The concept of a ‘social economy business’ combines two terms that are usually found in opposition :

«Economy » refers to the concrete production of either goods or services by a business which contributes to the overall wealth of the community.

« Social » refers to the social dividends of this business, as distinct from those that are purely economic. These social dividends are measured in different ways, for example how the business contributes to the democratization of society, how it encourages citizen engagement, and how it promotes values and projects which empower both the individual and the community.

These social dividends contribute to the quality of life and the well-being of our population, typically by enlarging the range of personal services available. And, as in the public and private sectors, this social dividend can also be measured by the number of jobs that are created through the company’s activity.

Definition proposed by the Chantier de l’economie sociale and accepted at the Quebec Summit on the Economy and Employment in October 1996.
(extract from the report, Dare Solidarity )

Link : Chantier de l’économie sociale