Capitalism is changing. The rise of the “social enterprise” — entities that use the power of the market to create sustainable social and environmental good — are becoming mainstream. Whether you’re an aspiring social entrepreneur or a professional looking to keep a pulse on the changing business and philanthropy landscapes, we’re rounding up the best resources to help you learn about social enterprise and stay informed on the latest industry insights and trends.

What is social enterprise?

A social enterprise is not a thing, it's a way of operating.

Social enterprises can exist as nonprofits, businesses, advocacy groups, and even governmental organizations.

Simply stated, it's a way of creating a sustainable impact using a market-driven approach. As notably, social enterprises force the entire system they operate within to become more sustainable in the process.

Most often, you'll hear the term "social enterprise" in conjuction with "social good startups" or "benefit corporations", but they are so much more.

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Top Online Course Platforms to #followsocent

If you’re ready to dive even deeper, check out these top online course platforms to take your knowledge of social impact to the next level (without the hefty university price tag!)

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Top Podcasts to #followsocent

Make the most of your commute and get inspired with this round up of top podcasts related to social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and social enterprise.

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Top Twitter Accounts to #followsocent

Join the conversation around the latest #socent trends by following these Twitter accounts and relevant hashtags.

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Top Blogs & News Outlets to #followsocent

Keep up with the latest in social entrepreneurship, impact investing, sustainability, & corporate social responsibility with this collection of blogs and news outlets.

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The 600-Year History of the Social Enterprise Movement

Social Enterprise has been a long time coming. Here's what you need to know about its past, and why the next 3 years are so important.

Read the full history
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Using Human-Centered Design for Social Enterprise

Read our guide on how to use human-centered design for social impact, including leading tools from the design-thinking movement.

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Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry.

- Bill Drayton, Founder of Ashoka
Growing & Scaling a social enterprise

Scaling a social enterprise is no easy task, and the majority of startups fail to clear the "Pioneer Gap" — where those with the greatest potential to scale solutions to local problems are considered "too risky" or "unproven" by impact investors and most global development foundations. As a result, these pioneers don't have access to the resources they need to grow and reach their potential.

So how do you stack the odds in your favor when growing a social enterprise? We've learned a few things in helping hundreds of organizations beat the odds and reach scale, and our guide below shares the most impactful frameworks and tools that you need to grow and scale your social enterprise.

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“Social entrepreneurs identify resources where people only see problems. They view the villagers as the solution, not the passive beneficiary. They begin with the assumption of competence and unleash resources in the communities they’re serving.”

- David Bornstein, Author, How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas

Examples of social enterprises

Here are some great examples of social enterprise. Take note that social enteprises can be divisions within existing entities, stand-alone private companies, publically traded enterprises, a unit within a nonprofit, or even a simple community group.

The unifying theme is that all these entities use the power of the market to create a sustainable entity that makes a positive, long-term impact.

Danone

A publicly traded "Benefit Corporation" and currently the world's largest #Bcorp

Ubongo Kids

A for-profit turned non-profit that uses cartoons on YouTube to reach millions of children

Compadre Coffee Roasters

A solar-powered coffee roaster developed by Peruvians to empower farmers in their country

Upaya Social Ventures

Investing for social impact using an efficient, combined approach to investing + philanthropic capital

Enterprising Non-Profits

An advocacy organization uses market-driven approaches to supporting a civic movement.
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