스포트라이트
임팩트 기업가, 사회 혁신가, 지속 가능한 비즈니스 리더, CSR 관리자(기업의 사회적 책임 관리자), 사회적 기업 관리자, 비영리 기업가, 임팩트 투자 분석가, 소셜 벤처 캐피털리스트, 윤리적 비즈니스 컨설턴트, 지역 사회 개발 전문가
16% percent of adults in the American workforce are considered entrepreneurs, individuals who launch and manage their own business ventures, taking on financial risks in pursuit of profit. Within this group, a growing number are recognized as Social Entrepreneurs. These individuals not only aim for financial success but also strive to address social or environmental challenges through their business models.
This requires a deep understanding of the issues they wish to tackle – and realistic solutions that can be implemented through their business models. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs, who focus mostly on making money, Social Entrepreneurs aim to make measurable positive impacts on local, national, or global problems. They strive to improve issues ranging from poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse to healthcare, human rights, access to education, and environmental sustainability.
As essential drivers of systemic change, this caring class of entrepreneurs contributes to the economy while forming strategic partnerships to expand their reach and impact!
- Making a positive impact on communities and the environment
- Solving complex social issues with innovative solutions
- Helping to promote ethical business practices
- Collaborating with nonprofits and government agencies
근무 일정
- Social entrepreneurs typically work full-time, with the possibility of long hours if they are running their organizations. They may work from offices, co-working spaces, or remotely, with frequent community visits and stakeholder meetings.
일반적인 의무
- Research issues and develop business models able to implement innovative solutions
- Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining the company’s mission, vision, goals, target market, competitive landscape, marketing strategies, and financial projections
- Secure funding through loans, grants, investors, and revenue generation
- Build, recruit, hire, and lead a mission-aligned team
- Manage or delegate employee relations, performance, and other HR tasks
- Manage or delegate budgeting, accounting, payroll, taxes, and other finance-related tasks
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract customers and promote products or services
- Establish revenue goals. Lead or oversee sales teams to ensure targets are met
- Execute strategic plans for business growth, market expansion, new product or service introduction, and competitive positioning
- Oversee or delegate authority for running day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient processes, quality control, inventory management, procurement, production, service delivery, etc.
- Collaborate with community members, stakeholders, suppliers, vendors, business partners, and industry associations
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships. Provide excellent service, address questions and concerns, and gather feedback for improvement
- Measure the impact of initiatives and share the information with stakeholders
추가 책임
- Comply with various local, state, and international regulations and guidelines
- Mitigate legal, financial, operational, and other risks using risk management strategies
- Advocate for policy changes and raise awareness of ongoing issues
- Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and changes related to the company’s social cause and to the overall business landscape
- Adapt strategies to stay competitive and meet changing customer needs
- Network with fellow social entrepreneurs and like-minded organizations
소프트 스킬
- 적응성
- 세부 사항에주의
- 예산에 민감한
- 협업
- 통신
- 자신
- 창조성
- 결단 력
- 디테일 지향
- 공감
- 융통성
- 지도력
- 멀티태스킹
- 조직 기술
- 고집
- 설득력
- 문제 해결
- 탄성
- 전략적 사고
- 팀워크
- 시간 관리
기술 능력
- 사업 개발
- Financial management, budgeting, and payroll
- Fundraising and grant writing
- Human resource management
- Impact measurement and evaluation
- Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks
- Marketing and public relations
- 프로젝트 관리
- Report writing
- B Corps (a for-profit organization with a social impact agenda)
- Charitable foundations
- Cooperatives
- NGOs
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social enterprises
Social Entrepreneurs need an unwavering commitment to whatever cause they build their companies around. Among other things, this means putting in overtime to ensure their mission is successful. It takes persistence and consistency to make real change, especially when obstacles loom large. They also need leadership skills to motivate their teams and sustain that drive over the long haul.
Financial sustainability is crucial but earning profits should balance with mission goals. There’s a constant need to navigate stakeholder relationships, especially with investors who want to ensure their money is making a difference. Social Entrepreneurs must often make personal and financial compromises, but their efforts can offer profound fulfillment, making their sacrifices worthwhile!
Social entrepreneurship is going through some exciting changes. Advanced technology like AI and blockchain is making it easier to solve social problems by improving transparency and efficiency. For example, BanQu uses blockchain to provide economic identities, helping them access financial services. Similarly, platforms like Giving Compass Insights use data and analytics to connect social impact organizations with resources and solutions.
