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
Homeless Support Backpacks
The Makeshift Traveler Backpack Has a Solar Panel and More
Circular Jewelry Marketplaces
The Alloy Market Resells Estate Jewelry Instead of Melting It
Entertainment-Driven Distilleries
Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw create immersive brewery venues
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Circular Packaging Partnerships
Bacardi Expanded is Circular-Packaging Efforts with Ecospirits
Community 3D-Printed Toys
3D Printing Elves Launches Free Toy Program for Children
Creator Community-Focused Platforms
Gap Inc. Has Introduced a New Centralized Program
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
Recycled Tennis String Apparel
Tennis Apparel Brand LET Has Launched Its Core V.0 Shirt Collection
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
Curated Newspaper Storefronts
Shreeji Unveiled 'The Village News' as an Offline Summer Ritual
Clean Cosmetic Brand Partnerships
Society Brands Recently Partnered with Crunchi
E-Commerce Giving Integration
Shortage Enables Charitable Upsells Through Shopify Storefronts
Adaptive Community Hubs
Spaced Agency Designs a Space Supporting Small Businesses and Culture
Plant-Powered Biological Electricity
Alinti Creates Green Energy from Living Photosynthesis
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
AI Robotics Accelerators
Google DeepMind Backs 15 European Robotics Startups with AI Tools
Adult Social Clubs
Social Club 150 Offers In-Person Events to Connect Adults in Their 40s - 60s+
Tourism Energy Villages
Goa Government Pilots Net Positive, Low-Impact Tourism Clusters
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Micro-Batch Spa Skincare Services
Natural Spa Factory Launched 'Sk:incredible' Private-Label Line
Black-Focused Social Hubs
Brand New: a Collective Debuts the Residency on Martha's Vineyard
Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives
MyCommunity.Today Delivers Accessible Digital Tools
Curated Resale Experiences
Poshmark Blends Community Curation with Personalized Shopping
Startup Assessment Tools
Pitchago Provides AI Venture Scoring And Growth Insights For Startups
Microplastic-Fighting Fabric Innovation
CiCLO Technology Boosts Biodegradable Textile Adoption
Wellness-First Social Networks
Communia Turns Social Media into Social Self-Care
Crowdfunding-To-E-Commerce Partnerships
SHOPLINE Enters into Collaboration with LaunchBoom
Eco-Friendly Self-Care Community Centers
Space Available Creates the Self Care Community Center
Startup Networking Platforms
'Solution' Connects the Global Startup Ecosystem in One Digital Hub
University Startup Pipelines
EpicenterU Helps Students Build Scalable Ventures Across the Delta
Circular Fashion Creator Programs
Visa and GFA Support Emerging Regenerative Designers
Diversity-Focused Entrepreneurs Access Networks
EY Canada Supports 17 BIPOC Entrepreneurs
Embedded Lending Platforms
Adyen Launched SMB Financing Through Platforms
Preventive Health Syndicates
Peers Capital Enters the Investment Landscape of Preventative Health
Nutrition Ecosystem Restaurants
Fork to Fit Kitchen links meals, fitness, and wellness tracking
Artisan Fashion Incubators
Ibu Atelier Supports Women-Led Heritage Craft Businesses
Multi-Revenue Fashion Platforms
Rent the Runway expands into resale, ads and cleaning services
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Startup Idea Newsletters
Easy Startup Ideas Delivers Business Roadmaps For Aspiring Founders
Startup Investor Databases
Angel Match Helps Startups Find Relevant Investors Quickly
All-Hours Micro Markets
Healthy Smart Mart is Enticing Entrepreneurs with Its New Model
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
Personalized Neuroaesthetic Experiences
113 Spring's Emergence Service Supports Creative Expansion
Restaurant-Supporting Loyalty Platforms
inKind Boasts Its Successes on Its 10-Year Anniversary
Startup Asset Marketplaces
SimpleClosure Enables Founders to Sell Company Assets After Shutdown
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
