This list recognizes Minnesota-based organizations,
both for-profit and nonprofit alike, who are intentionally making a positive social and environmental impact.
On May 8th, 2019 over 120 individuals gathered to hear the stories behind our region’s top social enterprises, meet the extraordinary leaders who started them and see how purpose drives these organizations to greatness. Thank you to all the 80+ nominees, all listed below, who are a contributing to the purpose-driven economy!
2019 Featured Social Enterprises
apex solutions
Apex Solutions is an energy efficiency social enterprise working to address the environmental and social impacts of aging facilities—with a foundation to support domestic and international nonprofits. Read more.
appetite for change
Appetite For Change is a non-profit using food as a tool to build health, wealth and social change—operating a social enterprise, Breaking Bread Café & Catering, and youth and workforce development programs. Read more.
better futures
Better Futures engages men who have a history of incarceration and poverty to achieve self-sufficiency. Through their work in the ReUse Warehouse they earn the skills, while also helping to keep construction waste out of the landfill. Read more.
fair anita
Fair Anita is a social enterprise that's all about investing in the power of women. It works with 8,000+ women in 9 countries to create fair trade jewelry, accessories, and clothing made from sustainable materials. Read more.
2019 Impact List By Social Enterprise Model
THE NOMINEES:
PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS & B CORPS
This list of organizations and businesses have committed to integrate social impact as a legal component of their business model by declaring Public Benefit Corporation status and/or have undergone a rigorous evaluation through B Corp certification that measures a company’s social and environmental performance.
Hippy Feet, GBC
Hoyo, SBC
KinoSol, SBC
La Doña, SBC
Mobility 4 All, GBC
New Rules, GBC
Peace Coffee*
Smart Set, Inc.*
Social Impact Strategies Group*
SolarHoney Company, GBC
The Improve Group, SBC*
United by Bike, SBC
UR TURN, SBC
Apex Efficiency Solutions, SBC
Apparatus, GBC
Ballinger|Leafblad, SBC
Binary Bridge, SBC
Black Women's Wealth Alliance, SBC
Butter Bakery Cafe, GBC
ClipDifferent, GBC
thedatabank, GBC*
Ecotone Analytics, GBC*
Events by Lady K, GBC
Fair Anita, SBC
FINNEGANS, SBC
Hair, Head & Heart, GBC*
* indicates Certified B Corp
THE NOMINEES:
COMMERCIAL NONPROFITS
Breaking the mold of tradition, these nonprofits have diversified their income and added an innovative revenue source, welcoming them into the world of business for good. For them social enterprise is a powerful complement to other activities by advancing the social mission and the financial independence of the work they do each and every day.
Minnesota Tool Library
Mossier
Pillsbury United Communities (North News)
Pollen Midwest
PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry)
Realtime Talent
Stories Foundation
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Urban Ventures
WomenVenture
African Development Center (Jambo Kitchen)
All Square
Cookie Cart
Cycles for Change
Elpis Enterprises
Eureka Recycling
Green Garden Bakery
Home & Heritage
Juxtaposition Arts
Minnesota Children's Museum
THE NOMINEES:
SOCIAL BUSINESS
This list includes the many organizations, startups, and consultants that identified with a social mission that are using purpose to redefine what it means to run a successful business. While they are not all legally bound by their social purpose, their mission is integrated into every aspect of their work.
InsertLearning
Invested Interests
julia elise
Junita's Jars
Latitude
Live.Give.Save.
LoveMplsParks
NetZro
SayKid
SJC Consulting
Spence Specialties ANEW
Synapse Minnesota
TUSA
Two Bettys Green Cleaning Service
Vetiver Solutions*
Academy For Women Empowerment
Atlas Provisions
Asiya
Boudika
Ceiba Fôrte Law Firm
Collectivity*
Divas Fair Trade
Dual Citizen Brewing Company
Ethel Studio
Financial Adventure; Treasure My Future
GogyUp Inc
Guide & Seek
Gutterpunk Coffee
Hands & Feet
House of Talents
.
Hosted by:
Social Enterprise MSP is a community platform that serves as a connection point to the Minneapolis St. Paul impact ecosystem. By actively building awareness and driving narrative change around social impact, we amplify the work of purpose-driven leaders, connect social enterprises with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, and work to foster an ecosystem in which they can thrive.
Stories by:
Pollen invests in human connection to fuel momentum for social change. Founded in the belief that social change comes from being in deeper connection with a robust and diverse network of humans, Pollen shares stories of individuals that reveal how interconnected we truly are, hosts events where essential conversations happen, and links people to personal and professional opportunities. Pollen serves and engages a network of 10,000+ Pollenites—individuals who want to make a positive impact in their community, who network with a purpose, who want to tackle thorny issues, and who embrace their civic responsibility.