Why Their Collective is a Social Enterprise, Not a Non-Profit
Megan Johnston
Their Collective; the social enterprise.
When we talk about organizations that work to create positive change, two terms often come to mind: social enterprises and non-profits. Both aim to make the world a better place, but their structures, missions, and operations can vary significantly.
At Their Collective, we’ve consciously chosen to operate as a social enterprise, not as a traditional non-profit. Why? Because our model allows us to uplift and empower 2SLGBTQIAP+ and neurodivergent individuals in ways that align with our values of
inclusivity collaboration and sustainability.
This blog will walk you through what it means to be a social enterprise, how it differs from a non-profit, and why our approach helps us better serve Canada’s diverse communities.
What Is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business that exists to achieve a social or environmental mission while sustaining itself financially through commercial activities. Unlike non-profits, which rely heavily on donations and grants, social enterprises combine entrepreneurship with purpose, reinvesting their profits to further their mission.
For an organization to qualify as a social enterprise in Canada, Buy Social Canada highlights these specific criteria:
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A clear and articulated social, cultural, or environmental mission.
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A significant portion of revenue generated from commercial activities.
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A firm commitment to reinvesting a majority of profits to advance the organization’s social mission. (51% or more)
At Their Collective, we meet all these qualifications and more.
Supporting Our Communities Through Commerce
Our social mission couldn’t be clearer. At Their Collective, we are unwavering in our commitment to improving the lives of 2SLGBTQIAP+ and neurodivergent individuals in Canada/Turtle Island. We do this through three primary pathways:
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Economic Opportunities
Every product or service purchased through Their Collective directly supports the various entrepreneurs who make up our community. Our members include artists, makers, small business owners, educators, peer support workers, and licensed mental health professionals, all coming together to create sustainable livelihoods.
When you shop with Their Collective, you’re not just purchasing an item; you’re helping a talented individual thrive in what can often be an unwelcoming economy. -
Educational Workshops
We offer workshops covering vital topics, from professional growth to personal development. These sessions are designed to provide tools and resources that empower individuals to achieve their goals while fostering a sense of belonging in a wider, intersectional community. -
Mental Health Services
Accessibility is core to our mission. We work to make mental health support affordable and available to everyone in our community, recognizing the unique challenges that 2SLGBTQIAP+ and neurodivergent individuals often face.
By running as a social enterprise, we are able to fund these services through our business model and ensure long-term sustainability for these initiatives, without being at the mercy of fluctuating donations.
The Difference Between Social Enterprises and Non-Profits
Social enterprises and non-profits share the goal of creating positive change but differ in their approach:
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Non-Profits: Often rely on donations, grants, and volunteers. Their operations are supported through philanthropic efforts, making financial stability a constant challenge.
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Social Enterprises: Earn revenue through commercial activities, creating a self-sustaining model that allows for greater flexibility and independence.
For us at Their Collective, operating as a social enterprise enables us to directly link our programs to the success of our community’s entrepreneurs.
Every Purchase Supports a Purpose
Unlike traditional businesses, every item purchased through Their Collective has a tangible impact. When you support us, you’re directly contributing to the livelihoods of 2SLGBTQIAP+, neurodivergent, and Indigenous individuals.
Our model is designed to center the communities we serve, creating a feedback loop of support. With each sale, we reinvest in our mission, whether it’s funding educational workshops or expanding access to mental health resources. We have a “Mental Health Mutual Aid Fund” which sponsors individuals for free or sliding scale coaching or therapy.
.............Our Vision for Growth
We’re not just thinking about the now—we’re building toward a thriving future.
Starting in year three, we have plans to introduce cooperative payouts for our members. This means that as our revenue grows, we’ll share those earnings back with the entrepreneurs and creators who power Their Collective.
It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving together. By working as a collective, we ensure that our growth remains equitable and inclusive, lifting everyone in our community.
Why Social Enterprise Is the Right Path for Their Collective
Operating as a social enterprise empowers us to:
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Maintain financial sustainability, ensuring we can continue to deliver on our promises for years to come.
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Foster economic independence for our members, helping them develop their careers while staying true to their values.
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Provide consistent support for programs that address systemic inequalities faced by 2SLGBTQIAP+, neurodivergent, and Indigenous communities.
Being a social enterprise aligns with our belief in empowerment, collaboration, and shared success. It’s a model that allows us to grow organically while staying deeply connected to our core mission.
Join Our Movement
At Their Collective, we believe in building a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender identity or neurodivergence. When you support us, you’re not just buying a product; you’re participating in a movement that uplifts diverse voices and creates lasting change.
Want to learn more about our programs, shop our collections, or get involved in our community? Visit Their Collective today and help us grow something better together.
Meg, Chelsea, & Their Collective