More social entrepreneurs are focusing on green projects like renewable energy and waste reduction. This push is in line with the global call for more sustainable practices to tackle urgent environmental issues. For instance, companies like BioLite are developing affordable, clean energy products for off-grid communities, reducing reliance on harmful fuels. Another example is Plastic Bank, which incentivizes plastic waste collection in exchange for digital tokens that can be used for goods and services.
Impact investing is also booming, with investors looking for financial returns and positive social outcomes. This has led to a rise of benefit corporations and social purpose corporations collaborating with public, private, and nonprofit sectors. For example, Patagonia reinvests profits into environmental causes and sustainable practices. Additionally, companies like TOMS Shoes ensure every purchase directly benefits a social cause.
Social Entrepreneurs like to help others and have a knack for problem-solving. They may have been actively involved in local causes or community service in their younger days. Many have an independent streak that drives them to launch their own organizations when they’re older.
- There is no established educational path for entrepreneurs. Some learn by trial and error, while others earn a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, social sciences, or environmental studies
- Many Social Entrepreneurs pursue an MBA or a master’s in social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, or public policy
- In addition to understanding business, Social Entrepreneurs must learn about whatever product or service they intend to market. This may involve earning a relevant degree…or doing a lot of self-study
- Consider Bill Gates, who mastered programming in his spare time, then co-founded Microsoft after dropping out of Harvard!
- Sometimes Social Entrepreneurs are eager to get out there and do things, but a strong business foundation is essential to avoid mistakes that could cause their business to fail. For those who don’t want to pursue a degree, consider taking community college or online courses in areas such as:
- Accounting, Finance, and Budgeting
- Business Ethics
- Community Engagement and Outreach
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
- Cultural Competence and Diversity
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing and Sales
- Networking and Partnership Development
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- 전략 계획
- 허브스팟, 스프라우트 소셜, 구글 애널리틱스, 탭인플루언스와 같은 통계 및 분석 프로그램도 유용하게 사용할 수 있습니다.
- Entrepreneurs also need to learn about their target customers and how to engage them on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, X, WhatsApp, Reddit, and Quora
- Most of these subjects can be studied for free or low cost on platforms such as edX, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning. Harvard Business School Online also offers many applicable courses
If you intend to hire employees, you’ll need to comply with federal, state, and local laws related to hiring and managing workers. That involves:
✓ Getting an Employer Identification Number and registering with the labor department✓ Buying worker’s comp insurance and establishing worker benefits
✓ Establishing payroll and tax withholdings
✓ Ensuring fair hiring practices and safe working conditions
Maintaining the security and privacy of personnel records
- Optional certifications related to social entrepreneurship or even nonprofit management and project management can teach valuable skills, as well
- There are no specific educational requirements for Social Entrepreneurs, but a degree in business, economics, finance, social sciences, or environmental studies can contribute to a successful venture.
- Look for programs offering opportunities for internships and hands-on experience.
- Check out the program’s faculty and their experience in social ventures.
- Ideally, programs should have strong connections with local and global social impact organizations.
- Other considerations include:
- Costs of tuition and any discount or scholarship options.
- Whether the program qualifies for federal aid tuition payments.
- Whether you want to attend on-campus, online, or via a hybrid method.
- Graduate job placement stats and details about the program’s alumni network.
- Entrepreneurs often need to be familiar with all aspects of their business, especially in the early days. As a result, they can benefit from studying classes such as English, speech, math, accounting, finance, marketing, business, graphic design, and social media marketing
- Some skills are best learned through a mix of academic and real-world practical experience. So volunteer for activities where you can learn project management, leadership and teamwork, and conflict resolution
- Seek internships with nonprofits or social enterprises, or start small projects or initiatives to address local issues. Try to attend events where you can meet and network with other entrepreneurs
- There are many software programs and digital tools that can come in handy, such as programs for financial management, client relationship management, workflow automation, file sharing, and risk assessment
- Social Entrepreneurs should be experts in the product or service they want to offer, and in how to market their offerings, grow their business, and manage employees
- If planning to create an original product or service, study the markets and decide if you want to run a local, statewide, national, or international business. Note, pay attention to business licensure and tax requirements, which can be complex
- Consult a small business lawyer! Most businesses have some type of customer, which brings the potential for liability risk
Launch a website and establish your social media presence. Study SEO, Search Engine Marketing, and analytic tools - 성공한 사회적 기업가에게 조언이나 멘토링을 요청하세요. 대학에 재학 중이라면 동문 네트워크를 통해 잠재적 인맥이 있는지 살펴보세요.
