When I joined the Trico Charitable Foundation three weeks ago, I thought that I had limited knowledge of social enterprise. However, today I am realizing that working for a non-profit organization really is a hands on experience in social enterprise.
Previous to my position with the Trico Foundation, I had worked at a non-profit art gallery and museum. This non-profit organization sold artwork on behalf of artists, while retaining a commission to be re-invested in the organization. The art gallery and museum has a small gift shop that features Alberta artists and artisans, retailing fine craft, local authors and art. The museum offers historic tours by donation, while the gallery holds regular workshops for artists and art enthusiasts. The organization also has a popular elementary school art education program and successful summer camp.
After attending the Enterprising Non- Profits (enp-ab) workshop “Building Your Social Enterprise”, I realized that I had been working in a budding social enterprise. The organization I had worked for provided multiple opportunities for Alberta artists and craftspeople to retail their artwork, while preserving and promoting the history of the founders, the organization and the community. As well as providing arts education to artists, the public and children. Most importantly, their numerous programs furthered their mission and vision by making arts and culture more accessible to Alberta’s public.
Since starting at the Trico Charitable Foundation, I have realized that social enterprises help to create healthy communities. They do this while obtaining a blended return on their investment, meaning a combination of social and financial returns. The Business Model and Non-Profit Continuum diagrams helped me to better understand the premise behind social enterprise and visualize where my previous organization would sit on the spectrum. I think that it is interesting to note that this organization did not just fit into one of the categories but rather, was a blend of two or three.
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In a historic collaboration, seven regional non-profit organizations have come together to launch Enterprising Non-Profits Canada / enp-Canada. In the past, local enp sites have offered business planning and technical assistance to non-profit organizations wishing to develop, launch and grow social enterprises. enp-Canada will now provide a platform for synthesizing those efforts, collecting insights and promoting further partnerships in the advancement of social enterprise in Canada. Social enterprises are businesses operated by non-profit organizations for the blended purpose of creating social value and generating income from sales. 
