From trendy nail salons to chic restaurants to ethical fashion stores, these social enterprises in Singapore are all about conscious living and empowering the underprivileged.
Thinking about how to spend your time meaningfully? Wanna feel like part of your community? Good news: there are many opportunities to do just that beyond volunteering at the nearby soup kitchen or donating your pre-loved items to various charities. If you want to put your money behind something impactful, social enterprises in Singapore are a great way to support a good cause. And they deserve a damn good shoutout!
Social enterprises in Singapore doing good
1. Boxgreen
Yummy and guilt-free snacks with a good cause? Sign us up. Boxgreen has been whipping up delicious, healthy, and sustainable snacks since 2014. You can rest easy and munch on sweet or savoury plant-based treats made with natural ingredients free from artificial ingredients. And guess what – they’re all packed up by people from the ex-offenders and special needs communities thanks to collaborations with the Yellow Ribbon Project and Minds.
Boxgreen, available online
2. Mustard Tree
Homeware, leather goods, and bags are just some of the items you can find at Mustard Tree. Handmade by special needs individuals, this social enterprise works with special education schools and adult day activity centres to conduct on-site training. Giving them meaningful craft work, the goal is to give the community special skills and the ability to be self-reliant.
Mustard Tree, available online
3. The Social Space
It’s a socially conscious haven at The Social Space, a multi-concept store that features a cafe and fair trade retail area. Cheryl and Daniel Ou are the power couple behind this wonderful space that trains and employs underprivileged people. Trust us, you’ll want to bring your reusable shopping bag for this to shop ethical goodies. And don’t even get us started on the “refillery”! Stock up on castile soap, shampoo, surface cleaner and dishwashing liquid sans pesky plastic bottles, as you’re encouraged to bring your own. Its Chinatown location also features a nail salon!
The Social Space, multiple locations including Kreta Ayer Road and Duo Galleria
4. The Animal Project
In love with all things furry and fuzzy? This social enterprise in Singapore sells a selection of lifestyle goods stamped with artwork drawn by persons with special needs. Think homeware, stationery, bags, decorative items and tees all set to a quirky animal theme.
The Animal Project, available online
5. The Nail Social
We’ll admit, we love The Nail Social at Haji Lane. The salon is run by the same folks behind The Social Space. It offers manicures, pedicures and foot massage services by underprivileged women. These ladies are hired and trained for a chance to pick up a useful skill and gain self-sufficiency. Their work is amazing, the nail polish used is non-toxic. We’re big fans of their fantastic service and the personal screens that allow a bit of a movie binge while you get your nails done!
The Nail Social, multiple locations including Haji Lane and Chinatown
6. Anothersole
We’re huge fans of this homegrown brand! And not just because its light leather shoes are, hands down, the comfiest we’ve ever worn. (Seriously, try them on and you’ll see what we’re talking about – it’s like walking on clouds.) Anothersole’s #Buy1Feed1 initiative is a pledge to use 10% of its profits to support children in need. So when you invest in a pair, you’re helping the company provide food supplies and support underfunded orphanages.
Anothersole, available online and at multiple locations including Paya Lebar Quarter and Tangs Plaza
7. Seeds Cafe
Rainbow Centre wants to empower persons with developmental disabilities and provide them with an inclusive environment to develop skills. Seeds Cafe at its Margaret Drive campus is one of its initiatives. Here’s where you can check out the social space that offers F&B training opportunities to young people with these disabilities. Grab a nice cuppa while you’re here, or participate in one of the many workshops and events.
Seeds Cafe, #01-K1, 501 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149306
8. Hello Flowers
Got a special birthday coming up? Hoping to gift someone a beautiful bouquet? The next time you’re dreaming of pretty blooms, think about Hello Flowers. As a social enterprise floral studio, it offers pro- and low-bono microgreens and flower workshops to bring the therapeutic power of flowers to everyone. Anyone struggling with work can also join the team for interim employment or on-the-job trainings.
Hello Flowers, available online
9. BloomBack
Started by a team who lovingly believes in “the power of flowers,” this floral studio is all about preserved blooms. Not only are they longer-lasting than fresh florals, but they’re also friendlier to the environment. Its beauty isn’t only skin deep, though. The social enterprise also offers skill training and employment for the marginalised. It’s the sweetest thing, really.
BloomBack, available online
10. The Bettr Group
Eco-conscious practices and with the goal to create social impact, the Bettr Group is Asia’s first ever certified B-corp and one of the largest impact-driven coffee companies. The Bettr Academy offers training and a comprehensive list of courses for anyone looking to become a barista, tea artisan, or bartender. And thanks to the Skillsfuture Singapore partnership, you can get 90% funding for the courses! You can also shop for coffee beans sourced directly from farmers.
The Bettr Group, multiple locations
11. The Clay Day
On hiatus
If you’ve been shopping around flea markets and pop-ups (like we love to), you might have noticed intricate handmade ceramic accessories by The Clay Day. Necklaces, earrings and accessories – you’ll find them all here. The brand supports workshops and their socially disadvantaged artisans in Cambodia. It also aims to collaborate with local businesses that hire disadvantaged individuals.
The Clay Day, available online
There you have it; all the social enterprises in Singapore to support!
