Social Entrepreneur

In a country where there is no dearth of social issues, a social entrepreneur sets out on an entrepreneurial venture with the intention of addressing these issues and contributing to the social good. Since profit making is not a priority, they are driven by the passion to work for the society. A social entrepreneur is a visionary who explores business opportunities that have a positive impact on the community, society or the world. They work towards improving systems, creating new solutions and laying down fair practices, be it in health, education or sanitation.

As Bill Drayton aptly put it, "Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionised the entire fishing industry." Such is the passion to bring about a social change through pathbreaking innovation. Such entrepreneur work towards improving systems, creating new solutions and laying down fair practices, be it in health, education or sanitation.

Shivani CARD

Cover Story, Social EntrepreneurWritten by: Darshana Ramdev

‘Extra’ordinary love: Shivani Dhillon’s quest for an inclusive society

Reading Time: 6 mins

Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan Refugee Women

Bishwadeep Moitra and Iris Strill: The Indian-French couple empowering Afghan refugee women

(January 19, 2023) One of the crowded alleys in Malviya Nagar takes you to the workshop of Silaiwali - a place that's a world of its own for the many Hazara women who fled the atrocities of the Taliban to make a temporary home in the heart

Reading Time: 7 mins

Social entrepreneur | Vidyut Mohan | Global Indian

Vidyut Mohan: The social entrepreneur helping India breathe clean air

(June 17, 2022) Living in Delhi, Vidyut Mohan first-hand experienced the hazardous smog caused by stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana at the onset of winter each year. Shrouded in smoke, the capital barely brea

Reading Time: 6 mins

Social Entrepreneur | Ashaita Mahajan | Global Indian

Cover Story, Social EntrepreneurWritten by: Namrata Srivastava

Co-founder of Cafe Arpan, Ashaita Mahajan, is supporting inclusion while creating livelihoods

Reading Time: 6 mins

Green Warrior | Bittu John | Global Indian

Cover Story, Entrepreneur, Green Warrior, Indian Brands, Indian Influencer, Indian Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Success StoriesWritten by: Sarbani Sen

Bittu John: This zero-waste green warrior’s store has saved 15 lakh pieces of plastic from landfills

Reading Time: 7 mins

Social Entrepreneur | Gautam Malik

Cover Story, Social Entrepreneur, SustainabilityWritten by: Charu Thakur

‘Belting’ out sustainability: How social entrepreneur Gautam Malik’s eco-friendly bags are the rage

Reading Time: 6 mins

Social Entrepreneur FAQs

What is the example of a social entrepreneur?
Microfinance institutions are the perfect examples of social entrepreneurship wherein they provide banking services to lower-income individuals or groups who otherwise would have no other access to financial services.
What are the four types of social entrepreneurs?
The community social entrepreneur seeks to serve the social needs of a community within a small geographical area. The non-profit social entrepreneur is focused on social and not material gain, and they choose to use their power for social good. The transformational social entrepreneur focuses on creating a business that can meet the social needs that governments aren't currently meeting. The global social entrepreneur seeks to change social systems to meet major social needs globally.
What are the characteristics of a social entrepreneur?
Every social entrepreneur has deep empathy for society and its problems, and seeks to bring a change with innovation. They are the changemakers who have a sustainable approach and a systematic view to make a shift.
What makes a successful social entrepreneur?
A great idea isn't enough to become a successful social entrepreneur, one should also have the business acumen to turn that idea into reality - along with finances and resources.
Who are the famous social entrepreneurs in India?
Urvashi Sahni, the founder of SHEF (Study Hall Education Foundation) is dedicated to offering education to the most disadvantages girls in India. The other social entrepreneurs include: Harish Hande of Selco, Jeroo Billmoria of Childline, Anshu Gupta of Goonj, Santosh Parulekar of Pipal Tree and Sumita Gupta of Rangasutra.