Social enterprises are creative and innovative players in the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. They exemplify inclusive economic development and community-led innovation while addressing complex challenges such as homelessness, access to economic participation and climate change.

There is no universally accepted definition of ‘social enterprise’ and no legal definition in Newfoundland and Labrador, which reflects an evolving and emerging sector. The centre, as one part of the social enterprise ecosystem, devotes time and effort to advance this evolution in Newfoundland and Labrador

• PLACE framework

Here are some examples of social enterprise in action in Newfoundland and Labrador:

2021

• April 26: 'Educational beacon': Alumni duo win $450,000 funding to develop forest school road map

2020

• Dec. 18: Made in Nain: SmartICE expands horizons through experiential learning and social enterprise
• Dec. 4: Mutual learning: Business students help SMEs, non-profits through ‘win-win’ program
• Nov. 9: Supporting seniors during the challenges of 2020
• Oct. 26: A place for the outliers: Memorial launches N.L.’s first social enterprise incubator
• Oct. 15: Preserving structures and memories in rural N.L. with student support
• July 15: Community impact: Award recognizes researchers’ efforts to reinvigorate rural communities
• April 30: Well positioned: The role of social enterprise in a post-pandemic N.L.
• April 20: Read Our Lips: Memorial alumna launches social enterprise to help hard of hearing
• March 3: Creating a connection to the present
• Feb. 4: From across the ocean to across the yard: Memorial Engineering student makes big change with small greenhouses

2019

• Sept. 30: Rural renaissance: Championing social enterprise models during times of ‘unprecedented challenges’
• Aug. 29: Immersive experience: Showcasing local social enterprises and cultural context in Petty Harbour
• Aug. 8: ‘Really exciting:’ Business student spends summer leading SmartICE project on North Coast
• July 4: Adaptable and accessible: Living with physical disabilities inspires four women to launch social enterprises
• Jan. 25: Op-ed: Strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador through social enterprise: A ‘PLACE’ model

2018

• Dec. 11: ‘It offers hope:’ Memorial researchers devise lessons from Shorefast to aid rural communities
• March 9: Op-ed: Sustaining Newfoundland and Labrador: A social enterprise perspective

2017

• Oct. 6: Honouring heritage: Memorial students discover traditional fishing skills through local social enterprise

Photo courtesy of Lee Nordbye Photography