A social enterprise is an organization or venture that advances its social mission through entrepreneurial earned income strategies. Social enterprises are social mission-driven organizations which trade in goods or services for a social purpose. They deliver on both financial and social performance targets, which means the organization is focused on a double bottom line. The profit or surplus income from the business is used to support the social aims of the parent nonprofit or the business itself accomplishes social aims through its operation.

Southwest Key Maintenance, LLC

Southwest Key Maintenance LLC is a social enterprise established by Southwest Key for two purposes: to bring in earned income to support Southwest Key’s nonprofit programs, and to create jobs for low income residents of the Govalle/Johnston Terrace community. In 2007, Southwest Key received $700,000 from the Federal Office of Community Services to capitalize the company and create 71 jobs for low income residents of Austin over the next three years. Visit www.swkeymaintenance.com.

Southwest Key Café del Sol, LLC

Southwest Key’s Café del Sol is a small Mexican-American café located in the East Austin Community Center. It was created to bring in revenue to support Southwest Key’s nonprofit programs and to provide a local gathering place and dining option for the Govalle/Johnston Terrace neighborhood. The café, which opened its doors at the turn of the year in 2008, has indoor and outdoor seating, free wireless internet, a TV and is attached to a Community Meeting Room open to the public for catered events.

Southwest Key Properties, LLC

Southwest Key developed a real estate investment company to pave the way for sustainable, community-driven development projects in East Austin and beyond. Southwest Key Properties will engage in residential community planning as well as office and retail development projects in 2008.