Social entrepreneurship has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, as people worldwide are becoming more interested in creating positive social change through their business ventures. 

But what exactly is social entrepreneurship, and how does it differ from traditional entrepreneurship? 

This article will explore the concept of social entrepreneurship, its history, its characteristics, and some examples of successful social enterprises.

What is Social Entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship is using business principles and techniques to create positive social change. Social entrepreneurship aims to develop sustainable solutions to social issues rather than relying on traditional methods such as charity or government intervention. Social entrepreneurs identify a social problem and then create a business model to address that problem.

History of Social Entrepreneurship

While "social entrepreneurship" is relatively new, the concept has existed for centuries. One of the earliest examples of social entrepreneurship is the founding of the Nobel Prize in 1901 by Alfred Nobel. Nobel created the prize to honour individuals who had made significant contributions to science, literature, and peace to promote positive social change.

Another early example of social entrepreneurship is the creation of the cooperative movement in the 19th century. Qualified businesses were established to provide goods and services to members at cost rather than for profit. These businesses were designed to empower workers and offer a sustainable solution to poverty and inequality.

In the 1960s and 1970s, social entrepreneurship began to gain more attention as people become more aware of the limitations of traditional charity and government intervention. One of this era's most influential social entrepreneurs was Muhammad Yunus, who founded the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. The bank provided small loans to poor women, allowing them to start businesses and become financially independent.

Characteristics of Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship has several key characteristics that distinguish it from traditional entrepreneurship:

• Social Impact: The primary goal of social entrepreneurship is to create positive social change. Social entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to solve social problems and improve the lives of others.
• Innovation: Social entrepreneurs develop innovative business models to address social problems. They are not bound by traditional methods and are willing to take risks to achieve their goals.
• Sustainability: Social entrepreneurship is focused on creating sustainable solutions to social problems. Social entrepreneurs aim to create businesses that can continue to operate and positively impact over the long term.
• Collaboration: Social entrepreneurs often work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private companies. Teamwork is critical to creating sustainable solutions to complex social problems.

Examples of Successful Social Enterprises

• TOMS Shoes: TOMS Shoes was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. The company's mission is to provide shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes sold. Since its founding, TOMS has provided over 100 million pairs of shoes to children in need around the world.
• Warby Parker: Warby Parker was founded in 2010 by four friends who wanted to create a more affordable and socially responsible alternative to traditional eyewear. The company donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair of glasses sold.
• Ben & Jerry's: Ben & Jerry's is a well-known ice cream brand committed to social and environmental causes since its founding in 1978. The company has been involved in various social and environmental initiatives, including fair trade, climate justice, and marriage equality.
• The Body Shop: The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick. The company was one of the first to use natural ingredients in its products and has been committed to social and environmental causes throughout its history. The Body Shop has initiated initiatives to combat animal testing, protect the environment, and support fair trade.
• Ashoka: Ashoka is a global organisation that supports social entrepreneurs worldwide. The organisation provides funding, networking opportunities, and other resources to help social entrepreneurs create sustainable solutions to social problems. Since its founding in 1980, Ashoka has supported over 3,500 social entrepreneurs in more than 90 countries.

Social entrepreneurship is an increasingly important field that combines business principles and techniques with a desire to create positive social change. 

Social entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to solve social problems and improve the lives of others, and they develop innovative business models to achieve their goals. Social entrepreneurship has a long history and has become more prevalent in recent years as people have become more aware of the limitations of traditional charity and government intervention. 

There are many successful social enterprises around the world, and organisations like Ashoka are helping to support the growth of this critical field. 

As we face increasingly complex social problems, social entrepreneurship will continue to be essential for creating positive change.