How to make your social enterprise successful

Social enterprises sell goods and services on the open market. The profits are reinvested into the business or community to tackle social problems, improve livelihoods, or say protect the environment.

The ultimate goal is to achieve sustainability by applying a business solution to social problems.
​
Why then do so many Social Enterprises fail?

I have observed that founders or idea generators fall in love with their mission and think of the product or service as secondary.

Let’s take an example of a social enterprise whose mission is to help keep girls in school by providing them with reusable sanitary towels.

Whilst this mission is commendable, you may find that the product (reusable sanitary towel) will be;
      - Substandard and not attractive
      - Cannot compete with the disposable types
      - Priced so low that the revenue generated cannot sustain the enterprise
      - Priced so low that the product is perceived to be substandard even if it's not.
​
When this happens, the enterprise may sell a few towels, because the customer feels that their mission is laudable. However, they will find it difficult to make a repeat purchase because product does not provide value.
​
Customers may love your mission, ultimately, it’s the product you offer that will have them coming back.