Social enterprises are a community centered business model which is already being used extensively in Ireland.

The main aim of the enterprise is not to create wealth for the owners or share holders, but to provide a necessary service in the community.

The surplus’s gathered from it commercial activity’s are then reinvested in groups activities in the community.

The various forms of social enterprises can provide inspiration for the setting up of our own energy co-operative,as its main aim is to provide the community control over its own sources of sustainable energy.

Socent is an interesting site which can provide you with more information social enterprises.

More useful information can also be found at  Social Entrepreneurs , a group which provides practical support to entrepreneurs dealing with  social issues.