Expression of the impact of social business on the economy in Lithuania

Research background: Social business solves problems that cannot be solved by traditional businesses, government agencies, and traditional non-governmental organizations. The secrecy and uniqueness of social business in solving the most sensitive problems of society, being able to survive independently and ensure the continuity of activities gives this form of activity an advantage and determines its growing popularity. Such businesses are based on the laws of the market, use effective ways based on proven business principles to meet social needs and solve existing societal problems. Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to substantiate the impact of social business on the country’s economy, which allows to calculate the benefits of social business according to the established criteria. Methods: The benefits for social business were assessed using social performance and impact assessment studies, which assessed changes in key areas such as: change in income, change in housing, change in criminal activity, change in health, and change in income. The benefit-cost ratio and return of social business was determined by conducting the following studies: evaluation of the results of work in a social enterprise using two questionnaires, evaluation of the impact of work in a social enterprise using two research groups and two questionnaires. Findings & value added: The significant positive increase in gross income and labour income over the last month, as well as the number of avoided arrests and changes in stable housing and reduced number of persons counseled on alcohol and drug addiction, led to a positive current net benefit per person employed in the social enterprise for all groups. It amounts to EUR 1.63 per year, with a return of EUR 0.63 per euro spent on social enterprise support.