3 Must Read Articles To Be A Better Social Entrepreneur

Business is the most effective tool to drive of social and environmental progress - this is why small and growing businesses around the world are doing more to eradicate poverty, increase access to healthy food and water, and improve education than any other type of institution.

But it is the people behind these businesses that are the real champions. If you are interested in learning more about who these individuals are, what they are doing, and how you can learn from them, then these 3 articles are must reads:

1. Can Venture Capital Save The World?

Published by Forbes.com on 11/30/2011, this article uses the story of Jacqueline Novogratz and the growth of Acumen Fund to show how instilling dignity in people, and providing small businesses access to Talent, Capital, and a Market can do more for an individual, a community, and even a country than any amount of charitable giving.

2. How To Become a Social Entrepreneur

Inc.com published a fantastic feature on Scott Harrison who changed his focus away from being a "selfish scumbag" to starting charity: water. Instead of bragging about expensive cars and model girlfriends, he now totes that over 1 million people have access to clean water, with aspirations of reaching 100 million within 10 years. How does he guide his success? His 3 rules are:

3. For Inspiration: The Top 30 Social Entrepreneurs in the World

Another article by Forbes.com, this write-up features the top drivers of sustainable change in the world. All have a few things in common. They are really good at failing, and they are even better at unleashing ideas.What else do they all have in common? Experience. Lots of it.