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There is a strong need for "dynamic individuals" to promote and drive innovation in social enterprises.
The call came from Mary Creagh (Lab, Wakefield) during Cabinet Office questions in the Commons, who also highlighted the work of charity Local Care Direct.
Echoing her words, David Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry) drew attention to a "hard-core of people not being reached" by benefits, advocating "innovative and dynamic" methods to get information across.
Alistair Burt (Con, North Bedfordshire) highlighted growing unemployment in his constituency and stressed the good work of social enterprises in offering debt advice and employment advice in a "protracted recession".
For Mark Field (Con, Cities of London and Westminster) and Sir Nicholas Winterton (Con, Macclesfield), it was faith groups that were central to support for social enterprises, with Field calling for guarantees that churches would not be discriminated against.
Liam Byrne, Cabinet Office minister, reported that £100m of funding was available from the Department of Health, Department of Work and Pensions, and Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Byrne said ministers "will not repeat the mistakes of the 1980s", stressing the support that was being given for those under-25.
From the Conservative frontbench, shadow Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude asked if there were any plans for a social investment bank. The "biggest problem", he said, "was the lack of finance".
Maude demanded to know why it had taken so long to consult on the bank proposals, reminding the House that "the Bill was published in 2007".
Ken Purchase (Lab, Wolverhampton North East) demanded a "serious council house building programme" arguing that the voluntary sector would find it too difficult to make an impact.
However, Byrne argued that social enterprises and innovative housing associations could contribute significantly to solving housing shortages.
John Pugh (Lib Dem, Southport) called for "real change" and the use of open source software by government.
He drew attention to the cost of software licensing and the difficulties this presents to charities and the third sector in particular.
Tom Watson, Cabinet Office minister, reported that 50 per cent of government websites use opensource, highlighting the move to Linux-based platforms for NHS IT systems.
Andrew Miller (Lab, Ellesmere Port and Neston) drew attention to the need for open standards as well, stressing the importance of inter-operability.
Watson agreed that this was exceptionally important.
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