In today’s fast-evolving professional landscape, many individuals are seeking more than just working and getting paid – they are seeking a career with a sense of meaning and purpose. Working for a social enterprise provides a unique opportunity to align personal values with professional pursuits, blending the best of the corporate and nonprofit worlds to create a fulfilling and rewarding way to work.
Here, the team at Selnet, a social enterprise that delivers Boost's Flying Start service, explain the role of a social enterprise and share their experience of working within one.
Social enterprises are mission-driven organisations that use business strategies to address social challenges. Unlike traditional businesses, whose success is measured by profit alone, social enterprises prioritise a double – or even triple – bottom line: financial sustainability, social impact, and environmental stewardship. This multi-purpose focus sets the stage for a uniquely fulfilling career path.
At its core, working for a social enterprise is about purpose. Employees often find their work inherently meaningful because it directly contributes to solving pressing global challenges, whether it’s reducing inequality, combating climate change, or improving access to education.
Knowing that your daily efforts help to create a better world fosters a deep sense of pride and engagement, making work feel less like a grind and more like a mission.
Social enterprises also foster innovation. To achieve their goals sustainably, they need to be agile, resourceful, and creative, often operating at the intersection of business and philanthropy. This dynamic environment offers professionals a chance to tackle complex problems, think outside the box, and contribute to groundbreaking solutions. Such opportunities can be particularly rewarding for those who thrive on challenge and innovation.
The culture within social enterprises is often another significant draw. With teams united by a shared sense of purpose, collaboration and inclusivity become defining characteristics. These organisations attract individuals passionate about making a difference, creating a workplace rich in empathy, determination, and shared vision.
For many, this sense of community enhances both personal and professional growth.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Social enterprises often operate with lean budgets and resource constraints, requiring employees to wear multiple hats and demonstrate resilience. But for those who relish the chance to innovate and see the tangible impact of their work, these challenges are invigorating rather than discouraging.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of profit and purpose, social enterprises are leading the charge toward sustainable progress. For professionals, they offer a career path that’s not only financially rewarding but also deeply meaningful.
In the end, working for a social enterprise isn’t just a job – it’s a way to build a legacy of impact.
Nationally recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 Social Enterprises for the last five consecutive years, Selnet is the lead body representing social enterprise in the Lancashire sub-region.
It provides a range of capacity building support services, resources and opportunities to help increase Lancashire's sector’s competitiveness, sustainability and impact. Selnet supports and enables the vital work of frontline social enterprises by enabling their development, growth and access to opportunities.
The Flying Start service is for early-stage businesses that have traded for less than three years, and aspiring individuals with a great business idea.
It is aimed at leaders who have a bright and growing vision for their new business. This service will focus on building business and financial acumen and the core skills to establish a new business and drive sustainable growth.
If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.
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