This is not to suggest that all surveys asked questions on each of these topics – few if any were so comprehensive and most instead incorporated varying configurations of some of these themes. It is also important to note that even when themes were aligned, the way of asking the question – not only in terms of specific wording, but also with regard to the question formatting and range of answer options – often differed to varying degrees. While illustrating the diversity of approaches to surveying social enterprises and highlighting potential challenges to data comparability, this exercise simultaneously indicated numerous areas of convergence and thus potential for greater alignment. Impact data BOX 1 It is important to note that while some data collection initiatives investigate a few basic impact metrics – such as the number of beneficiaries supported by a social enterprise – challenges remain in determining whether impact can be accurately and consistently assessed, standardized and thus aggregated and compared across a territory or sector. In general, when collecting impact data, it is recommended that the team leverage standard frameworks such as the IRIS+ and Impact Management Project (IMP)19 and/or OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) criteria and guidelines.20 Purpose and audience 1.3 The purpose of this playbook is to provide stakeholders involved in social enterprise data collection with guidance and tools to collect relevant and comparable data on social enterprises. While the playbook is primarily targeted at practitioners collecting data on social enterprise through surveys, most of its content and recommendations are also relevant for other stakeholders from government, the private sector and academia. Social enterprise definitions vary widely across contexts, making data collection a complex and adaptable process. Instead of a rigid checklist or step-by-step guide, this playbook provides practical insights drawn from the advisory group’s experience in social enterprise data. The playbook is a live document, to which new elements can and will be added. As the work of the advisory group on social enterprise data continues to expand, the playbook will evolve by incorporating new insights and methodologies. 8 Collecting Data on Social Enterprises: A Playbook for Practitioners

Collecting Data on Social Enterprises 2025