The government of British Columbia has proclaimed March 27, 2013, as Social Enterprise Day to celebrate the growing number of social entrepreneurs and the positive social impact these business leaders are making.

"Social Enterprise Day is a wonderful way to recognize the significant contributions of social enterprises and to celebrate their many achievements," said Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell, M.D. "Today's proclamation is a fitting acknowledgement of the commitment these leaders have to making British Columbia an even greater place to live."

The proclamation was presented today at the first annual Social Enterprise Day of Learning in Vancouver by Stilwell and Parliamentary Secretary for Non-Profit Partnerships Gordon Hogg. "Today is the first time Social Enterprise Day has been provincially declared, and it's a testament to the growing and thriving community of social entrepreneurs that we have in B.C." said Hogg.

A social enterprise is a business driven by a social or environmental purpose to make a positive difference in its community. Social enterprises differ from traditional businesses as profits are re-invested to achieve, sustain and further the organization's social or environmental purpose.

"Social enterprises are another resource for building healthy communities," said David LePage of Enterprising Non-Profits. "Social enterprises support non-profit organizations to achieve their mission and become more sustainable. Taking a day to celebrate the many heroes using social enterprise to support their local communities is a great way to encourage further growth of the movement."

The B.C. government urges citizens to learn more about social enterprises in their communities, whether it's a café, farmers market, thrift store or theatre, and to celebrate the contributions of the social enterprise sector.

"Over 35 per cent of the income of non-profits and social enterprises in British Columbia is earned revenue and it is rising every year," said Al Etmanski, BC Partners for Social Impact co-chair. "Our capacity to take care of one another and the environment we live in is greatly supported by the innovative and entrepreneurial ability of non-profits and social enterprises."

Based on a 2011 survey, B.C.'s social enterprises provided services to nearly 700,000 people and generated at least $60 million in revenues. Social enterprises provide valuable services, offer employment opportunities, involve volunteers and train thousands of people each year.

"The growth in social enterprises over the past decade has been phenomenal - evolving from a radically new idea to mainstream thinking for today's graduating MBAs," said Jim Fletcher, BC Partners for Social Impact co-chair. "The range of activities and markets is expanding rapidly, yet the surface of their potential has barely been scratched."

The government of British Columbia is committed to supporting and encouraging social innovation and social entrepreneurship in B.C. On March 2, 2013, amendments to the Business Corporations Act were introduced to create a Community Contribution Company - a new hybrid type of company that combines the traditional benefits of a corporation with a social purpose. As a member of the BC Partners for Social Impact, government is working to help social enterprises grow and prosper.

Learn More:

View the proclamation at: www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2013%20Proclamations/procs/SocialEnterpriseDay2013.htm

Learn more about the BC Partners for Social Impact and social innovation in British Columbia: www.innovatebc.ca

Learn more about the broad range of services and products provided by social enterprises in a local community: www.secouncil.ca/en/marketplace

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development
250 508-5030