What does it mean?
Social entrepreneurship uses business tools to tackle a problem in society, such as unemployment, weak education or pollution. Success is measured by the impact the venture creates as well as by its ability to pay its own way.
How does it work?
A social enterprise sells a product or service like any other business, but designs its business model around the people it wants to help. It might employ people who struggle to find work, charge less to poorer customers and make up the difference elsewhere, or reinvest most of its profit in its mission. It tracks two sets of results side by side: its finances and the change it makes for the people it serves.
How is it different from charity?
A charity usually depends on donations to deliver its services. A social enterprise aims to cover its costs from sales, so it does not stop when grants run out. It can be a for-profit company or a non-profit organisation, depending on the law and its founders' choice.
In the Syrian context
AoSEn has delivered a social entrepreneurship workshop as part of its capacity building pillar, and the topic is listed among its programmes.
In the union's first membership form (April and May 2026), 26% of those who described their motive named making an impact or helping rebuild the country as their main reason for starting, according to the article "Opportunity or necessity?" on the site.
Example
A workshop in Latakia turns fabric offcuts from garment factories into bags, employs women who support their families, and sells through Instagram. Sales cover wages and materials, and the main goal is steady income for those women.
Common questions
Can a social enterprise make a profit?
Yes. Profit keeps it going. The difference is that social impact comes first, and much of the profit is usually reinvested in the mission.
What is the difference between social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility?
Corporate social responsibility is a side activity of an ordinary company. In social entrepreneurship, solving the problem is the core business itself.
How is a social enterprise's impact measured?
With indicators tied to its mission, such as how many people it employs or serves, or how much waste it recycles, alongside the usual financial measures.