Social entrepreneurship and why it matters?
This knowledge tile provides a basic introduction to the principles and practice of social entrepreneurship. It begins with a definition of social entrepreneurship and an exploration of its growing importance in the context of global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The content distinguishes between social entrepreneurship and traditional business models, highlighting the unique, purposeful approach.
Are you a (future) social entrepreneur?
Do you want to start or grow a business that addresses social or environmental issues - and is not just focused on profit? Are you driven by a social mission, but also think like an entrepreneur? If so, you may already be active as a social entrepreneur, or on your way to becoming one. On this page, you will find a brief introduction.
What is social entrepreneurship?
Social entrepreneurship is the innovative search for solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges. It involves applying entrepreneurial principles, not only to generate profit, but above all to create meaningful and sustainable social value.
Core definition: According to Mair & Marti (2006), social entrepreneurship is:
"The process of identifying, evaluating and exploiting opportunities to create social value, which can take place within or across the non-profit, commercial and public sectors."
It is about applying entrepreneurial thinking to social change, bringing together the following elements:
- SDG1: No poverty
- SDG3: Good health and well-being
- SDG4: Quality education
- SDG13: Climate Action
What is social entrepreneur scha?
Social entrepreneurs focus on pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change or access to education and healthcare. They deploy entrepreneurship for social impact. Instead of profit as the end goal, the focus is on creating value for people and planet. Many social enterprises contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) United Nations, such as:
- SDG1: No poverty
- SDG3: Good health and well-being
- SDG4: Quality education
- SDG13: Climate Action
Social entrepreneurship
How can we help you?
Where do you stand and what direction of growth do you choose?
Business models with a mission
Social enterprises can take different forms: from non-profits with an entrepreneurial approach to hybrid models that combine profit with social impact.
They move on a spectrum - but always with a clear mission. These organisations play an important role in addressing so-called 'wicked problems': complex, intractable issues that require creative, local and scalable solutions.
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