Topic 2: Beyond the Bottom Line
I believe that businesses don’t always have to be about making money—some focus on creating social impact. While for-profit businesses aim for financial growth, non-profits exist to serve a mission, whether it’s environmental conservation, education, or community support.
The difference between for-profit and non-profit businesses:
- For-profit businesses generate revenue through sales, investments, and business operations, distributing profits to owners or shareholders.
- Non-profits reinvest revenue back into their cause rather than distributing profits. They operate through grants, donations, and fundraising events.
One great example is TOMS Shoes—though it's a for-profit company, it built a business model around giving back. For every pair of shoes sold, they donated a pair to someone in need. Another example is The Big Issue, which is a magazine that homeless individuals sell to earn an income. These models blur the line between traditional business and social enterprise.
Would love to hear your thoughts—can a non-profit still function like a business in terms of marketing and branding?