The Social Enterprise Directory (SE Directory) is funded by the Home Affairs Department and operated by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). It offers a list of local social enterprises (SEs) that is accessible to the public. This directory provides a systematic approach for stakeholders and the general public to search for information on SEs. The SE Directory is supported and recognized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and serves as an important reference for government departments, public organizations, corporations, and educational institutions in their pursuit of responsible procurement.
Development of the SE Directory
In 2006, HKCSS began advocating for government support in the development of social enterprises and established the "Social Enterprise Resource Centre" in the same year. This center published the first "Social Enterprise Directory" in Hong Kong and organized various courses and events to actively promote the growth of social enterprises. In 2008, with funding from The Hongkong Bank Foundation and the Social Welfare Department's Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, the center was transformed into the "Social Enterprise Business Centre" (SEBC), consolidating social resources and providing comprehensive support services for SEs and social innovation projects. The SE Directory, published annually by the SEBC, enables the general public to access a range of SE products and services.
Recognizing the increasing use of the internet, the SEBC introduced an online search engine to the SE Directory in 2011, enhancing public accessibility to the latest SE products and services.
In 2022, HKCSS repositioned its efforts to support the development of social enterprises and integrated the core concepts of the SEBC into other business projects undertaken by HKCSS. The primary objective is to promote cross-sector collaboration and co-creation among the government, business sector, social enterprises, charities, and other professional organisations. As the "Impact Incubator" operated by HKCSS has successfully nurtured more social enterprises in developing innovative and effective business models, the SEBC ceased operations in 2023. However, the online search engine for the SE Directory continues to be available, serving to promote SE-related information and advocate for responsible procurement.
Milestones in Promoting Social Enterprise (SE) Development
2024
- The webpage of the “Social Enterprise Business Centre” (SEBC) has officially been changed to the “Social Enterprise Directory” (SE Directory) webpage
2023
- HKCSS integrated the core principles of the Social Enterprise Business Centre (SEBC) into other business projects and continues to operate the Online Search Engine for Social Enterprise Directory
- The social innovation project 'Care Food' under HKCSS has assisted and supported the establishment of over eight care food-related SEs. These SEs provide services in Care Food meals, education, and training while also promoting inclusivity by employing individuals with disabilities and women
2022
- Partnered with HKEX Foundation, SEBC launched the HKEX Impact Funding Scheme to support more SEs in running short-to-medium term projects, serving a wide spectrum of people in need in our community
- Impact Incubator continued to be appointed by the SIE Fund as the 3rd batch Intermediary, providing all-round project management support and facilitating networking opportunities for SEs and social entrepreneurs across sectors
2021
- Sponsored by SAP, the Good Goods Business Challenge 2021 was launched. It aims to support local SEs in enhancing their e-commerce marketing strategies
- With the venue support of New Town Plaza and co-organized with Castle Peak Lions Club, the "Give Me Five - Social Enterprise Carnival" was held. Over 10 local SEs were invited to set up mini bazaars, offering a variety of Mid-Autumn Festival seasonal items and diverse local handmade products
2020
- Assisted the government in facilitating the process of SEs applications for various subsidy schemes under the Anti-epidemic Fund, including the 'Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme,' 'Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments and Party Rooms,' and 'Distance Business Programme,' among others
- Collaborated with Oxfam, The University of Hong Kong, and The Education University of Hong Kong to launch the first scale-up ‘Pay-for-Success’ (FPS) project, namely, “Start from the Beginning - Chinese Supporting Scheme for Non-Chinese Speaking Students (NCS) in Kindergarten” (https://www.sie.gov.hk/tc/what-we-do/pay-for-success.page)
- Received sponsorship from the Kerry Group to promote the social innovation project Care Food. SEBC assisted in facilitating the establishment of various SEs by collaborating with different partners, aiming to build a comprehensive Care Food Ecosystem
- Impact Incubator continued to be appointed by the SIE Fund as the 2nd batch Intermediary, supporting SEs and social entrepreneurs at various stages of development with business skills, identifying opportunities, and providing resources
2019
- Linked with the Lands Department and integrated the SEs' information from the SE Directory into the newly developed GeoInfo Map (https://www.map.gov.hk/gm/map/search/faci/SE), expanding public access to SE information through multiple channels
- Subsidized by the Home Affairs Department, SEBC launched a 'SE Promotions' page that showcases products and services of specific categories of SEs, catering to corporate procurement needs. Tips on Responsible Procurement was provided to deepen their understanding of responsible procurement
2018
- 10th anniversary of SEBC
- Funded by the Citi Foundation, the Social Innovation‧Community 4.0 Competition was launched, which nurtures secondary school students to understand more about social issues and encourages them to tackle the problems in innovative ways through design thinking
2017