- Grow your LinkedIn influence by writing and sharing articles. Be mindful of public perception as you hone your brand’s image and reputation
- Hop on Quora and ask job advice questions to other industry professionals
- 전문 조직에 가입하여 트렌드에 대해 알아보고 네트워크를 성장시키십시오.
- Since Social Entrepreneurs are self-employed, there isn’t a job to land, per se
- You’ll be your own boss, so be ready to put in the hours to develop a rock-solid business plan that lenders or investors can get behind
- It can take months or years to be successful at a socially conscious enterprise, so have a plan to pay bills as you progress
- Some businesses rely mainly on loans; others seek grants or funding from investors. You’ll need to decide which methods you want to pursue
- Review Small Business Administration resources. Veterans should also visit the SBA’s Veteran-owned business section
- Check out government grants and other small business grants that may be available. Grants don’t have to be paid back, but they do come with strict conditions about how the money can be used
- Learn about angel investors, venture capitalists, socially responsible investing, and environmental, social, and governance criteria
- If needed, get some job experience before launching your enterprise. Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions via sites like Indeed, Idealist, Devex, and LinkedIn
- 비즈니스 인턴십은 창업 전에 경험을 쌓을 수 있는 좋은 기회입니다.
- Connect with your school’s career center for resources and support
- Hire a Social Media Specialist, if the budget allows, to raise awareness of your brand. If money is tight, practice your own social media skills. Pay attention to what gets viewed, shared, or commented on. Study viral ads, videos, and copywriting. Read tutorials on the built-in features of apps and platforms. Take online courses and get familiar with analytical tools that show user engagement stats. Check out freelancers who can help with creating and running ads!
- Grow your business and your team methodically and strategically. Don’t rush ahead without a plan
- Keep growing your professional network. Constantly learn from more experienced entrepreneurs
- Read books and take continuing education courses to learn how to stay ahead
- When problems arise, stay calm and look for feasible solutions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for assistance
- Keep an eye on how your products and services are selling. Make improvements or changes, as needed
- Look for creative opportunities to partner with others who have similar goals
- Attend professional events where you can raise awareness of your brand
- Use the services of grant writers to put in for grants, if applicable
- Use social media platforms to promote your business, engage with customers, and build an online presence
- Stay informed about industry trends and market changes. Adapt your business strategies to align with evolving customer preferences and technological advancements
- Offer training and development opportunities for your team to boost performance
웹사이트
- Ashoka
- Skoll Foundation
- Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
- 사회적 기업 연합
- B Lab
- Impact Hub
- 500 모자
- 모든 비즈니스
- 엔젤리스트 벤처
- B 변경 사항
- 크런치베이스
- Entrepreneur.com
- Forbes
- 기업가용
- 하버드 비즈니스 리뷰
- 허브스팟
- Inc. Magazine
- 인베스토피디아
- 매셔블
- 닐 파텔
- 사회적 기업가를 위한 학교
- SCORE.org
- 중소기업청
- 사회적 기업 연합
- 30세 미만 CEO
- 벤처 블로그
책
- Building Social Business, by Muhammad Yunus
- Social Entrepreneurship: A Modern Approach to Social Value Creation, by Arthur C. Brooks
- Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know, by David Bornstein and Susan Davis
- The Power of Unreasonable People: How Social Entrepreneurs Create Markets That Change the World, by John Elkington and Pamela Hartigan
- The Social Entrepreneur’s Playbook, Expanded Edition: Pressure Test, Plan, Launch and Scale Your Social Enterprise, by Ian C. MacMillan and James D. Thompson
Social Entrepreneurs juggle a ton of tasks and responsibilities but don’t always earn the profits they need to stay afloat. For those interested in alternative career paths, consider our list below!
- Advertising Manager
- Business Consultant
- Community Organizer
- 영화 제작자
- 재무 관리자
- Fundraiser
- 인사 관리자
- 비영리 단체 관리자
- Public Policy Maker
- 홍보
- 영업 관리자
- 사회복지사