Useful materials

Social entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship

What is social entrepreneurship?

Social enterprises are businesses whose main purpose is to create a positive impact on society. In simple terms – social enterprises sell their products or services with the aim of making the world a better place.

The social purpose of social enterprises means their direct contribution to people’s livelihoods and well-being and to the maintenance of a desirable state of the natural and living environment.

Entrepreneurship means acting as an economic entity, i.e. providing goods or services for remuneration on a permanent basis.

Why to be a social enterprise?

Success stories

Who are some good examples of social entrepreneurship in Estonia? Here are just a few inspiring examples who are successful in what they do.

Social entrepreneurship in Estonia

There is no specific legal form in Estonian legislation defining social enterprises: they can operate as an LLC, NGO, foundation, profit-making cooperative, sole proprietorship, partnership or limited partnership.

A number of organizations are working in Estonia to help social entrepreneurship grow.

 

See the estonian memorandum here

Overview of social enterprises from 2012 to 2018 from Statistics Estonia

Want to know more about social enterprises in Estonia?

In the database, you can find social enterprises operating in Estonia, the sustainable development goals they address and their sizes.

Check the social entrepreneurship database