A social enterprise is a business with specific social objectives, such as benefits to society and the environment, that serve its primary purpose (Investopedia, “Social Enterprise”). These social objectives are not limited and extend to anything which is for the ‘common good’ such as protecting the environment to creating employment for the community (Constellation International, “Social Enterprise in China”).

Unlike the US or UK, there is no specific legal form for SEs operating in China.  SEs in China adopt or hybridise pre-existing corporate forms which result in SEs facing issues acquiring legal legitimacy.