Social Enterprises
Many non profits and charities generate revenues from running businesses. Martha has been actively involved in this space since the 1st Social Enterprise Summit was held in Vancouver. Many of her clients are arts organizations that no matter the definition operate as social enterprises.
She provides strategic and legal advice to many non profits about the organizational requirements for running a social enterprise. She has incorporated entities wholly owned by non profits and charities under the BC Corporations Act and advised others on the proposed new hybrid structure the Community Contribution Corporation.
In her work teaching basic legal literacy she has advocated for a legal structure that fits the people involved. She has also provided advice to social enterprises managing complex employment relationships, licensing agreements with other entities and the purchase and sale of existing businesses. Prior to her legal career Martha was a cook and worked for several years in the industry. She has a particular interest in food security and the sharing economy.
Among her clients are the Auxiliary to the BC Children's Hospital and East of Main Cafe.