An increasing number of organizations are working toward sustainable social innovation by applying the power of market-based strategies to advance social change.

From those in the early exploratory stages to multi-million dollar ventures, the community of social enterprises covers the spectrum of social missions and includes both nonprofits and for-profit companies as well as organizations exploring hybrid forms that combine the advantages and goals of both sectors.

Joined by lenders, investors, grantmakers, consultants, researchers and educators who recognize the increasing impact of social enterprise, the movement has grown rapidly in size and visibility.

The Social Enterprise Alliance has emerged as the common ground of these constituencies -- a single point of reference and support, a source of education and networking, the leading voice of this emerging sector.