New research released today shows that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities have higher levels of social entrepreneurship than the White community. It also finds that while women are only half as likely as men to be mainstream entrepreneurs, they are equally as or more likely than men to be social entrepreneurs.

The Delta Economics findings, based on a five-year survey of social entrepreneurship in the UK, were released today at a BAME conference in London hosted by the Social Enterprise Coalition. 

Social entrepreneurship is entrepreneurship aimed to achieve a social or environmental purpose through profit-making ventures. Social enterprises are businesses set up to achieve those objectives.

The survey found that twice as many Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic respondents were engaged in some form of start-up social entrepreneurial activity compared to White respondents. 

Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said: “What is obvious from this interesting research is that social enterprise is a concept that resonates across all communities. Innovation and hard work are at the heart of social enterprise, and the Government is grateful for the contribution of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to this exciting new movement.”

The survey also found that when it comes to social entrepreneurship, women are as likely as men to be social entrepreneurs. This contrasts significantly with mainstream business where men are twice as likely to be entrepreneurs. 

Dr. Rebecca Harding, Managing Director of Delta Economics, who led the survey said: “Under-represented groups in enterprise, such as women and BAME communities, are more likely to be social entrepreneurs and be innovative in tackling the needs they see in front of them on a daily basis.”

Jonathan Bland, Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition, said: “This data shows the reach of social enterprise to a wide range of communities and reaffirms its potential as a business model essential not only for positive social change, but for the UK’s economy.”