Frequently Asked Questions

Foire aux questions en français ici.

What is a social enterprise? How do I know I’m a social enterprise?

In Canada there is no single incorporation for social enterprise. In alignment with international organizations, Buy Social Canada uses the following definition for social enterprise:

Social enterprises are businesses that sell goods or services, embed a social, cultural or environmental purpose into the business, and reinvest the majority (51%+) of profits or surplus into their purpose.

In the survey you will be asked if the sale of goods and services is a significant source of revenue for your social enterprise. This question meant to determine if you operate as a business in the marketplace and do not solely rely on donations or external funding.

It may also be the case that you are a nonprofit or charity that operates a social enterprise as one small arm within your organization. In that case, please respond to the survey with only the social enterprise in mind.

Still have questions? Contact Niamh@buysocialcanada.com to learn more.

Who should take this survey?

This survey is for social enterprises across Canada: businesses that sell goods or services, embed a social, cultural, or environmental purpose into their operations, and reinvest the majority (51%+) of profits or surplus back into that purpose.

Regardless of incorporation, size, or location, if you operate as a social enterprise in Canada - even if you don't use that term to describe yourself - your voice belongs here.

NOTE: Buy Social Canada Certified Social Enterprises do not need to respond to this survey, the Re-certification Form 2026 asks the same questions.

What if our social enterprise is incorporated as a for-profit company?

For-profit social enterprises are encouraged to respond to the survey so long as they:

1. Reinvest 51% or more of profits or surplus into a central social, cultural or environmental purpose

2. Have amended the articles of incorporation to lock in the profit reinvestment in perpetuity (e.g. even if the business is sold)

Sole proprietorships, publicly traded companies and for-profits that exist primarily to generate shareholder wealth are not considered social enterprises under this definition.

How long does the survey take?

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

If I run multiple social enterprises, should I submit one response total, or one response for each?

Please submit one response per social enterprise. So, if you operate two social enterprises, you will submit two survey responses.

We understand that this adds additional time. If you’d like support to respond on behalf of multiple enterprises, please contact Niamh@buysocialcanada.com to schedule a call so we can help streamline the process.

Is my information confidential?

Yes, survey responses will be shared only in summary form with partners, funders, and the public.

Individual responses are confidential and will not be publicly identified without prior consent. Where findings are presented for specific groups or regions, results will only be reported where anonymity can be maintained.

Buy Social Canada is committed to ethical, inclusive, and responsible data practices. See its organizational Privacy Policy here for more details.

What does the survey ask about?

You’ll be asked about:

• Business models and revenue

• Social and environmental impact

• Employment and workforce

• Procurement and market access

• Access to finance

• Capacity building needs

Why should my social enterprise participate?

By completing the survey, you are contributing to a shared national effort to strengthen the social enterprise sector’s visibility, access to resources and opportunities, and long-term sustainability.

How will the data be used?

Survey data will be used to:

• Inform advocacy related to government policies, programs, and social procurement initiatives.

• Support evidence-based policy development and program design.

• Identify national and regional trends, gaps, and opportunities.

• Support capacity building, investment, and ecosystem development.

• Produce a national report and summary of key findings.

• Establish a baseline for future benchmarking and analysis.

Data will be used solely for research, advocacy, and sector development purposes

Who will have access to the results?

Summary findings will be shared with partners, funders, and the public. Individual responses will not be shared without prior consent.

Is the survey available in English and French?

Yes. The survey is available in English and French.

Is the survey accessible?

The survey is designed to be accessible. If you require an alternative or accessible format, please contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Can I save my progress and return later?

Yes, as long as all final responses are submitted by March 13.

If you want to save progress and return before submission, please ensure you are logged into your google account so that your answers are automatically saved as a draft for 30 days. You will need to be logged in and return on the same browser and device. This will not work in incognito mode or if you are not signed in to a google account.

If you want to edit responses after submission, you will receive a copy of your response via email, which includes a link to edit. Please ensure you save this email in order to return for later editing.

What if I’m an early-stage or very small organization?

You’re still encouraged to participate. Early-stage and small organizations are an important part of the social enterprise ecosystem, and your perspective matters

Is there an incentive for participating?

Yes. All completed survey submissions shared by March 13 will be entered into a draw to win $500.

When does the survey close?

The survey closes on March 13.

When will results be shared?

A report will be shared in April 2026. Sign up for the Buy Social Canada newsletter to receive updates.

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have questions, accessibility needs, or media inquiries, please contact:
Emma@buysocialcanada.com.