What is the term for a business set up to help society rather than to make a profit?

The term that describes a business designed primarily to benefit society rather than to generate profits is known as a social enterprise. Social enterprises focus on achieving social, environmental, or community goals while employing business methods to support these objectives. They often reinvest any surplus back into the community or into their social mission, making a significant impact without the primary goal of profit maximization.

While a non-profit organization also aims to serve social interests and does not distribute profits to shareholders, it operates under different legal and operational structures compared to social enterprises, which may engage in commercial activities while still prioritizing social value. Private businesses and public corporations are largely oriented toward profit generation and shareholder value, which differentiates them from the concept of a social enterprise.