- Funded by J.P. Morgan, SEBC launched the Small Business Advancement Scheme, which provides a series of capacity-building programs and consultation sessions for micro-businesses to increase their competitiveness
- Partnered with DimBuy, making the "SE Gift Certificate" available for purchase through its online platform to promote purchases from local social enterprises and fair-trade products
- Took part in The Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit and introduced soft food specifically produced for individuals with swallowing problems, offered by various local or overseas service providers
- Subsidized by the Home Affairs Department, the SE Directory mobile app and SE Online Search Engine were revamped to enable more convenient public access to SE information
2016
- SE Good Start - "A Practical Guide of Setting up A Social Enterprise" and "Choosing a Legal Form and Recommended Practices" were published
- Linked the social enterprise restaurant information listed in the SE Directory to the “Social Enterprise Restaurants” page on OpenRice (https://bit.ly/2XDBbSu), a popular Hong Kong restaurant guide platform. The information will be displayed alongside the label “Social Enterprise” to make it easier for citizens to identify social enterprise restaurants in Hong Kong
2015
- As an Intermediary of the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund), the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) launches the Impact Incubator, a one-stop supporting platform with a mission to bring positive social impact through incubating social entrepreneurs and bridging social capital
- The Citi-HKCSS Community Intern Program was launched, funded by the Citi Foundation. The program inspires Hong Kong university students majoring in business studies to contribute their knowledge and expertise to non-profit organizations through internships
- SEBC, Good Goods, and So-Biz were awarded the Gold Award of the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2015 (Website)
2014
- Appointed by the Social Enterprise Advisory Committee (SEAC), SEBC and the Chinese University of Hong Kong conducted research on the current landscape and development of social enterprises in Hong Kong, resulting in the publication of "The Research Study on the Social Enterprise Sector in Hong Kong" report
- Introduced the SE Gift Certificate, which encourages the public and corporations to purchase goods with social value. Cooperated with Asia Miles to allow their members to redeem SE Gift Certificates using mileage, raising public awareness of SEs
- Good Goods was awarded the Top Organic Retailer Award – Quality Organic Retailer Award
2013
- Launched the “DBS Social Enterprise Advancement Grant”, funded by DBS Bank, to support the development of SEs
- Organized the “Travel for Good” competition and published a book named "Travel for Good" to promote social enterprises with touristic and leisure elements
- Partnered with The Peninsula Hong Kong and three social enterprises to produce the GoodBuy Cookies, positioning them as souvenirs representing Hong Kong and targeting tourists
2012
- Sponsored by Power Assets Holdings Limited and the Partnership Fund for Disadvantaged, SEBC established the first social enterprise concept store "Good Goods" at the lobby of HKCSS headquarter to promote sustainable consumption
2011
- Subsidized by the Home Affairs Department in developing SE Guide iPhone apps and an SE search engine to further enhance interaction with customers
- Received funding from the Trade and Industry Department to launch "So-Biz" project, aimed at promoting barrier-free consumption
2010
- Successfully incubated "Happy Veggies" and assisted several organisations in applying for SE start-up grants
- Established the ACT Social Awareness Network to organize social experiential learning activities, raising awareness of SE's value and social issues
- SEBC was awarded the Caring Company Scheme’s “Outstanding Partnership Project Award” for 2009/10 (Partner: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)
2009
- Received funding support from the Li & Fung (1906) Foundation Limited and the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged to set up the “Hao Hao” SE trading platform, which aims to help social enterprises explore new business opportunities
- Co-developed the "Social Impact Assessment Tool" (SIAT) with McKinsey & Co. to objectively measure the financial and social returns of social enterprises
- Facilitated the setup of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises and served as the Secretariat at the Chamber's start up stage
2008
- Received funding from The Hongkong Bank Foundation and the Social Welfare Department's Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, leading to the official establishment of the "HKCSS-HSBC Social Enterprise Business Centre." This center provides comprehensive support services for social enterprises and social innovation projects, including fund management, business consulting, marketing promotion, and public education
- Organized the inaugural "Social Enterprise Summit" in collaboration with multiple organisations
- Introduced various services such as the "Social Angels Programme" and the "Social Enterprise Incubation Scheme” to provide additional services and support
2007
- Proposed to the then Chief Executive to strengthen policies supporting social enterprises, subsequently leading to the inclusion of social enterprises as a key policy agenda
- Collaborated with the Wan Chai District Council to organize the first "Social Enterprise Marketplace" in the pedestrian zone of Causeway Bay, promoting social enterprise products and services to the public
2006
- The HKCSS established the "Social Enterprise Resource Centre" and published the first "Social Enterprise Directory" in Hong Kong, along with organising various courses and events
- Submitted a proposal to the Commission on Poverty, advocating for government support for social enterprises
