Sociology

Who are Social Entrepreneurs

Who are Social Entrepreneurs

Social entrepreneurs are drivers of change. Together with institutions, networks, and communities, social entrepreneurs create solutions that are efficient, sustainable, transparent, and have measurable impact .

A few examples of social entrepreneurs and their systems-changing solutions include:

  • Muhammad Yunus’ Grameen Bank which spearheaded micro finance globally
  • Carlo Petrini’s “slow food movement” which currently has 100,000 member in 132 countries committed to rescuing cultural traditions and the preserving biodiversity
  • Wendy Kopp’s Teach for America which transforms educational opportunities for low income groups whilst recruiting top university students to work in America’s worst performing public schools.

Ambitious: Social entrepreneurs tackle major social issues, from increasing the college enrollment rate of low-income students to fighting poverty. They operate in all kinds of organizations: innovative nonprofits, social-purpose ventures, and hybrid organizations that mix elements of nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Mission driven: Generating social value not wealthis the central criterion of a successful social entrepreneur. While wealth creation may be part of the process, it is not an end in itself. Promoting systemic social change is the real objective.

Strategic: Like business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs see and act upon what others miss: opportunities to improve systems create solutions and invent new approaches that create social value.

 Oriented: Social entrepreneurs are driven to produce measurable returns. These results transform existing realities, open up new pathways for the marginalized and disadvantaged, and unlock society’s potential to effect social change.

Who are Social Entrepreneurs