Characteristics of Social Enterprises (SE)

Criteria for QualifyingSE Identification

Entities that are engaged in:

Here are the activities considered “eligible activities” for an entity to be identified as SE

Ending hunger, poverty, malnutrition and inequality

Improving healthcare, including mental health, sanitation and clean drinking water

Supporting education, job skills and ways for people to earn a living

Promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and LGBTQIA+ people

Protecting the environment, fighting climate change and saving forests and wildlife

Preserving India’s heritage, art and culture

Training and encouraging participation in rural, national, Olympic and Paralympic sports

Helping startups and organizations that work on social good

Supporting platforms that help non-profits grow and raise funds

Creating more job opportunities for the poor in cities and villages and helping small farmers and workers earn more

Improving slum areas, building affordable housing and making cities stronger and safer

Helping people during disasters through rescue, recovery and rebuilding

Making banking and financial services available to everyone

Helping disadvantaged groups get land and property

Making sure everyone can access the internet and mobile services and stay safe from misinformation and data misuse

Supporting the rights and welfare of migrants and people forced to move

Any other important cause decided by the Board or the Government of India

Additional Eligibility Conditions to Qualify as a Social Enterprise

To be officially recognized as a Social Enterprise on the Social Stock Exchange, an organization must also meet the following detailed conditions:

1. Targeting Underserved Communities

The enterprise should primarily focus on supporting underserved, underprivileged or backward communities and regions where development has remained slow or limited based on government development priorities.

2. Minimum 67% Rule

To demonstrate a genuine commitment towards social impact, the enterprise must satisfy at least one of the following three conditions during the previous three financial years.

Revenue Condition

67%

At least 67% of the average revenue during the last three years should come from services or activities benefiting the target population.

Expenditure Condition

67%

At least 67% of the average expenditure during the last three years should be utilized for activities benefiting the target population.

Beneficiary Base Condition

67%

At least 67% of the average beneficiaries or customers during the last three years should belong to the target population.

Raise Funds for Social Impact

If you are a registered NGO, Society, or Trust working in the fields of health and education, you can raise funds up to ₹10–20 crore through the Social Stock Exchange. For more details, contact IndiaIPO.