Articles
Supporting social enterprises to create lasting change
4 April 2025
Uplifting social enterprises offers a powerful way to create lasting impact and contribute to building a strong, impactful social service ecosystem.
Social enterprises address community challenges while operating sustainable businesses. According to a 2020 study by the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) there are more than 2,600 social enterprises in Singapore. They span diverse industries, including retail, food, technology, and education, with initiatives that empower underserved communities and allow individuals in need to live with dignity and be more self-sufficient.
Why choose social enterprises?
Social enterprises often take the lead in tackling societal challenges such as unemployment and underemployment, sustainability and disempowerment, among others – sometimes addressing multiple issues all at the same time.
They do so by hiring individuals who face barriers to employment, offering vocational training, providing upskilling programmes and on-the-job training to help enhance their capabilities and employability for better opportunities in the future. In the process, they not only generate economic returns but also create tangible benefits for those in the community, fostering a true “win-win” scenario.
However, social enterprises rely on the support of individuals and partners to amplify their impact and sustain their efforts, often in the face of considerable operational challenges.
The raiSE study which examined 146 social enterprises, found that only 57% of social enterprises in Singapore reported either making a profit or breaking even. Additionally, three-quarters of them reported using personal capital for funds in the last three years, with one of the most commonly reported challenges being customer acquisition.
As individuals, one of the easiest ways to support social enterprises is to be conscious consumers who can drive social change, simply by deciding where to spend our money.
Getting behind social enterprises as a community not only produces a ripple effect towards long-lasting impact but also lends a hand in creating a sustainable and compassionate world.
List of social enterprises by NCSS member agencies
Social Service Agency | Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
Autism Resource Centres |
| Empowers individuals on the autism spectrum through art sales, providing dignified employment. |
Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd |
| Trains persons with disabilities in craft skills, providing employment in the handcrafted gift industry. |
Club HEAL |
| Trains individuals with mental health challenges in sales and business operations, funding their programmes. |
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) |
| Develops artistic talents and vocational skills in F&B and sales, providing sustainable income. |
Metta Welfare Association |
| Provides job training, life skills, and promotes independence for youths with disabilities. |
MINDSG Ltd |
| Provides training in baking and crafts, developing skills for career opportunities and self-confidence. |
New Hope Community Services |
| Offers employment in fitness products and classes, supporting individuals in transitional shelters. |
Touch Community Services |
| Provides a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to create and sell art and lifestyle products. |
Yellow Ribbon Singapore |
| Trains inmates in baking, offering job skills and a chance at rehabilitation and re-entry into the workforce. |
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) |
| Provides vocational training in hospitality for persons with special needs. |
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) |
| Empowers women and strengthens families by funding programmes through café proceeds. |