Mission
SCP believes that market forces can be more effectively utilized to solve structural social challenges in Canada.
In support of this belief, SCP facilitates growth financing and advisory services to successful businesses that integrate a social mission into their employment strategy by expanding career opportunities for disadvantaged populations.
Our Evolution
Social Capital Partners is a non-profit company that was founded in 2001 fuelled by the belief that hybrid models that generate both social and financial returns could change the landscape of how we as a society solve some of our pressing social challenges. We set out to prove that these businesses could be successful at both their bottom lines; that is that they could provide a valuable service or product to their customers that would generate a profit as in a "normal" business and they could provide employment opportunities for people who faced employment barriers that would allow them to earn a sustainable livelihood and become productive, contributing members of society.
Franchise Strategy
SCP began faciliating investments for franchises as a means to reduce some of the risks involved in starting a new business. We already had significant experience starting small ventures and are aware of the value that an established brand name, proven operating system, ongoing support and, in certain cases, national purchasing power can provide. A franchise network also provides SCP with the opportunity to efficiently scale our social employment model across multiple locations.
Measurement Philosophy
We view success through both a qualitative and quantitative lens. From a qualitative standpoint, we utilize the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to determine whether the target employees are developing the personal assets necessary to become self-sufficient. We see our SROI report cards as a litmus test for our investments - how well are we achieving our mission? - and a tool for strategic management of social enterprises. In other words, we recognize that our ‘blended value' business model requires a blended value evaluation tool to measure success.
Catalyst Strategy
The primary focus of SCP since its inception has been on financing and supporting businesses that employ the disadvantaged. We have been operating for over seven years now and have learned a lot about what it takes to finance and support the success of these kinds of hybrid business models and enable disadvantaged populations establish sustainable livelihoods. We like to call ourselves a ‘do tank’ - an on the ground working model - and it is this experience that guides our strategic direction.