Tim Bursch

Muhammad Yunus is well known in the social entrepreneur community. He has used business skills to make a huge impact in many people’s lives. His definition of a social business can be found here.

I think social enterprises (think Kiva and Donorschoose) are on the leading edge of positive social change. But what about business? A lot of the news is greed and corruption. Can a bank have social impact? What about a grocery store? Why not?

I believe social business can be any company, of any size, that intentionally integrates a social mission into their business. This could take many forms of investment:
- a coffee company giving to at-risk youth.
- a new way to do classifieds that connect people and benefit communities.
- an investment of profits in a Kiva project.

Business can help change the world and tackle social issues like poverty, racism, the digital divide, and hunger. I know people and business are doing this. Tell me what you see?

Further Reading:

Spotlight: Zack Steven

Where is Poverty?

Tags: change, social business