Are the lines blurring between business and non-profit?

Posted on October 21st, 2009 by tim bursch. Filed under business, social action.



I have friends that are pure entrepreneurs. They are great at business, investing in good ideas, and earning a gazillion dollars.

I also have friends that are in the trenches serving the most overlooked communities in the country. They are brilliant problem solvers, crazy creative, and are able to do a lot with a little bit of resources.

Both have amazing skills and passion. Both types of friends are making a big difference.

I also have friends that are trying to combine and integrate. They want to serve community and earn a gazillion dollars. They are merging profit and social venture.

Is one better? Does one or the other make a larger impact? What ways are you seeing lines blur between business and non-profit?

Watch soon for details on a Tweetchat regarding social impact, entrepreneurs, and action.

Image credit: D’Arcy Norman



  • Thanks for furthering this conversation Tim.

    As a guy who has chosen door #3 (serving community and earning a profit) I'm an advocate for sustainable organizations. For me that means generating a profit in a way that fairly accounts for the resources (human and natural) that contribute to the profit being made.

    In some respects its easiest to pursue either money or mission but I think the constraints of pursuing both can result in innovative solutions that might not have otherwise been considered. We might as well set the bar high...
  • Hey Zack,
    This is totally a work in progress and thanks for being part of the conversation. I love the thought of going for more and reaching higher. This is anti-mediocrity! Let's go for it!
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