What is a Social Enterprise?

"A social purpose enterprise is a revenue-generating venture founded by a nonprofit to create jobs or training opportunities for very low-income individuals, while simultaneously operating with reference to the financial bottom-line."

What is Social Entrepreneurialism?

"Social Entrepreneurism is the application of innovative management and program development strategies in an effort to address critical issues facing society. Individuals who engage in social enterprise, often referred to as Social Entrepreneurs, draw upon the best thinking in both the business and nonprofit worlds in order to advance their social agenda".

The above quotes are from the FAQ section of the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund website. If you are interested in the Social Economy we highly recommend that you visit their site and download Stephanie Clohesy's excellent article 'A Non-Profit Guide to Developming and Implementing an Income Stream Venture.'

VASE is based upon social marketing where the lion’s share of the proceeds stays within the community. VASE will become self-sustaining once it reaches critical mass. It is possible to create a brand name (ie ‘Urban Aboriginal or the ASE brand) not just in the local market but one that can attract an international audience.

To ensure success in the marketplace it is essential to maintain the highest levels of quality and production value so that the consumer develops both trust and confidence in the brand. VASE will combine community-based programming, celebrity branding, innovative community and Internet based merchandizing and corporate philanthropy to build the market and market share for its products and services.