We are facing a multitude of social challenges. Climate change, child and old-age poverty, the reform backlog in the education system, the integration of refugees, inclusion and demographic change are just a few examples.
Social entrepreneurship tries to use the potential of people for innovative solutions that have an entrepreneurial approach in common. Social entrepreneurship offers – alongside state-organised aid on the one hand and civil society engagement on the other – a third way to solve social problems.
Social entrepreneurs pursue the goal of positive social impact in their core business; social return comes before financial return.
Social entrepreneurs and their enterprises are characterised by the following criteria:
- An entrepreneurial approach is taken, i.e. products or services are offered for which there are paying customers.
- At the core of the business model is the creation of social added value, in the sense of contributing to the solution of a socio-ecological problem. This is also the reason for the company’s existence.
- A significant part of the company’s profits will be reinvested in social impact. In addition, the company should be managed in a socially responsible way.
You can find examples of social entrepreneurs among our members.
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Here you can find exciting further information and literature on the topic of social entrepreneurship and social innovation.
