Entrepreneurship is a key aspect of business growth. It can promote economic growth, innovation, spark social change, etc. The new ideas, products, and services developed by individuals or groups of individuals hold power for change and improvement.
The social entrepreneur brings about positive change in society by tackling social, environmental, and cultural issues. Social enterprises find their roots in the minds of social entrepreneurs. The impact generated by their entrepreneurial ventures is seen in local and global communities.
Making an Impact
Many companies strive to be positive contributors to society—often setting goals and visions that aim at solving some of the world’s pressing issues such as hunger, poverty, pollution, etc.
Alex Husted, founder and CEO of Helpsy, sought to lessen the contribution that textile waste has on the environment by making it more convenient to recycle old clothes. The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global pollution, with roughly 85% of all textiles ending up in landfills each year. His company is able to repurpose approximately 95% of all the items they collect. Read more about Helpsy here.
Another entrepreneur tackling pollution from consumer goods is Yasmin Grigaliunas, CEO and Co-founder of the World’s Biggest Garage Sale. The for-profit social enterprise is focused on driving profit for a purpose. By recycling, repurposing, and reusing existing products, they are able to make a profit without negatively impacting our planet. Showing people that there is true beauty in second-hand products. Learn more about this business here.
Social entrepreneurs offer solutions that have positive impacts both in the short and long term. The solutions they provide often help to attain larger goals. These are only a few examples of companies whose missions aim to fight social, environmental, and cultural issues.
Are you a social entrepreneur?
If you have a business, ask yourself, how is my business impacting society?
If you are looking to further your impact on society and have a business that is dedicated to making a positive impact on society through societal innovation, apply now http://oneten.com.au/pitchit or find out how we can support you info@oneten.com.au.
One 10 is here to help foster innovative growth that has a meaningful social and environmental impact.
Author: Francesca Savino is a graduate student from Owasso, Oklahoma, studying at the School of Global Studies and Partnerships at Oklahoma State University. She is passionate about international trade and global supply chain management. Francesca is currently acting as a social impact intern at One10.