Social enterprises have been around for many years as Americans (and the world) demand more social responsibility from companies. By definition, a social enterprise is an organization that sells goods and/or services, but in addition, has social objectives that are prioritized over profits. Some examples of social enterprises are companies such as Warby Parker, TOMS shoes and GoldieBlox.
TOMS uses a one for one business model meaning that for every pair that is sold, one is given free of charge to someone in need. Warby Parker sells eyewear and makes a contribution to a nonprofit called “VisionSpring” for each pair sold that enables access to affordable glasses to people in developing countries. So far, the partnership has distributed nearly 2.5 million pairs of glasses to those in need, according to the Social Enterprise Alliance. But more importantly, social enterprises are exporters too! Nothing can stop a social enterprise from exporting and expanding into global markets because they have business objectives to achieve just like any other for-profit company.
Exporting works for all sizes, whether you’re a small social enterprise with 10 employees or a larger social enterprise with more than 500 employees. If you are a social enterprise looking to grow globally and expand into new markets, here are some guides to get you started:
Click here to learn how the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) can help you grow your international sales through various trade financing solutions such as EXIM's Export Credit Insurance: