In class the other day we discussed the difference between entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. Cumulatively, our class defined social entrepreneurship as business with a double bottom line: the first bottom line being profitability while the second bottom line is impacting society. I thought this was a given, that all business should deal with impacting society in some form of servitude but I’ve begun to learn, that’s not realistic in the business world… At least that’s what people claim.
I’ve always believed that business should be for the betterment of society or people in one way or another. I just assumed this aspect was a part of all business, not just one section of business. It’s somewhat of a discouragement to hear professors say the purpose of business is to make a profit, although I’m recognizing the practicality of it more throughout my education. Needless to say our discussion of social entrepreneurship really encouraged me because it combines my love for business with my passion for people and helping others. I love the concept of social entrepreneurship because it makes the seemingly improbable, probable!
So looking back and moving forward, here’s the question of the day: what does social entrepreneurship look like for you? Would you consider yourself a social entrepreneur? And if not, why?
