An Investigation Into the Triple Bottom Line Performance of Micro and Small Social and Environmental Enterprises in Developing Countries: Year 2

In 2009, SEED and IISD started a three-year study of the performance of social and environmental micro enterprises, with two key questions in mind: Is it possible to determine whether and how such enterprises are making a contribution to social, environmental and economic progress within their communities? What are the enabling factors and barriers to making that contribution?

The research is based on those enterprises who have applied for recognition from the SEED Initiative. This report covers Year Two of the study, on Cohort 2—the applicants for the 2010 SEED award—and presents several views of the data:

• An analysis of the full Cohort, noting any variations from Cohort 1, and with particular attention to the African respondents within the Cohort.

• A gender analysis of the full Cohort, comparing responses from women-led enterprises to those led by men.

• A focus on South African respondents, for SEED South Africa, the first national SEED program.

• An analysis of the 2010 SEED Winners data, compared to the full Cohort.

The report is published in two parts: A summary of key data points, and the full report.