Since 1992, I've been coaching the entrepreneurs and
leaders behind social enterprises. Social entrepreneurship and social business are concepts that have
gained momentum in recent years as answers to social problems on a global scale and scarce resources to
address them. If the enterprise or project you own, manage, or dream of building follows one of the
models below, you may be a social entrepreneur.
Social Business - A business with a social agenda that holds a higher priority than
maximizing profits. Its core product or service line is aimed at solving a social problem. Typically
focused on poverty, health, education, animal welfare, or the environment, these enterprises
use innovative business models to pay their own way. Enterprises like these are also called social
sector businesses, not just for profit businesses, and social business enterprises.
Earned Income Nonprofit - A nonprofit organization addressing social problems that derives a
substantial portion of its income from products and services it sells to those who can pay, rather
than relying solely on grants and donations. Organizations like these and their initiatives are often referred
to as social enterprises.
Pro Bono Practice - An organization formed by one or more doctors, lawyers, teachers,
consultants, coaches, or other professionals who primarily serve
people unable to pay their full fee. The organization earns its income by charging full fees to other
clients, selling additional products and services to those who can pay, or finding sponsors for their
work.
Professional Activist/Educator - An individual working to educate and move others to action
about practical solutions to social issues. He or she earns a living at writing, teaching, speaking,
or organizing to directly communicate these important answers.
Leader/Advocate - An individual who advocates for a project or new way of doing things to
solve social problems, using his or her leadership skills to educate, motivate, and inspire others to
act. Leader/ advocates may volunteer their time or combine their advocacy with other methods of
earning a living or financing their goals.
What all these models have in common is that they make use of business principles and entrepreneurial
leadership skills to address social issues. They use the spirit, creativity, and drive of motivated
leaders and entrepreneurs to make a positive difference in the world.
If these principles describe you and your enterprise, I'd like to help you succeed. Please visit my
free resources for social entrepreneurs or find out more about
workshops and forums or coaching and consulting. Together,
we can build enterprises that make a difference.
— C.J. Hayden
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Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
Audio workshop on CD or MP3
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Check out my free
resources for social entrepreneurs and socially responsible businesses.
Find out how coaching can help your enterprise succeed.
Read about social entrepreneurship projects my clients are involved in.
Subscribe to email updates on social entrepreneurship.
Do you have questions about social
entrepreneurship? Submit a question for my new audio series; you may qualify for
a free copy.
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