Social enterprises are reshaping the landscape of employment and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These mission-driven businesses blend purpose with profit, offering meaningful work, skill-building, and community connection. But like any model, they come with both opportunities and challenges.
What Is a Social Enterprise?
A social enterprise is a business that exists to achieve a social, cultural, or environmental mission. In the IDD space, these enterprises often:
- Employ individuals with IDD directly
- Provide job training and career development
- Reinforce community inclusion and visibility
- Generate revenue to sustain programming
They’re not just about employment—they’re about empowerment.
Examples of Social Enterprises Serving the IDD Community
🧁 South Fork Bakery
Located in Long Island, South Fork Bakery provides employment and training for adults with developmental disabilities through the production and sale of baked goods. Staff members with IDD are involved in every step—from mixing ingredients to packaging and customer service.
🎨 Spectrum Designs Foundation
Based in Port Washington, NY, Spectrum Designs is a custom apparel and printing business that employs individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The enterprise offers vocational training and competitive employment in a supportive environment.
🖥️ Spirit of Huntington Art Center
Spirit of Huntington empowers individuals with special needs through creative expression and vocational training in graphic design and web development. Their programs combine art, technology, and entrepreneurship to build confidence and career skills.
🧼 Spectrum Suds
Spectrum Suds is a commercial laundry business operated by Spectrum Designs, providing employment for individuals with IDD in a structured, supportive environment.
🧹 CW Management
CW Management offers commercial cleaning services while employing individuals with developmental disabilities. Their model promotes independence, skill-building, and community integration.
💼 Winters Center for Autism
The Winters Center for Autism provides job training, placement, and career development for adults with autism. Through partnerships with local businesses, the Center helps create meaningful employment opportunities while offering fitness, recreation, and social programs to support holistic growth.
🔗 Visit Winters Center for Autism
The Pluses and Minuses of Social Enterprises in the IDD Sector
✅ Benefits
- Customized work environments that support individual needs
- Stable employment with built-in supports
- Community education and visibility
- Revenue generation to reinvest in services
⚠️ Challenges
- Limited transition to competitive employment in some models
- Operational complexity—running a business is demanding
- Funding and sustainability—balancing mission and margin
- Risk of segregation if not integrated with broader community efforts
Looking Forward: Building Sustainable Impact
Social enterprises offer a powerful tool for inclusion, but they must be thoughtfully designed. Success depends on:
- Clear goals: Is the enterprise transitional or long-term?
- Community integration: Are individuals visible and valued?
- Financial viability: Can the business sustain itself?
- Individual choice: Are people with IDD involved in shaping their roles?
At Cerini & Associates, we help organizations navigate the financial, operational, and strategic aspects of launching and sustaining social enterprises. Whether you’re exploring a new venture or refining an existing model, we’re here to support your mission.
Let’s build a future where everyone has a place—and a purpose.
Mahnaz Cavalluzzi, CPA
Partner
Mahnaz has been a member of Cerini & Associates’ audit and consulting practice area since 2010 where she focuses on serving nonprofit organizations, education, and healthcare clientele. Mahnaz has experience in financial statement audits, financial statement reviews, tax return preparation, cost report filing, and other consulting. Mahnaz brings her expertise, diversified background, and helpful approach to all of her engagements.
