The SE Directory, managed by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), has released its 2024/25 Social Enterprise (SE) survey. As of 30 Apr 2025, a total of 547 social enterprise units are listed in the SE Directory. The survey highlights the resilience of SEs in navigating economic challenges while steadily advancing social inclusion.
According to the data provided by SE units, only 30% of the SE units achieved a profit last year, with the remainder either breaking even or recording losses. Despite the tough business environment, nearly 90% of SE units remain committed to their core social missions while over 75% of them expressed their determination to continue investing resources in business development to drive sustainable social impact.
Nonetheless, approximately 20% of SE units wished to obtain more direct financial support, such as rent subsidies or other funding schemes.
SEs commit to support disadvantaged communities and promote social inclusion. According to the survey, nearly 60% of the SEs have employed disadvantaged individuals over the past year, with these employees accounting for almost 40% of the SEs’ total workforce. This not only provides employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities but also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 10: “Reduced Inequality”. By empowering disadvantaged communities, SEs contribute to fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. One of the SE unit representatives revealed, “Hiring disadvantaged employees requires additional training resources, but their work performance often exceeds expectations. The social impact far outweigh the economic figures.”
From Dec 2024 to Apr 2025, a total of 4 SEs covering different industries in the SE Directory ceased operations. At the same time, 7 new SEs were established, primarily focusing on education and training services. Currently, the top three industries in the SE Directory are education and training, retail and lifestyle products, and corporate services and business support.