacity & FoodBridge Launch Hunger Relief & Social Equity Initiative
Hospitality-Driven Collectives
The Aperitivo Society Curates Italian Culture for Communities
Community-Rooted Boutique Hotels
SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel by Staple Blends Greenery with Local Life
Community-Driven Loyalty Programs
Salad House Turned Guest Spending Into Local Donations
Creative Community Platforms
Folks Creates A Space For Product Makers To Share Ideas And Connect
Sustainable Coffee Production Partnerships
BREVEL and coffeesai Announced a New Partnership
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Crunchy Greens Salad Mixes
Olivia’s Organics Greenhouse Grown Comes in Two Varieties
Design-Forward Hybrid Spaces
Blanchette archi.design Envisioned Bistro Siège Social & Café Social
Textile Greenhouse Installations
Farm Greenhouse Quilt Wraps a Structure in Hand-Sewn Patchwork
Tree-Planting Drink Campaigns
The Human Bean links beverage sales to global reforestation efforts
Grass-Roots Golf Gatherings
HEAD Golf and Links Social Tour Bring Style to Toronto Invitational
California Produce Expansion Programs
California Grown Cucumber Program is Freshness-Focused
Hybrid Retail Studios
The Shop by Gantri Organizes Gallery, Workspace, and Gathering Areas
Agricultural Support Projects
Julius Meinl and Fairtrade Organizations Support Farmers in India
Fruit Tree Edible Neighbourhoods
The Rijnvliet Project Integrates Food Growing into Community Life
Data-Driven Dairy Transparency-Focused Collaborations
Alexandre Family Farm Partners with Edacious
Sports Community Platforms
Sports Social Connects Athletes And Gamers Through Local Events
Foldable Greenhouse Kitchens
Your Greenhouse is Your Kitchen Transforms into a Community Space
Urban Greening Infrastructure
GreenPublic Connects Communities With Cities for Tree Planting
Courtyard Tropical Homes
SE House Organizes Living Spaces Around a Central Courtyard and Gardens
Food-Centric Communities
CERES Designs Housing With Integrated Food and Dining Spaces
University-Led Food Research Projects
Breda University Launches a Multi-Year Study
D2C Floral Arrangement Services
Kendall Farms Now Offers Bouquets and More to California Residents
Community Garden Campuses
The Triangle Site Was Built Through a Community-Led Programme
Grassroots Recreational Initiatives
FCC Hoops is Now the Full Court Sports Club
Community Health Investment
CVS Health Foundation Funds Community Health Nonprofits
Regenerative Lending Facilities
InSoil Has Secured a €120M Senior Credit Facility
Equity-Backed Food Certifications
Terranean Receives Support to Maintain Non-GMO Verification
Creative Networking Tools
Designer Hikes Builds Community By Connecting Designers Outdoors
Community Fashion Events
Free People Hosts a Charitable Summer Gathering with Film and Activities
Community Connection Initiatives
Hosted Chatter & Natter Sessions Help People Connect Weekly
Cultivated Beef Solutions
Evergreen Select Rebrands Omeat To Stabilize Supply
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Farm-Like Courtyard Housing
The Erven Housing Forms a Timber Courtyard Space in the Netherlands
Agriculture-Focused Summit Competitions
The Grow-NY Program Will Distribute 3 Million in Funding
Solutions-Based Trade Shows
Food Production Solutions Show Centers on Manufacturing Challenges
Housing Innovation Symposiums
The Boston Society for Architecture Focuses on the Future of Housing
Community Sports Hubs
The Stadium of Life Proposal Combines Football Facilities with Urban Farming
Bold Aquaponic Greenhouses
The Eco-Aquaponic House Uses Rotating Sections and Solar Power
Cultural Travel Stays
Connect With Local Families Abroad Through Adventure Homestay
Reimagined Civic Gardens
The Union Terrace Gardens Redevelopment Restores Aberdeen’s Main Parkland
Inclusive Learning Campuses
The Swan Hill Specialist School Fosters Supportive Educational Spaces
Proprietary Germination Technologies
The Ubiquity Sprouting Corporation Announced a New System
Collaborative Plant Managers
HortusFox Helps Users Manage and Track Home Plants Collaboratively
Compact Autonomous Farms
Canopii Unveils the Official Canopii Robotic Greenhouse