Types of Social Enterprise — WISE
A people-centred approach
One of the oldest forms of social enterprise is called WISE — a work integration social enterprise. This is a social enterprise whose main priority is to provide employment to a specific group of people, often hard-to-employ or vulnerable.
Existing WISEs cover a wide spectrum of sectors, from clothes-making to factory-line work, and from landscaping companies to massage parlours. Just like social enterprise, you will find examples of WISE across the world, and perhaps in your own back yard.
WISEs used to be predominantly run adjacent to a non-profit organisation. This way they could provide tailor made work positions so their service users could find employment. It also meant that care could also be delivered at the same time, increasing the chances of successful employment and sustainability for both the company and individual.
Every WISE is different with its reasons for establishing itself for the sole person of employing a certain group of people.
Here are some examples as to why WISEs might be set up.
To provide a safe and stable route back to work
Imagine you’ve been out of work for over two years. You haven’t had a steady income, nor have you done a…
