Lucy Findlay and Rebecca Dray signing Social Enterprise Mark franchise agreement

Social Enterprise Mark CIC breaks new ground with USA franchise

We are excited to announce we have signed a new franchise agreement to take our unique Social Enterprise Mark accreditation to the USA.

Society Profits logoThe agreement grants an exclusive licence to Society Profits for awarding the Social Enterprise Mark in the USA. The franchise will enable social enterprises within the USA to gain international recognition that they are operating as a genuine social enterprise, with a core motivation of creating social impact.

Lucy Findlay,  Managing Director of Social Enterprise Mark CIC met with Rebecca Dray, founding CEO of Society Profits at RSA House in London this week to sign the franchise contract.

“We are delighted to work with Rebecca and Society Profits on this new adventure for the Social Enterprise Mark CIC.” says Lucy Findlay.

“We hope that we can test and refine how our Mark works overseas, to a provide a model for the future. Rebecca really understands the benefits that accreditation can bring to social enterprises and we look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

On signing the agreement, Rebecca Dray said “I have known and admired the work of Social Enterprise Mark CIC for many years and I am excited to be bringing such a trusted name to the US social enterprise sector.” 

“We need transparent and trusted social enterprise sellers that can have greater impact in our communities to support those most in need. The Social Enterprise Mark will give us this strong foundation on which we can build supply chains for social minded corporations and individuals to buy with confidence.” 

During her visit to the UK, Rebecca will be spending time with the Social Enterprise Mark CIC team in Plymouth to receive full training on the accreditation process, which will include the assessment of the first test applications from social enterprises in the USA.

Following an increase in international interest in recent years, we have developed a proven assessment process that can be applied anywhere in the world. Organisations outside the UK to hold the Social Enterprise Mark include global Fairtrade certification body FLOCERT, social enterprise support agency C3 in the United Arab Emirates, and the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (NAPP).

 

Map showing international Social Enterprise Mark holders