Welcome
Social ENTERPRISE CHICAGO: Accelerating a Caring Economy
Growing Mission-Driven Ventures
Our Mission
Social Enterprise Chicago (SEC) serves as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for the Chicago social enterprise community. It empowers for-profit, nonprofit, and L3C ventures that are applying earned-revenue strategies to drive social innovation and foster positive social, economic, and environmental change.
Our Unique Value Proposition
Connecting Chicago's Social Enterprise Ecosystem
Social Enterprise Chicago is at the forefront of connecting Chicago's social enterprise ecosystem, which includes entrepreneurs, funders, and policymakers. The organization is dedicated to building the essential infrastructure that this vibrant ecosystem requires, such as capital readiness support, coordinated funding pathways, and a strong policy voice. Recognized by Idealist as a key hub within this network, Social Enterprise Chicago is frequently enlisted by partners like the Chicago Innovation Awards and the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation to enhance ecosystem outreach. Through years of dedicated convening, SEC is now providing the connective infrastructure that the Chicago social enterprise community needs to thrive in social innovation, including pathways for L3Cs and other impactful ventures.
SEC Impact Exchange 2026
On April 22, 2026, Social Enterprise Chicago hosted an intentionally small, invitation-only, focus-group-style conversation in partnership with Entrenuity. This gathering convened leaders across the social enterprise, investment, and policy ecosystems to articulate the critical needs of Chicago’s impact economy.
Important topics discussed included Technological Equity & AI, Political & Government Risk Resilience, Leadership for Sustainable Impact, Business Model Innovation, Advancing Social Policy, and Capital Activation & Impact Investing—all vital to the growth of social innovation in the region.
It was inspiring to witness so many leaders and advocates in the Chicago social enterprise community come together in one room, sharing their knowledge, experience, ideas, and perspectives. Events like this are powerful as they foster open and honest dialogue about sustainable impact and community growth, critical for evolving L3C and other social enterprise initiatives.
Help Strengthen Chicago’s Social Enterprises
Your contribution helps expand opportunities, build capacity, and fuel community‑driven impact. Whether you volunteer, donate, or share your skills, you play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and innovative Chicago. Join us in making meaningful change.
