Redefining Business: The Transformative Power of Social Enterprise | Freedom A La Cart

Today is Social Enterprise Day—Let’s Celebrate Business with Purpose!

What if businesses weren’t just about profits but also about making the world a better place? That’s exactly what social enterprises do! Social Enterprise Day, part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, shines a spotlight on these purpose-driven organizations that prove you can succeed while creating real, lasting change. But what makes a business a social enterprise, and why does it matter now more than ever? Let’s dive in and celebrate the power of blending profit with purpose!

What Is a Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises operate at the sweet spot between business and purpose. They use their business models to solve social problems, whether that’s reducing poverty, empowering marginalized communities, or protecting the environment.

Contrary to popular belief, not all social enterprises are nonprofits. Take Freedom a la Cart, for example—it’s a nonprofit that generates revenue through business operations to help fund its programs, while also relying on donations and grants to provide essential support services. On the flip side, some social enterprises operate as for-profit companies, dedicating a share of their profits to drive positive social change.

Then there’s the Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) model. ESEs like Freedom a la Cart, focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who face barriers to traditional jobs. According to REDF, an ESE “blends a revenue-generating business with a job training program,” offering not just work but wraparound services like counseling, housing support, and life skills training. It’s about addressing the whole person and empowering long-term success.

Why Social Enterprises Matter

Social enterprises show us what’s possible when business meets purpose. A few global stats help paint the picture. Based on a report by the World Economic Forum’s Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship,

• 10 million social enterprises are driving solutions to poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
• 50% of social enterprises are led by women, ensuring diverse voices shape impactful solutions.
• 200 million jobs are created worldwide by social enterprises, providing stability for families and communities.

Research shows that when employees feel respected and supported, they’re more likely to maintain stable jobs, achieve financial independence, and build thriving futures.

Freedom a la Cart: A Social Enterprise in Action

At Freedom a la Cart, we’re more than made-from-scratch cuisine. We’re creating opportunities for survivors of human trafficking to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency.

Here’s how we do it:

• Paid employment to provide financial stability,
• Job training to build skills for the future,
• Supportive services like housing, counseling, and
• A caring work environment where employees feel valued and respected.

We believe in empowering the whole person—not just providing a paycheck but helping survivors overcome barriers and step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.

How You Can Join the Movement

Every time you visit our café, order catering, or share our mission, you’re supporting survivors on their journey to freedom. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Grab a bite. Enjoy a meal that fuels change.
• Spread the word. Tell a friend about Freedom a la Cart.
• Donate. Help fund life-changing programs for survivors.

Supporting social enterprises is an easy way to create lasting change. This Social Enterprise Day, join us in celebrating businesses that show purpose and profit can work together. At Freedom a la Cart, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Together, we can create opportunities, transform lives, and show the world what real impact looks like.