Social Entrepreneurship: Targeting the bottom

Posted by genobz on July 10, 2010 · 3 Comments 

We might have entered the 21st century and may call ourselves as the most able humans ever but there are problems which still remain unsolved. Neither government, nor charity, nor traditional capitalism has been able to solve the world’s hardest social problems — poverty, hunger, ignorance, and environmental degradation. But that does not mean that it can not be tackled. A relatively unexplored approach has the potential and gives hope that there are new ways to deal with old problems.It’s Social Entrepreneurship.

In a few words, it means using business methods to solve social problems. Distinct from a business entrepreneur who sees value in the creation of new markets, the social entrepreneur aims for value in the form of transformational change that will benefit disadvantaged communities and, ultimately, society at large.

Social entrepreneurs are individuals with innovative solutions to society’s most pressing social problems. But what this also requires is committing their lives to the cause. Not an easy task for sure but an inspiring entrepreneurial example.

If you have read a book like Fortune at the bottom of the Pyramid, you would know what this all means.

Here are a few inspiring examples of successful Social Entrepreneurship in India:

• Aravind Eye Hospital
• Jaipur Foot

Suggested Reading – Foundation to Successful Entrepreneurship

For more Information on Social Entrepreneurship you can refer:

Free Management Library > Social Enterprise

Skoll Foundation > Social Entrepreneur

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Filed under Life In India · Tagged with Entrepreneurship