Collecting Data on Social Enterprises 2025

Data collection 2.3 After the survey is designed and tested, a range of methods and tools can be used to collect the data. Common survey methods include the use of: –Online survey tools: Platforms such as SurveyMonkey, SurveyGizmo and Qualtrics are widely used, and increasingly sector-specific platforms such as Good Market are being adopted. –Telephone surveys: These use a structured script and allow for voice-note submissions. –Face-to-face surveys: These comprise in- person interviews using a printed survey script. When communicating the survey, it may be helpful to use terms like “social enterprise” or relevant local variations. However, inclusive language – such as “businesses working to support people and the planet” or “organizations improving their community” – can help reach those who may not self-identify as social enterprises.Effective outreach methods include: –Direct outreach: Contact social enterprises via email or phone using existing databases. –In-person visits: Engage social enterprises, support organizations and co-working spaces. Ensure outreach covers a broad geographic area, not just capital cities. –Partner networks: Request social enterprise support organizations to distribute the survey to their members, grantees and beneficiaries. –Social media and local media: Leverage the channels of researchers, partners and stakeholders. –Events and drop-in sessions: Host targeted events with engaging speakers and encourage attendees to complete the survey during registration or breaks. –Marketing materials: Utilize promotional videos, QR codes and other engagement tools. –Industry events: Attend relevant social enterprise events hosted by other organizations to reach a wider audience. Non-extractive sampling – Providing benefits to your respondents BOX 3 To help counter survey fatigue and to balance the potentially extractive nature of surveys, research teams may consider the use of incentives for survey completion, which may include: –Marketing and communicating the value of the evidence gathered. –The prospect of social enterprise certification. –Voting rights, e.g. for membership bodies. –Benchmarked feedback that creates value for respondents. –Convenings and special benefits for participants at these events (access, recognition, special catering, etc.). –Opportunities to raise the respondent’s profile at events with “meet the funder” or “meet the buyer” sessions, opportunities to network or display space to showcase products and services. –Under certain circumstances, cash incentives and prizes. –Relevant and targeted tools, learning opportunities and supports (e.g. directing respondents to toolkits, trainings or support organizations when they indicate interest in, for instance, learning more about or accessing support on financing options or impact measurement). When choosing incentive mechanisms, it is important to consider the potential impact of the incentive on individual responses and data validity. In extreme cases, incentives might lead to fake submissions as respondents are solely interested in receiving the incentive – especially in the case of cash and prizes. Collecting Data on Social Enterprises: A Playbook for Practitioners 13