Social and community entrepreneurship has become a buzzword in recent years, with more and more individuals and organizations using their entrepreneurial skills to create positive social change. This form of entrepreneurship goes beyond just making profits, it focuses on addressing social and environmental issues while also creating sustainable businesses.
The Definition of Social and Community Entrepreneurship
Before we dive into some examples of successful social and community entrepreneurs, let's first define what this type of entrepreneurship actually means. According to the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship is 'the use of innovative approaches to develop, fund, and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues.' In other words, it's about using business principles to solve social problems. Community entrepreneurship, on the other hand, focuses on creating businesses that benefit a specific community or group of people. These entrepreneurs often work closely with the community they are serving and involve them in the decision-making process.Examples of Successful Social Entrepreneurs
One of the most well-known examples of a successful social entrepreneur is Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank.Yunus is known as the 'father of microfinance' for his pioneering work in providing small loans to impoverished individuals in Bangladesh. His efforts have helped millions of people escape poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families.
Blake Mycoskie
, the founder of TOMS Shoes, is another example of a successful social entrepreneur. For every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. The company has also expanded its giving model to include eyewear, clean water initiatives, and safe birthing kits.Mycoskie's business has not only provided shoes to millions of children, but it has also raised awareness about the importance of giving back.
Leila Janah
, the founder of Samasource, is a social entrepreneur who is using technology to fight poverty. Samasource provides digital work opportunities to individuals living in poverty-stricken areas, giving them the chance to earn a living wage. Janah's business has helped lift thousands of people out of poverty and has also shown the world that technology can be used for good.Examples of Successful Community Entrepreneurs
One example of a successful community entrepreneur is Veronika Scott, the founder of The Empowerment Plan. Scott's company hires homeless women to make coats that double as sleeping bags for those living on the streets.Not only does this provide employment opportunities for the women, but it also helps keep them warm during the harsh winter months. The Empowerment Plan has expanded to provide other services such as job training and housing assistance.
Brandon Chrostowski
, the founder of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, is another example of a successful community entrepreneur. Chrostowski's restaurant provides culinary training and job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. His goal is to reduce recidivism rates and give these individuals a second chance at life.EDWINS has been highly successful, with a 90% job placement rate for its graduates.
Rebecca van Bergen
, the founder of Nest, is using her entrepreneurial skills to empower women in developing countries. Nest works with artisans in countries such as India and Kenya to help them develop their businesses and connect them with global markets. By providing these women with sustainable income opportunities, Nest is helping to break the cycle of poverty and create positive change in these communities.The Impact of Social and Community Entrepreneurship
The examples mentioned above are just a few of the many successful social and community entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world. These individuals and organizations are not only creating positive social change, but they are also inspiring others to do the same. One of the biggest impacts of social and community entrepreneurship is the creation of sustainable businesses.By focusing on solving social problems, these entrepreneurs are also creating businesses that can generate long-term profits. This not only benefits the entrepreneurs themselves, but it also creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in the communities they serve. Moreover, social and community entrepreneurship has the power to address some of the world's most pressing issues, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. These entrepreneurs are using their innovative ideas and business skills to find solutions to these complex problems.
In Conclusion
Social and community entrepreneurship is on the rise, and it's not hard to see why. These individuals and organizations are proving that businesses can be a force for good and that profit and purpose can go hand in hand.The examples mentioned in this article are just a few of the many successful social and community entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in the world. As more people embrace this form of entrepreneurship, we can look forward to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
