Differences between enterprises which were either social or traditional were heavily discussed, and many conclusions were directed toward profits. Further thoughts revolved around the perception of success differing between the two, and I heartily agree with all this. However, this leads me to wonder what the difference between a social enterprise and a charity would be.
Obviously, both types of organizations are geared toward the improving of society. Profit margins probably is not a factor. Therefore, what is the difference between the average soup kitchen and Craig Kielburger’s Free the Children?
My immediate response would be size: Free the Children is a globally recognized enterprise, whereas the soup kitchen is just that: a soup kitchen. Furthermore, although each organization is aiming toward different goals, the duration of the effects are vastly different. Technically speaking, a mere bowl of soup would only help somebody for a few hours, whereas the advocating to improve human rights could rewrite the future.
Perhaps there is no difference between social enterprise and charities; maybe one simply evolves into another. Craig Kielburger formed his organization at age 12 with a couple of classmates- would anybody predict it was a “social enterprise” rather than a simple “charity”, if anything at all.