Social Enterprise
At Broad View United, social enterprise is one way we live our faith in public—pairing compassion with creativity to generate revenue for our ministry, build community, and serve our neighbours. We pursue ventures that align with our values, strengthen long-term sustainability, and create practical impact for people
and the planet.
Why Social Enterprise at BVU?
● Mission first: Entrepreneurial projects that advance care, justice, and
community.
● Financial resilience: Steady, diversified income to support ministries and
staff.
● Community impact: Jobs, volunteer pathways, skills development, and
responsible reuse.
What We’ve Done
Social Acquisition (past project)
Social Acquisition (past project): In 2019, BVU purchased a Just Like Family home care franchise as part of its bold commitment to community impact through social acquisition. What began with no clients in 2020 grew rapidly into a thriving network across Vancouver Island, serving more than 50 clients and caregivers with an annual operating budget of over $1.2M by 2023.
Recognizing the potential of this model, BVU became a founding partner in acquiring the national Just Like Family enterprise, joining with
charities and impact investors to secure its long-term social good. The church’s pioneering role in this movement is highlighted in Win-Win Capitalism: How Social Acquisitions Will Change the Face of Business by Carla Leon, who now serves as CEO of the national Just Like Family. By 2024, BVU and its board discerned it was time to sell the local franchise operations, returning nearly ten times the initial investment back to the church. These proceeds continue to support BVU’s ministries and seed new social enterprise projects.
What We're Currently Doing
Thrift Store (current)
● Thrift Store (current): Today, BVU’s most visible social enterprise is its Thrift Store, which has become both a financial cornerstone and a community hub:
○ Generating around $20,000/month to sustain church programs and justice initiatives.
○ Offering affordable goods while promoting sustainability through reuse.
○ Creating intergenerational volunteer opportunities and skill development.
○ Extending generosity by donating unsold goods to community partners, such as providing bedding for the SPCA.
The store thrives thanks to a large volunteer team and its manager, Sarah McConnell, who together embody BVU’s spirit of service and welcome.
Looking Ahead
BVU’s Social Enterprise journey is guided by our mission and core values. Each venture—whether home care, the thrift store, or future initiatives—is about more than revenue; it is about living out justice, sustainability, and compassion in tangible ways.
The Social Enterprise Team is actively discerning new opportunities that serve both people and the planet while ensuring BVU’s financial resilience.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue seeking innovative ways to put our faith into action—building projects that nurture community, care for creation, and strengthen the ministries of Broad View United.
