A social entrepreneurship seeks to help solve a problem in society.
A social entrepreneurship is a commercial or business initiative that aims to contribute to the resolution of a problem in society . It is a project that combines traditional business issues with a facet of philanthropy.
It should be noted that a entrepreneurship involves the start-up of a company or a work. The term also refers to the result of this action. Social , meanwhile, is that linked to society (a community of individuals who live in the same territory, respecting common norms).
Social entrepreneurship, in this way, is a development that aims to help alleviate or solve a problem that affects a group of people. Unlike a traditional for-profit venture, financial gain is not its only goal.
Characteristics of a social entrepreneurship
The characteristics of a social entrepreneurship allow it to be differentiated from other types of proposals. These ventures aim to have a positive impact on society.
Although they can maintain a structure similar to that of any company, social enterprises seek to have another approach. Business operation is the path chosen to improve a situation, with which resources point to that solution .
Social action, therefore, is located above the goal of profit. In any case, that profit can be the resource that allows the execution of positive community work.
At a general level, it can be indicated that social entrepreneurship usually pursues self-sustainability or self-sustainability to reduce the impacts of the market situation. It also tends to offer job opportunities to those who have difficulties entering the world of work.
Social enterprises require conscious consumers to be successful.
The role of the consumer
The role of the consumer is key to the success of a social enterprise. Buyers, clients or users are needed who are aware of the consequences of their consumption acts , and who do not limit themselves to observing economic criteria (such as the lowest price, payment facilities, etc.).
Suppose a man wants to buy ice cream. It has at its disposal the industrial product manufactured by a multinational company and an artisanal ice cream made by a cooperative made up of several workers with Down syndrome . Beyond the price, a socially conscious consumer should at least give the social entrepreneurship proposal a chance.
It is also common for this type of consumer to take an active role in helping the growth of social entrepreneurship. Nowadays, social networks are very important for dissemination, so a favorable message highlighting the benefits of the initiative can be useful and valuable.
Examples of social entrepreneurship
Examples of social entrepreneurship are multiple throughout the world. In Argentina , to mention one country, there is a magazine called “Hecho en Buenos Aires” which is a social enterprise with more than two decades of experience.
The marketing of “Made in Buenos Aires” is carried out through homeless people who tour the City of Buenos Aires offering the copies. Of the sale price , 70% remains in the hands of the seller. In this way, “Made in Buenos Aires” provides decent work and allows men and women in a state of vulnerability to access an income .
Let's take the case of a group of animal activists who, to help stray dogs, sell crafts. All the money raised goes to the construction of shelters, coverage of veterinary expenses and other actions that benefit the dogs. The animal activists in question, therefore, count on this social enterprise to fulfill their objective.