Social enterprises use commercial strategies to tackle social, cultural or environmental challenges. Like traditional businesses, they sell goods and services—but instead use profits to support the organization’s social mission and goals.
This concept of business for the greater good has been gaining momentum in New Zealand—here are the top 9 Kiwi social enterprises you should keep an eye on in 2016.
9. Patu Aotearoa
This Camberley, Hastings-based health and fitness team is developing a national franchise model for group exercise programmes. By taking exercise to people, they aim to reach individuals who find it difficult to attend a gym. Its mobile app enables people to download and access their services on the go.
8. CareEd4
Auckland-based CareEd4 was formed as a partnership between Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Barnados. The organization works to provide high quality childcare and educational services for empowering single parents in the workforce.
7. Take My Hands
Take My Hands redistributes medical equipment and supplies from New Zealand to developing countries, thereby reducing waste and benefitting those in need abroad.
6. Rate My Flat
Dunedin-based Rate My Flat aims to improve the quality of rental housing in New Zealand. The platform enables landlords and tenants to find each other and collaborate to make homes better.
5. Sky Path
Initiated and developed by Auckland Harbor Bridge Pathway Trust, Sky Path is designing/financing a self-funded walking and cycling pathway across Auckland Harbor Bridges.
4. BlueSkin Energy
Located in BlueSkin Bay near Dunedin, BlueSkin aims to develop New Zealand’s first community-owned wind cluster. This project will create a long-term revenue stream for re-investment into local development efforts.
3. Mr. Four Eyes
Wellington-based Mr. Four Eyes uses a model of “buy one, give one” to improve the future of children with poor eyesight. The eyewear etailer/social enterprise was founded by husband and wife team Ravi Dass and Stephanie Hill.
2. Food, Farms & Freshwater (3F)
3F’s goal is to significantly improve and restore New Zealand’s water quality and biodiversity. Its market solution rewards New Zealand farmers with financial support if they meet swimmable and fishable water quality standards through sustainable practices.
1. AKAU
AKAU’s mission is to stimulate the local economy of Kaikohe through job creation. The organization is a design and architecture studio that allows youth to gain valuable experience through real-life projects.
The above are just a few examples of organizations working for both profit and society’s benefit. From excess medical equipment redistribution to water quality improvement, these 9 New Zealand social enterprises are combining business savvy with altruism to make a lasting, positive impact on local communities and the world at large.
Source(s):
- http://www.patunz.com/
- http://www.akina.org.nz/venture/careed4/
- http://www.takemyhands.org/
- http://www.ratemyflat.org.nz/
- http://www.skypath.org.nz/
- http://www.blueskinenergy.co.nz/
- http://mrfoureyes.co.nz/
- http://www.3f.co.nz/
- http://www.akau.co.nz/
- http://akina.org.nz/
- http://idealog.co.nz/venture/2014//11/social-enterprise-picks-steam-nz
