BOHEMIA, N.Y., Dec. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- SEA-LI,
Long Island's social enterprise
business organization, discusses the three most common social
enterprise models and how entrepreneurs can choose the right plan
for their company.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141218/165342
"Social enterprise has definitely gained a lot of traction in
the last few years, especially with the rise in popularity of
companies like TOMS Shoes and Warby
Parker, said Dan Grinberg,
President of Alara Disposables, a Long
Island based social enterprise and member of the board of
SEA-LI. "These brands have created a revolution, and a
new kind of consumer. Consumers are more conscious than ever about
where their products come from and if their purchase will make a
difference. In fact, over 90 percent of consumers say they would be
more likely to purchase a brand if it is associated with a good
cause"
But choosing which social enterprise model is best for business
can be challenging. Mr. Grinberg identifies three common models for
businesses looking to enhance their corporate social
responsibility:
- Direct. "This type of social enterprise involves the
company working directly within the field or community to bring
about social change".
- Indirect. "Indirect social enterprises are businesses
that partner with a nonprofit or donate profits/services to bring
out social change," Mr. Grinberg stated.
- Integral. "Integral is a very popular model for social
enterprise because it includes the 'one-for-one' strategy," he
says. "The 'one-for-one' strategy is an effective way to ingrain
social cause within the company, while donating goods or services
to people in need. "As example our company Elara Disposables
donates a meal to community food banks for every case of product
that we sell."
Before choosing a social enterprise model, Mr. Grinberg says,
it's important to evaluate what causes hit close to home for
business owners and employees. "Pin point exactly what kind of
social change you want to accomplish or what cause you want to be a
part of," he explains. "Once you decide, then you can pick which
model best fits your companies core values."
Social Enterprise Alliance - Long Island Chapter (SEA-LI) is a
leading membership organization in New
York that is actively building the field of social
enterprise through networking opportunities, educational forums,
strategic partnerships, and impact legislation. SEA-LI links
financial institutions, private investors, nonprofit leaders, and
other stakeholders to generate new self-sustaining revenue. As a
community of changemakers, SEA-LI sponsors educational seminars,
conferences, networking events, and training programs, solidifying
its position as the go-to organization for social enterprise,
entrepreneurship, and innovation on Long
Island.
Media Contact: Kenneth
Cerini, SEA-LI, 631-868-1103,
kenc@ceriniandassociates.com
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SOURCE SEA-LI