Community Links

The Social Enterprise Council of Canada seeks to support a national ecosystem to promote social enterprise growth in Canada. However, this work is done in conjunction with many other organizations both regionally and nationally. Below are links to other relevant resources supporting social enterprises in Canada.

If you would like to have social enterprise support organization listed here, please contact us at socentcouncil@gmail.com.

A good resource that was created by Vancity Community Foundation and made available as a free download is the “Canadian Guide to Social Enterprise, 2nd Edition.” This valuable resources was published by enterprising non profits and can be downloaded at this link: the Canadian Social Enterprise Guide.

Tools and resources to start, grow or manage your social enterprise:

Great resources to learn more about social enterprise and social economy actors in Canada:

Local or regional social enterprise support organizations:

Join the national network of Buy Social Canada Certified Social Enterprises.

Financial and funding organizations:

  • Ottawa Community Loan Fund (ON)
  • St. John Community Loan Fund (NB)
  • Community Forward Fund (National)
  • Canadian Alternative Investment Cooperative (CAIC) (ON/QC)
  • Canadian Alternative Investment Fund (CAIF) (ON)
  • The Catapult Micro Loan Fund (ON)

Social Enterprise consultants:

SECC Social Enterprise Definition
Social enterprises are community-based businesses that sell goods or services in the market place to achieve a social, cultural and/or environmental purpose; they reinvest their profits to maximize their social mission.
SECC Vision, Mission, and Goal
We envision vibrant community-based social enterprises successfully contributing to creating healthy communities. Our Mission is to convene, inform, advocate to and influence key stakeholders and social enterprises. Our strategic goal is to ensure social enterprises have a supportive ecosystem that: · Enhances Their Business Skills · Assures Access To Capital · Creates Market Opportunities · Recognizes Their Impact · Provides Supportive Legislation And Regulations