01

Canada

The best countries to be a social entrepreneur 2019

2016 Rank: 02

Country summary

Canada is the best country for business leaders seeking to tackle social problems, moving up one point in the rankings from second place in 2016. Social entrepreneurs have benefitted from favourable conditions for businesses that do good, supportive government policies, ease of access to investment and grants as well as the strong involvement of young people and women.

Expert view

"Canada is a nation with a stronger history of prioritizing the social safety net, more fair taxation, and a welcoming multiculturalism. Social enterprise is more naturally respected and accepted as good work. Canadians' propensity 'to care' remains strong."

 Joel Solomon, Co-Founding Partner, Renewal Funds

Polling results

How canada fared for each question (between 1 and 44). 1 is best

  • 03

    Government SupportGovernment policy supports social entrepreneurs.
    2016 Rank: 05

  • 06

    Attracting Skilled StaffIt is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills.
    2016 Rank: 04

  • 03

    Public UnderstandingThe general public understands what social entrepreneurs do.
    2016 Rank: 06

  • 01

    Making a LivingSocial entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country.
    2016 Rank: 01

  • 01

    Gaining MomentumSocial entrepreneurship is gaining momentum.
    2016 Rank: 01

  • 01

    Access to InvestmentIt is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity).
    2016 Rank: 01

  • 01

    Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses
    2016 Rank: 06

  • 03

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding
    2016 Rank: 08

  • 02

    Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need
    2016 Rank: 09

  • 01

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government
    2016 Rank: 07

  • 04

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business
    2016 Rank: 04

  • 01

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public
    2016 Rank: 06

Questions we asked

Click a question below to explore a summary of the key findings and see the polling results. 1 is best.

Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses

Government policy supports social entrepreneurs

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity)

Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need (e.g. financial, legal and technical advice; access to markets and networks; coaching, mentoring and training)

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills

The general public understands what social entrepreneurs do

Social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country

Social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum

Methodology
Update cookies preferences