Social Enterprise Classification

Social enterprises can be classified either based on their mission orientation or based on the level of integration between social programs and business activities.


Mission Orientation

Social enterprises can be classified based on their mission orientation.


Business/Program Integration

Social enterprises can be classified based on the level of integration between social programs and business activities.

Embedded
Integrated
External

Target Market

Social enterprises, like private businesses, may sell products and services in a variety of markets.

Many economic development income-generating models, such as microfinance and business development programs, are designed so that the paying customer is also the client. In this model the clients are poor people, which limits income potential of the enterprise.