Social Enterprise Legal Toolkit

Template Documents

Information Sheets

Implementing Legal Structures

Your mission, strategy and access to finance will be key considerations in the choice of legal structure.

If you wish to set up a solely for-purpose enterprise, there are many online resources to help, as mentioned in Information Sheet 1. If you have a vision of a sustainable commercial enterprise that has the aim of generating positive social benefit, read Information Sheet 2 for more information about hybrid legal structures.

The choice of legal structure is just the first step. It will have flow on effects on how you operate, how you raise finance and how you scale.

Some of these topics are covered in:

• Governance considerations (Information Sheet 3)

• Raising finance (Information Sheet 4)

• Independent certification options as a social enterprise (Information Sheet 5)

We want this Toolkit to develop and grow. If you have any updates or ideas for additions and improvements, or if you want to share your story or documents, please let us know. Information you provide to us will only be made public with your express consent.

Supported by

By downloading, accessing or using these documents, you agree that:

• These documents have been prepared for general reference only;

• They do not take into account the objectives, needs or financial arrangements of any particular social enterprise, and they do not constitute legal or tax advice.

• They are not intended to be a comprehensive review of all relevant issues.

Please take legal advice before applying anything contained in these documents to specific issues or transactions