AI Startup Finance Platforms
Xendoo and Techstars Expanded Automated Founder Accounting
Woman-Focused Travel Companies
Girls' Guide to the World Serves a Niche Market
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Second-Party E-Commerce Models
Neato manages online sales and logistics for consumer brands
Customer Collaboration Hubs
Rise Baking Opens a Commercial and R&D Center in Atlanta
Cafe-Focused Consulting Services
Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Runs the '7 Steps to Success' Program
Commercialization Accelerator Programs
NM FAST Supports Deep-Tech Startups Pursuing Federal Grants
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Circular Fashion Platforms
eBay Acquired Depop to Grow Its Fashion Resale Ecosystem
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Human-Centered Marketplace Campaigns
Etsy's Shop Other Jeffs Celebrates Independent Sellers
AI Data Analytics
Data Fellows Brings Affordable AI Powered Analytics To Small Businesses
Mobile Pay-What-You-Can Markets
Brightspeed Partners with Ripe for Revival to Support Communities
Women-Focused Sports Stores
The Women’s Sports Store Can Be Accessed Digitally in the UK
Social Good Clothing Campaigns
ZigZag and The Salvation Army Partnered to Prevent Fashion Waste
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Supportive Investment Initiatives
The Branded Agency Debuted a New Investment Arm — Snail Ventures
Brand Motif-Centric Fashion Lines
Anti Social Social Club Debuts Its Spring/Summer 2026 Collection
Charitable Influencer-Targeting Campaigns
Puresport Runs the 'Thrift It Back' Campaign
Professional Connection-Promoting Campaigns
TheLi.st Spotlights 10 Minutes of Togetherness
Kid-Designed Retail Bags
East of England Co-op sells bags supporting local communities
Environmental Film Platforms
Patagonia Films Emphasizes the Power of Storytelling
Social Intelligence Tools
Recon Social Filters Social Media Noise Into Relevant Business Signals
Local Story Creators
Word oh Mouth Lets Users Share Experiences And Support Local Businesses
Women Wealth Profiles
Millionaires List Showcases Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs And Their Paths
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
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
Gen Z-Focused Workplace Surveys
Slice Soda Explores How Gen Z Approach the Workplace
Impact Travel Guides
Giveback Guide Connects Travelers With Meaningful Ways To Support Local
Creative Community Platforms
Folks Creates A Space For Product Makers To Share Ideas And Connect
Retailer-Led Climate Working Groups
Thrive Market Launches Climate Action Working Group
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Consumer Brand Launches
Labor Smart Announced Culturally-Driven Product Collaborations
Refugee-Focused Youth Sport Initiatives
ANTA Group Continues ‘Moving for Change’ with UNHCR
Mobile Urban Greenhouses
Sementeira Ambulante by LIMIT Architecture Brings Urban Farming on Wheels
Tree-Planting Drink Campaigns
The Human Bean links beverage sales to global reforestation efforts
Service-Backed Recommerce Platforms
Commonplace Launches Marketplace With Built-In Delivery
QSR-Backed Community Grants
Taco Bell Launches a New Scholarship Initative Amounting $28 Million
Small Business-Focused Accessibility Programs
FUIB and Big City Lab Introduce Accessibility Check
Sports Community Platforms
Sports Social Connects Athletes And Gamers Through Local Events
Strategic Community Resilience Funds
Mars Impact Fund Will Support Animals and Community
Impact Investing Tools
DoLand Pro Has Introduced a B2B SaaS Platform to Increase Transparency
Fundraising Intelligence Tools
StartupSnoop Delivers AI-Collected Fundraising Data In One Place
Social Good Peruvian Menswear
Pieta Menswear Combines Style and Social Reintegration
Regional Menstrual Equity Projects
KuCoin Collaborates on an Important Social Initiative
Community-Focused Homemade Snack Initiatives
Bob's Red Mill and Toni Chapman Launch Neighbor Hour
Empowering Women-Focused Programs
Mars Incorporated and Save the Children Launch Women R.I.S.E.
