Capitalism is changing. The rise of the “social enterprise” – entities that use the power of the market to create social and environmental good – are becoming mainstream.
For the first time, the term “social enterprise” made the top of Deloitte’s 2018 Human Capital Trends Report, which noted “Organizations are no longer assessed based only on traditional metrics such as financial performance... Rather, organizations today are increasingly judged on ... their impact on society at large—transforming them from business enterprises into social enterprises.”
While the concept of social entrepreneurship is not new (learn more about the full history of the movement here), its entry into corporations reflects a major shift in the way we think about the role of business in society.
Whether you’re an aspiring social entrepreneur or a private sector professional looking to keep a pulse on the changing business landscape, we’ve rounded up our favorite resources to help you stay fluent in the latest industry trends.
Acumen is a global nonprofit changing the way the world tackles poverty by investing in sustainable businesses, leaders, and ideas. On its blog, you’ll find stories of how the investment of “Patient Capital” allows innovative, new, potentially world-changing ideas see the light of day. Check out Acumen CEO Jacqueline Novogratz’s TED Talk on Patient Capital here to learn more about their innovative approach.
B Lab is a nonprofit that serves a global movement of people using business as a force for good. B Lab is the organization behind the B Corp Certification, a game-changing organizational model that is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. On its blog, you’ll practical tips and insights to make progress towards the ideals of the B Corp model. [Editor’s note: Check out #GlobalFellow Andreia’s experteering story to learn more about her experience on the front lines of the B Corp movement with Sistema B in Ecuador!]
Skoll Center for Social Entrepreneurship
The Skoll Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford University is a leading academic institution with a mission to accelerate the impact of entrepreneurship to affect meaningful system-level change. On its blog, you’ll find actionable insights and the latest research from the front lines of social innovation.
SOCAP (Social Capital Markets) is an impact economy leader dedicated to increasing the flow of capital toward social good. The SOCAP network of investors, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders collaborating to solve the world’s toughest challenges through market-based solutions. Its blog will provide insights from industry thought-leaders and key take-aways from researchers and leaders. It also operates a must-see annual conference, with a generous scholarship program.
Social Enterprise Alliance is the national membership organization and key catalyst for the rapidly growing social enterprise movement in the United States. The group provides social enterprises with the resources they need to succeed, and supports the growth of social entrepreneurship on a national scale. Its blog serves as a voice for more sustainable social impact, featuring weekly roundups of top headlines and sharing industry events and updates.
Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) is an award-winning magazine and website that covers cross-sector solutions to global problems. SSIR is written by and for social change leaders from around the world and from all sectors of society—nonprofits, foundations, business, government, and engaged citizens. Its mission is to advance, educate, and inspire the field of social innovation by seeking out, cultivating, and disseminating the best in research- and practice-based knowledge.
DevEx is the media platform of the global development community. DevEx is a social enterprise working to make the aid and development industry do more good for more people. On its site you can find the latest industry news from around the world, plus multiple recruiting and business development services for global development.
NextBillion is a community of business leaders, social entrepreneurs, NGO managers, policy makers, academics and others exploring the connection between development and enterprise. It chronicles new trends in market solutions to poverty that benefit the world’s 4 billion low-income producers and consumers – often known as the base of the pyramid. The site features in-depth analysis and opinion from thought leaders and researchers – as well as on-the-ground insights from social entrepreneurs. NextBillion also offers an editor-curated newsfeed, a calendar of important events, and a career center with continuously updated job opportunities across the “development through enterprise” market sector.
Fast Company is the world’s leading business media brand, with an editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, world changing ideas, creativity, and design. Written for and about the most progressive business leaders, Fast Company inspires readers to think expansively, lead with purpose, embrace change, and shape the future of business.
As the business landscape continues to shift towards more Social Impact models, Causeartist is there to help you discover what’s new and trending in the world of Social Enterprise and Social Impact. Causeartist features original interviews, lists, and spotlights with founders and CEO’s from some of the most exciting Social Enterprises impacting the world. Cause Artist is platform for people who use their talents and skills to impact the world.
For over a decade, TriplePundit has reported on the intersection of people, planet and profit, believing business can be a force for good. Triple Pundit reports on the business of doing better.
Conscious Company Media is a community dedicated to doing business better. We believe that companies and business leaders have a crucial role to play in creating an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and spiritually meaningful human presence on this planet.
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