Social Entrepreneurship Is



My professor, Peter Staples, explained Social Enterprises usually have two defining characteristics: they seek after some social benefit or outcome, and they employ sustainable methods (generate revenue). They differ from traditional run-of-the-mill non-profits in the latter – they produce their own revenue rather than surviving off of donations only.



Joe Demim's experience illustrates this brightly. He decided to start Yellow Leaf Hammocks enterprise which helps people of the Mlabri tribe earn crucial life sustaining revenue through an online sales site and US stores, rather than solicit rich westerners for donations.

The definitions given here are incomplete. That is the nature of this beast, a growing and forming field. But the hope is that they may provide a clear vision for the reader.

Consider what Martin Montero, a StartingBloc Fellow, and Mathea Bradenburg have to say.

 Partnering with locals to create solutions, rather than working with organizations that sweep in to provide temporary assistance, yields more sustainable results and affirms a work ethic based upon empowerment

 SocEnt is not a social service. SocEnt is not social activism. 

Social entrepreneurship is about opportunity and power distribution. Social entrepreneurship is not about elitist fellowships, conferences, summits, accelerators, coworking spaces, or contests. Social entrepreneurship is not about charity or even about philanthropy, and it's certainly not about wealth redistribution. 

  Its aim relative to poverty should be very basic: reinforcing the idea that people have the capability to succeed, and presenting them with opportunities to flourish. 

It reaches to all of those effected by its work and engages them before it goes forward.

So attempt conciseness for today: Social Entrepreneurship attempts to positively affect the world in a social way, through sustainable methods, by distributing power and opportunity.

Join in the conversation. Let me know what you think Social Entrepreneurship is or should be.

Or join with #LuminarySocEnt and follow me at @GeorgeASimons

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