Startup Revival Platforms
failedUps Lets Users Discover And Revive Abandoned Startup Opportunities
Social Accountability Apps
Paprclip Helps Friends Build Shared Goals & Hold Each Other Accountable
Investor Relations Tools
Studio UG Provides Resources For Startup Fundraising Preparation
Rebranded Women-Focused Organizations
Dress for Success Worldwide Launches 'Success Starts Now'
Community Hunger Initiatives
Capacity & FoodBridge Launch Hunger Relief & Social Equity Initiative
VC Job Finders
Job Search by GreenRobot Lists Opportunities At VC-Backed Companies
Repurposed Community Hubs
Mooie Buurt Adds Value to Venues & Unites Locals During Off-Peak Hours
Checkout-Based Micro-Donations
Adyen and adidas expand donation features at checkout
Community Fashion Events
Free People Hosts a Charitable Summer Gathering with Film and Activities
Women-Led Camping Communities
Girl Camper Connects Women Through Outdoor Events and Camping Events
Community Connection Initiatives
Hosted Chatter & Natter Sessions Help People Connect Weekly
Micro SaaS Communities
Connect And Showcase Your Products With MakersTower’s Focused Platform
Regenerative Lending Facilities
InSoil Has Secured a €120M Senior Credit Facility
Startup Visibility Boosters
Startup Levels Drives Traffic And SEO With Leaderboard Exposure
Squad Training Business Models
The Athletic Clubs is Growing and Launching in Chicago
Rapid-Dispatch Domestic Services
Pronto Launches Pro Home 10-Minute Service Platform
Community Engagement Platforms
Tchop Enables Businesses To Build And Own Online Communities
Business Wealth Advisor Programs
CeriFi & Wake Forest U Launch the Small Business Wealth Advisor™
Business Planning Tools
Business Propel Builds Custom Business Canvas For Growth Planning
Reinvented Compact Living
An Affordable Housing Prototype Meets Modern Needs on a Micro Scale
Casual Baking Class Concepts
The Baking Social Makes Baking Fun, Social and Accessible
Startup Directory Hubs
List Your Startup In 400+ Directories With Indie Kit To Boost Visibility
Niche Membership Monetization Strategies
Outfit Formulas Launches Paid Membership With Alison Lumb
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Climate Tech Academies
Climestart Provides 105 Lessons To Launch A Climate Tech Venture
Retail Media Leadership Communities
RETHINK Retail Launches Executive Media in Retail Community
Product Discovery Maker Communities
JustGotFound Helps Independent Products Reach New Audiences
Experiential Retail Communities
Lykli Blends Retail, Wellness and Community Spaces Under One Roof
Empowering Entrepeneur Clubs
Saltbox Introduces 'Upstream' for Loyal Members Looking for Community
Franchise Business-Friendly Programs
Art of Franchising Strengthens Sector in the Philippines
Startup Funding Directories
Credit for Startups Helps Entrepreneurs Discover Funding Opportunities
Social Diary Platforms
Truuze Social Networking App Blends Personal Journaling With Social Sharing
Conservation Retail Stores
Western National Parks Reinvests Purchases into Forest Stewardship
Startup Essentials Bundles
The App Tool-Kit Helps Digital Creators Launch with the Right Tools
Green Career Marketplaces
Find Environmental Roles Easily With Environmental Job Boards Platform
Child-Specific Peer Donation Networks
Let’s Match Mums Connects Mothers With Preloved Kids’ Goods
Local Business Finders
BuyLokals Helps Users Discover and Support Community Businesses
SEO Boost Platforms
Startup Fast Helps Founders Get Discovered and Improve Search Visibility
Citywide Digital Literacy Programs
Emerge and Rise Caters to Small Business Owners
Renewable Loan Surges
IREDA Expands Green Lending To Accelerate India’s Clean Power