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
Community Resource Sites
'seToolbelt' Assists Social Entrepreneurs in Kickstarting Their Ventures
4
Action-Oriented Business Guides
Sojo Empowers Social Entrepreneurs to Make a Difference
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
Electric Transportation Concepts
Marko Petrovic Balances Utility, Sustainability, and Demand
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Smartwatch-Attached Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual Sony Smart Switch Ecosystem is All-in-One
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Next-Gen Graphic Attire
Serenity Trends’ Graphic Clothing Offers a Futuristic Aesthetic
Redesigned Hybrid Offices
Mason Studio Redesigned Its Toronto Office For "The Greater Good"
Inclusive Mobility-Focused Fashion
The Adaptable Collection by Will&Well Aims for Inclusivity
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Three-Sided Coins
Vdk Created a 3D Coin to Spark Conversations About Money, People and the Planet
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Immersive Wellness Experiences
Othership Pioneers Emotional Wellness With Immersive Experiences
Niche Search Engine Tools
Global Explorer Helps Users Discover and Dive Deeper into Topics
Eco Mission-Inspired Bracelets
Ecoalition Launches Eco-Friendly Bracelets to Support Its Mission
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
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
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Eco-Friendly 3D-Printed Surfboards
Paradoxal Surfboards are Crafted with Algae-Based Material
Minimalist Clutter-Free Desk Designs
The Parallel Work Table by Eldho T Jai Enhances Productivity
Community-Centric Headquarters
SPACE10 Embraces Community-Centric Design for Its Headquarters
Eco-Friendly Inclusive Apparel
SHEIN Launches evoluSHEIN Line Designed to be Accessible for All
Sustainable Shoe-Trading Platforms
New Balance Joins the Resale Space with 'Reconsidered'
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Creative Text-to-Infographic Tools
Infography Converts Blog Posts to Artistic Infographics
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Inclusive Digital Platform Experiences
Google Launches More Inclusive Assistance to its Platforms
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Black Female-Identifying Entrepreneurs Grants
The Startup Collective by Aveeno is Now Live
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Remote Work-Catering Modern Homes
Studio Plow and Brit Epperson Creates a Workspace-Home
Reformulated Skincare Rebrands
Bath & Body Works Underwent a Large-scale Shift to Cleaner Products
Product Maker Launch Platforms
MicroLaunch Offers a Streamlined Avenue for Feedback
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative So Save the Forests
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Decentralized Social Apps
The 'Bluesky' App is Powered By An Open-Source Protocol
Gen Z Sustainability Initiatives
Puma's Voices of a RE:GENERATION is a Project with Changemakers
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
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
Sustainable Fashion Certification Services
Loro Piana Customers Can Track Product Eco-Friendliness
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Community-Supporting Business Models
Ben & Jerry's' 'Linked Prosperity' Model Drives Positivity
Sneakerhead Mentoring Programs
eBay's Sneaker Academy Turns Sneakerheads Into Entrepreneurs
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Hybrid Community Supermarkets
The After Market is a Grocery Store and a Food Pantry
Startup Applicant Tracking Platforms
The 'Briteloop' Platform is Built for Small Businesses
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
AI Search Engines
OSO AI Scans Text Across the Expanse of the Internet
Chance to win £10,000
Meet the Cornish upcycler inspiring people
Publicly Available Social Medias
'Bluesky' is Now Open to All Users Without Invitation
Biophilic Serene Communities
The Biophilic Leadership Summit is Surrounded by Greenery
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Sustainable Luxury Knitwear
Sheep Inc. is Pioneering Sustainable Luxury in Merino Wool Knitwear
Career-Supporting Neurodiversity Initiatives
Deloitte is Committed to Helping All People Thrive
Anonymous Workplace Review Features
Glassdoor Communities Allows Employees to Post Candidly
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
Virtual AI Offices
MetaWork Lets Employees Collaborate Via Digital Avatars
Responsible Lending Platforms
Enova is a Financial Tech Platform Making Credit More Accessible
