Do you foresee a glum November? Don’t! This month is more exciting than you think. Why? Because it is Social Economy Month! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about this business model and discover both the economic and social benefits generated in the various regions of Québec.
Learnaboutsocialeconomy
Social economy lives and evolves through creativity and ideas that come from the community
Social economy enterprises stand out for their dynamism and diversity of thoughts. They know how to find innovative solutions in response to the needs and challenges of their communities.
Social economy enterprises generate revenues that benefit the entire community. They reinvest surpluses to achieve their mission
In a social economy enterprise, people take precedence over profit. Consequently, the surpluses generated do not enrich investors. Rather, they serve to accomplish the enterprise’s mission for the benefit of the community.
The number of social economy enterprises serving the regions in electricity before 1962
The number of social economy enterprises with one or more subsidiaries
of social economy enterprises are first and foremost aimed at catering to a local clientele
Because they provide local services, create local jobs and revitalize our living environments, social economy enterprises contribute to the vitality of our territories.
of the members of the boards of social economy enterprises in Québec are women
Comparatively, women represent about 1/5 of the members of the board of private companies. In social economy enterprises, equality is a key value.
The number of social economy enterprises in housing which accommodates thousands of Quebecers
old is the average age of nearly half of Québec’s social economy enterprises.
Social economy enterprises have been rooted in Québec for many years. They continue to evolve in response to the needs of the community. Many of them ensure the viability of various services.
Wondering how a social economy enterprise differs from a private company? Well, it's first of all a different way of doing business.
In the social economy, enterprises aim first and foremost to meet the needs of their members and their community. Enterprises can be found in many forms, such as enterprising non-profit organizations (NPOs), cooperatives and mutuals. Social economy enterprises involve their members, which often include their staff or clients, in their decision-making processes. Naturally, they offer goods and services; however, they also ensure that their actions have a true social impact based on the following principles: democracy, equity and solidarity.
people work in social economy enterprises in Québec
The social economy is inclusive. Everyone has a place in the workplace and should enjoy a rewarding job—regardless of age, gender, culture, personal situation or limitations.
The total number of administrators who manage social economy enterprises across Québec
in revenues are generated by social economy enterprises each year in Québec
In Québec, to accomplish their various social missions, social economy enterprises generate 90% of their revenue through the sale of goods or services and through their members' contributions.
members have a voice and a vote in Québec’s social economy enterprises
Social economy enterprises are democratic enterprises where members participate in decision-making. One member equals one vote. With 8 million inhabitants in Quebec, almost everyone is a member of more than one social economy enterprise.
This is the number of assets of all 11 200 social economy enterprises
of people working in the social economy in Québec are 35 years of age or younger
82% of people in Québec between the ages of 18 and 34 believe it is important to work in an organization that aims to meet the needs of its members and their communities, improve society and give its members the right to vote. This is what the social economy is all about!
The ranking of non-profits and cooperatives on the Léger Happiness Index at Work
People who work in social economy enterprises are most likely to be happy, depending on the following factors: labour relations, self-improvement, recognition, accountability, fair compensation, and sense of belonging. Working in the social economy means working in accordance with your values. That's what happiness is all about!
**The Léger Happiness Index for NPOs and coops is 75.85%.
volunteers are involved in Québec's social economy enterprises
Social economy enterprises incite people to take action. Employees are not just numbers. The contribution of each person—a staff member, volunteer and collaborator—is essential and valued.
social economy enterprises in all sectors of activity in Québec
Social economy enterprises can take on various forms: cooperatives, enterprising non-profit organizations (NPOs),etc. Their activities range from retail to the high-tech sector. For these types of enterprises, social benefits and democratic management come before profits.
