What We Do
Growing Mission-Driven Ventures
At Social Enterprise Chicago, we envision a world where social equity and economic opportunity are accessible to all. Our mission is to activate capital, inspire leadership, and foster innovation that transforms communities for generations to come.
Convene the Chicago social-enterprise ecosystem
A convener, a collaborator, and a catalyst, Social Enterprise Chicago leverages its thought leadership to empower Chicago area for-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid ventures that rely on earned-revenue strategies to advance positive social change. This work includes, but is not limited to, co-hosting events, delivering workshops, publishing content, advancing social policy, providing information on funding, and investment opportunities.
Build capacity through learning, coaching, and partner programs
SocEntChi partners with other organizations that align with the vision of advancing social enterprise initiatives throughout the Chicago area and beyond. We work with colleges and community partners to support
social entrepreneurs, connecting organizations, universities, and technical experts to build shared infrastructures and end organizational isolation without duplicating existing groups.
Connect ventures to resources, visibility, and capital pathways
At Social Enterprise Chicago, we are dedicated to fostering sustainable social enterprises that drive community development. We aim to promote technological equity, leadership development, and policy advocacy to strengthen Chicago's impact economy. Our organization focus is on creating lasting social change by connecting stakeholders and mobilizing resources effectively.
Unique Value Proposition
Connecting Chicago's Social Enterprise Ecosystem
Social Enterprise Chicago connects Chicago's social enterprise ecosystem — entrepreneurs, funders, and policymakers — and is building the shared infrastructure the ecosystem asked for: capital readiness support, coordinated funding pathways, and a policy voice. Recognized by Idealist as a key hub for the network, and called on by partners like the Chicago Innovation Awards and the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation for ecosystem outreach, SEC is turning years of convening into the connective infrastructure Chicago's social enterprise community needs next.
OUR HISTORY
SEA-Chicago was structured as a regional chapter or affiliate of the Social Enterprise Alliance, a national nonprofit corporation. The decision to establish an independent legal entity was motivated by a desire for greater autonomy and self-governance on the part of local social enterprise advocates.
SEA-Chicago has been among the most vibrant of the Social Enterprise Alliance’s regional chapters, with nearly 100 active members representing metropolitan Chicago’s diverse and thriving social enterprise ecosystem. SEA-Chicago hosted the national Social Enterprise Summit in 2019.
Social Enterprise Chicago is a new, independent not-for-profit organization that builds on the extraordinary legacy of Social Enterprise Alliance’s Chicago chapter. A convener, a collaborator and a catalyst, Social Enterprise Chicago leverages its thought leadership to empower Chicago-area for-profit, nonprofit and hybrid ventures that rely on earned-revenue strategies to advance positive social change.
Decision to Establish an Independent Legal Entity
At its November 19, 2020 meeting, the board of directors of the Social Enterprise Alliance - Chicago Chapter (SEA-Chicago) approved the following resolution:
The board of directors resolves to establish a new nonprofit, tax-exempt entity ...and agrees in principle to work collaboratively with SEA-National to the extent practicable.
Our approach
Vision Statement
Harnessing the power of enterprise to foster positive social, economic, and environmental change.
Theory of Change
Social Enterprise Chicago believes that social ventures can play a productive role in advancing positive social, economic, and environmental change by:
- deploying strategies that seek to maximize social, economic, and environmental benefit in the way they conduct business;
- harnessing growing consumer consciousness about and preferences for businesses that act fairly, humanely, and sustainably;
- creating ethical buying options for consumers that reflect their values;
- promoting corporate practices and policies that are accountable to all stakeholders; and,
- expanding the ethical use of, and access to, technology.
Our core values
Community - We believe in the power of social entrepreneurs and other partners to make positive social and environmental change, and we celebrate the camaraderie and collective impact of the evolving social impact community.
Equity - We believe social enterprise can expand opportunity and create greater equity and inclusion for all people including those facing racial, economic, and social exclusion and oppression.
Innovation - We seek to accelerate social and environmental progress through creative, market-based approaches to address the unmet needs of society.
Integrity - We promote the highest standards of accountability and transparency in the social enterprise field to honor and build public trust in social ventures.
Sustainability - We seek to promote environmental sustainability, reduce global warming and mitigate the effects of climate change through the concerted efforts of social ventures.
Capturing Our Mission: A Photo Story of Social Enterprise Chicago
We are currently accepting applications to join our board
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