FAQs

The directory was created for anyone who wants to purchase with purpose. The directory makes it easy to find social enterprises in the Ottawa area that are creating a more vibrant, caring, inclusive and sustainable community for everyone.

When you support a social enterprise, you’re making an intentional positive contribution to our community and society, either by purchasing the goods and services you need, or by supporting it in some other way.

When you purchase from a social enterprise, you're making an intentional positive contribution to our community and society.

As an individual consumer, you're helping to strengthen local organizations that are focused on social impact.

As a business or organization, you can source the goods and services you need while supporting the local economy and demonstrating your commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Listings must first fit the definition of a social enterprise:

• a business model that intentionally creates social value (can be social, cultural or environmental)
• sells goods and services in the marketplace, like any business
• generates earned income to achieve its mission, and
• reinvests its profit back into the mission so its impact grows as it grows.

Listings must also be:

• legally incorporated as a registered charity, nonprofit organization, co-operative or for profit (with a clearly defined social mission)
• physically located in the City of Ottawa, Eastern Ontario or in Gatineau Quebec, and
• have all or the majority of their impact focused on the Ottawa area.

CSED reviews each organization to ensure that it meets the eligibility requirements. Verification is determined through one or more of the following:

• incorporation status and/or incorporation documents
• review of the corporate website, and
• our local knowledge.

CSED reserves the right to decide, in its sole discretion whether or not an organization will be included in the directory.

If you would like to be considered, please get in touch with us by completing this short form.

To stay up to date, please check back regularly as listings are added on a regular basis.

You're also invited to sign up for CSED's e-newsletter "SE Connections". You can sign up here and can unsubscribe at any time.