There is no official definition from the EC for an undertaking but
the general rule is any organisation involved in economic activity.
An undertaking can include voluntary and non-profit-making public
or private bodies and social enterprises when they are engaged in
economic activity. Social Enterprises therefore fall into the rules and
regulations surrounding State aid.
Social enterprises are, first and foremost, businesses. Like other
businesses, they aim to make a fair profit from trading. What
distinguishes them is the clear focus on their social mission and the
way they use their profit to deliver that mission. What matters for
State aid is not what they are but what they do.
Read on to find out more.