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January 03, 2005
Social Entrepreneurs Recognized
Social entrepreneurship, which is the application of entrepreneurial tools and techniques to non-profits, is gaining recognition both in entrepreneurship circles and among non-profits. Fast Company has honored those non-profits they consider the 25 best social entrepreneurs.
Who are these social entrepreneurs? Endeavor Global is one example.
"Consider the work of Endeavor Global, a New York-based nonprofit that seeds economic growth in developing countries by supporting the work of large-scale entrepreneurs. In 2002, 97 companies funded by Endeavor generated $332 million in revenue and created 8,562 jobs in Latin America."
One of my favorites is the Grameen Foundation USA, which "uses microfinance and innovative technology to fight global poverty and bring opportunities to the world's poorest people."
How do they achieve this goal?
"With tiny loans, financial services and technology, we help the poor, mostly women, start self-sustaining businesses to escape poverty. Our global network of microfinance partners has already reached more than 800,000 families in 20 countries."
This group of non-profits clearly shows that it is the private sector that best addresses even the toughest problems our world faces. Explore these remarkable social entrepreneurs and offer them any help you can.
Posted January 3, 2005 06:43 AM
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Hi,
Our company is a technology company in the PHilippines, and one of the programs that are taking people out of poverty is microfinancing, which the government has sponsored many cooperatives.
We are helping computerize and optimize their operations of some of these, and get to work with Grameen foundation USA who is providing some technical and financial assistance.
Indeed, one way to spur entrepreneurship and self reliance ( though the successful management of a small business is itself fraught with challenges and risk) is to provide such financing, and of course entrepreneurial foundation.
They are doing a great job in making people hopeful of a better tomorrow.
Posted by: wilson ng at January 4, 2005 12:56 AM
at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He consults with a variety of businesses on start-up and growth related issues, and with larger corporations on re-establishing entrepreneurial cultures within their organizations. Dr. Cornwall's current research interests include entrepreneurial finance and entrepreneurial ethics. He has authored or co-authored four books.
