Social enterprise in British Columbia: Challenges and opportunities for success

Social enterprises result in several benefits for marginalized individuals, the non-profit sector, and communities. This study investigates how the Government of British Columbia can support the growth and development of social enterprises in the province through interviews with 23 social enterprise practitioners, intermediaries, academics, and policymakers. The interviews reveal that social enterprises experience a variety of challenges related to business operations, accessing financing, and legal ambiguity surrounding social enterprises. A range of policy options to address these challenges was formulated and evaluated against a set of criteria. This study recommends the provincial government extend the Venture Capital Program tax credit to investments in social enterprises, provide business support to social enterprises through Small Business BC, and introduce a Community Contribution Company corporate structure.