April 2015 – Quarterly Report
A social enterprise is an organization that
applies commercial strategies to maximize
improvements in human and environmental wellbeing, rather than maximizing profits for external
shareholders.
Social enterprise - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_enterprise
A Gem of an Idea
Jewel’s Gently Used Clothing is a social enterprise thrift store providing modestly
priced, gently used clothing in Smiths Falls and Perth, with a broader focus on raising
funds for the children in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County programs. The two
locations bring in over $100,000 a year for the agency.
Jewel’s, which first opened its doors in 2004, was named for Jewel Purdon, a long-time
volunteer with the agency. Bingo revenue was drying up for the agency and a new
source of reliable funding was needed to replace it. Jewel spoke to the board about the
idea at a Christmas Board dinner in 2003.
Part time paid store managers oversee operations (1 at each location) and volunteers
manage the balance of the work. All items sold are donated, and all clothing is sorted
and steamed. Prices are reasonable and word of mouth is the best advertising.
Photos from Jewels – Smiths Falls and Perth
18 William St E, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 1C2
www.bigbrothersbigsisterslanark.ca
613-283-0570
[email protected]
April 2015 – Quarterly Report
Measuring Success
Traditionally the private sector has used a financial return on investment measurement for
success: “How much profit was
generated for our shareholders?”
The non-profit sector traditionally
reports on a social return on
investment: “How many people
did we provide services for this
year?”
Social Enterprise, however,
measures success with what Jed
Emerson stated more than 10
years ago, a ‘blended value
bottom line’
(www.blendedvalue.org). It is not
financial or social, it is financial
and social. It is the simultaneous
achievement of both economic and social values.
See more at:
http://www.socialenterprisecanada.ca/learn/nav/whatisasocialenterprise.html#sthash.CEm23TcE.dpuf
A social enterprise can take on a remarkable diversity of forms.
From a product perspective, it can create anything from planter boxes, fertilizer or patio
furniture to packing cartons, meat pies, and cookies.
From a service standpoint, a social enterprise can deliver anything from consulting
services, recycling, or building management to courier and voice mailbox services, lawn
maintenance, cafes and restaurants.
From a fiscal perspective, non-profit enterprises can generate anywhere from 5% to 100%
of a program's or organization's costs. Income sources can range from high-end businesses
with private clientele or discounted services paid for by low-income clientele, to government
contracts or government-funded services.
From an outcomes perspective, non-profit enterprises can provide pre-employment
services for Aboriginal youth, supply food or dental services for low-income children,
improve watershed management and increase fish stocks, or support the employment of
mental health consumers or people with developmental disabilities.
Support local social enterprises and support the community in which you live.
18 William St E, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 1C2
www.bigbrothersbigsisterslanark.ca
613-283-0570
[email protected]