Business-Friendly NFT Tools
Salesforce Introduces NFT Tools to Help Businesses Embrace Web3
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Creatively Repaired Garment Collections
TOAST Emphasizes Sustainability in New Capsule
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Neurodiversity-Focused DEI Initiatives
IBM's Neurodiversity Program Fosters Equal Opportunities
Pet Care Fellowship Programs
Royal Canin and Leap Venture Academy are Uplifting Startups
Sustainable Brand Certificates
b, halfmoon Recently Became a Certified B Corporation™ (B Corp™)
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Waterfront Social Housing
Studioninedots Designed Stepped Buildings in Amsterdam,
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Vocational Education Advocacy Campaigns
Kagiso Trust and Sasol Foundation Launch a New Initiative
AI Research Collaboration Platforms
Synthical is an Online Community for Scientists and Research
Reimagined Hybrid Workspace Designs
Mason Studio Redesigned its Offices in Toronto
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Business-Oriented Visa Cards
Veem Releases a New Virtual Visa Card for SMEs with Zero Fees
Hyper-Local Gifting Communities
On the Buy Nothing Project App, Everything is Given Freely
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
Period Poverty Non-Profits
PERIOD. is a Global Nonprofit That Aims to Eradicate Period Poverty
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Interconnected Design Retrospectives
The Polimi Design System Introduces INTERDEPENDENCE
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Blockchain Gaming Integrations
Unity Gaming Debuts the New Blockchain and Web3 Integration Options
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
Green Energy-Delivering Ships
This Revolutionary Ship Can Deliver Clean Energy to Vessels At Port
Social Good Ski Initiatives
Christy Sports Launched the Nordica Unleashed Outreach
Incarcerated Employment Programs
Next Chapter Aims to Create a More Equitable Workplace
Circular Collaborative Seating Designs
Aquafil Joins noho and ECONYL on a New Project
Transparent Paid Partnership Features
LinkedIn Is Releasing a New Feature for Brand Partnerships
Democratized Financial Service Tools
Plaid Aims to Make Financial Services More Accessible
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Critical-Response IT Platforms
This Platform Leverages AI to Enable Fast Responses to IT Crises
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Video Testimonials Tools
Feedspace to Boost your Business's Credibility in the Market
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
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
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Circular Luxury Clubs
'More' Supports More Conscious Shopping and More Accessible Luxury
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
Disaster-Ready Housing Prototypes
Holcim & Norman Foster Join on the Essential Homes Project
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
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Empowering Educational Initiatives
Sight School Empowers Individuals with Visual Impairments
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Business E-Money Services
Greengage Debuts a E-Money Service for Businesses to Handle Money Easily
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Online Poker Engagement Features
Stretch Network Confirms the Launch of Three New Features
Career-Navigating Mentorship Platforms
Meander Helps Everyone Thrive Professionally
Diverse Job Connection Platform
FlexRem Caters to Hybrid, Remote, In-Office and More
Business Slogan Generators
The Slogan Generator Will Create a Catchy Slogan for Any Business
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Inclusive Hiring Programs
El Car Wash Launched a Neurodivergent Hiring Program
Diverse Leadership Inanities
Civic Nation Launched a New Initiative Dubbed the Change Collective
Social Wishlist Networks
WishSpace Lets Users Store Their Wishlists for Easier Gifting
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Creativity-Focused Online Networks
NOCK is an Online Network for Creatives to Collaborate
Educational CSR Initatives
Shimanto Bank Contributes to Bangladesh's Education Assistance Trust
Philanthropic Investment Banks
Builders Vision Helps Build a More Humane and Healthy Planet
Crisis Response Services
Charity Launches a Free Community Crisis Response Service for Tragedies
Streamlined Decision-Making Platforms
Wunderboards Aims to Adds Simplicity and Creativity to Work
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers