SED (Social Enterprise Development) Consultants is the first consultancy in Africa that is committed to the development and growth of social enterprises. Since 2002, the ideals of SED have been perpetuated in a part time basis. However, towards the end of 2009, the leadership of SED decided to take the work a notch higher by making SED a full-fledged business.

We are experienced and committed to use business and entrepreneurial strategies to help social enterprises achieve their goals. We help them turn their potential into profit and move towards self-sustaining revenue generation through appropriate mix of business engagements, grants and other enterprising partnerships.

Profit versus Surplus
The usage of not-for-profit (NPO) can and is misleading. Chances are that every organization makes a surplus of some sort. In this case, surplus/profit is the difference between the costs of carrying out an activity/project etc where the funds used are less than the funds received from whatever source. Where the funds spent are more than the funds received, then the organization makes a loss. Unfortunately, no donor is willing to provide extra funds particularly in situations where funds have been overspent. At SED, we believe profit/surplus making for social purpose is important

Vision

The leading provider of social enterprise solutions in the world

Mission
In partnership with our stakeholders, develop appropriate solutions that bring equitable benefit and transformation in every sector of the economy and to every member of society.

Core Values
i. Innovation
ii. Integrity,
iii. Fairness,
iv. Team spirit

Motto
Create and Innovate for Equity

Background of SED Consultants
Many organizations are currently facing serious financing challenges because the available resources from the traditional funders have reduced significantly. Further, the number seeking funding has increased. Majority of them lack reserves and other investments that provide a cushion against shocks occasioned by continued decline in donor funds.

The world is however, seeking for creative, innovative, efficient and effective ways of providing socially important services. However, resources are dwindling and creative organizations are therefore combining the best of philanthropic approaches with business strategies to survive. Many donors are also shifting the way they give grants/funds. They are interested in how their one time gift will lead to long term sustainable delivery of benefits to the community.

These new realities call for radical re-thinking of the way the funds are utilized. Many are now open to exploring entrepreneurial strategies that solve social problems. There is need to redefine sustainability, sustainable fundraising and sustainable utilization of resources. Organizations need to review their revenue streams and in the process develop new mechanisms of maximizing their revenue bases from donors, those they serve and corporate entities among others.

Organizations are also facing increased compliance requirements from governments and donor agencies. Other donors are also demanding that organizations change their operational strategies towards entrepreneurial strategies for sustainable operations and service delivery.

Factors Affecting the Development of Social Enterprises
From research, the following constraints have been found to affect the growth and development of social enterprises. SED Consultants is committed to work with social enterprises in addressing these constraints.

i. Lack of access to appropriate finance,
ii. Limited knowledge about social enterprises,
iii. Undefined legal and regulatory framework on social enterprises,
iv. Lack of appropriately trained and relevant business development service providers
v. Lack properly trained and experienced staff on social enterprises,
vi. Lack of a network to promote and advocate for social enterprises.

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