What in the World is a Social Enterprise?
Are you curious about how a business can drive meaningful social and/or environmental impact while remaining profitable?
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a community-minded resident, or an established small business owner looking to embed social purpose into your existing operations, this engaging session demystifies the world of social entrepreneurship.
In this session, we will break down what truly defines a social enterprise, explore how it differs from traditional for-profit businesses, and share practical, actionable strategies for “hybridizing” a venture to balance profit with purpose.
Join us to discover how aligning business with social impact can create lasting value for your venture, our community, and the world.
About the Presenter: Jay Fisher
Jay is a Sessional Professor and Ph.D. candidate at Trent University, where he teaches and researches in the disciplines of social enterprise and social innovation.
Now a retired professor of Entrepreneurship at Durham College, Jay also co-created the FastStart DC and SHIFT campus accelerators, supporting the development of hundreds of student-led ventures – both traditional and those with embedded social purpose.
Jay remains deeply engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem as the Founder of P5 Corp., Co-Founder of CU 4 Community, and an advisor to numerous local business and community organizations.
Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week
November 16 – 20st 2026
Join us for the 14th year of ‘Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week’.
Durham Region’s celebration of entrepreneurship is held each November during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week is a collaboration of Durham’s business support, educational and networking organizations who have come together to encourage and support entrepreneurs, job creators and innovators who create economic growth in the Durham Region.
Together We Build