Farming has never been a big industry in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, which is known mostly for timber, mining and some ranching. But during the winter months when highway passes close due to snow and white-out conditions, fresh food in the grocery...

As the number of social enterprises grows exponentially, so does the number of organizations being launched to support them. Although there were a few early pioneers – REDF, ENP and NEsST, all founded in 1997 - most of the social enterprise support organizations...

It hit me as soon as we made the sharp turn off the gloriously serpentine Highway 1 at the signpost that read “Esalen Institute”. Like a cold, sharp gust of wind signifying the first day of winter, it caught me off-guard before knocking me off-balance. And then it...

Social enterprises among the biggest potential beneficiaries India is inching ever closer to being the world’s first country to formally mandate companies of a certain size to spend two percent of their profits on CSR activities. The CSR provision is part of a...

Although we may have many varying definitions of social enterprise around the world, they all share a basic purpose: to operate a business that creates a blended-value outcome. They seek both financial success and social impact. It’s a business venture addressing a...

You might say Heather Johnstone is your typical Vancouver North Shore anthropologist-turned-farmer-turned-social-entrepreneur. Only she doesn’t quite see herself that way. “I’m a farmer,” laughs Johnstone, who’s been managing the North Shore Neighourhood...

What these changes may mean for you At the bottom of the list of most volunteer organizations, often operating on a shoestring, is concern about the legislation that deals with governance. After all, there have been virtually no changes in over fifty years. But,...

How to make the process easier   Social entrepreneurs are in the business of creating positive impact. Whether in the initial planning phase or several years into operations, they work tirelessly to make our world a little bit better. But how can they be sure of...

While on assignment in Costa Rica recently, I toured a fair trade-certified coffee cooperative. After witnessing the rigorous work that went into producing each aromatic cup of my beloved beverage, I met with workers on the ground, hearing firsthand their...