When normal people see problems, social entrepreneurs see opportunities.

Daniel Canning, the Vice President at Western Union Financial Services, traveled to India and noticed many basic needs, such as financial services, healthcare and education, going unserved in the rural area. And Drishtee, an organization that provides essential services to rural villages via locally run franchisee kiosks inspired him. He decided to expand and advance the program.

Unlike most people who only sense desperation. Daniel recognized both a growing social need and potential business market. By working with Drishtee, he presented an opportunity to provide access to financial services to rural villages and help solve many social problems while benefiting from a developing market.

Social entrepreneurs confront with major social issues, from funding schools for low-income students, to building homes for the homeless. They see opportunities in society system that others miss, and bring out creative and game-changing solutions. They create innovations for society, rather than just profits, and create social shared value.

But at the same time, social enterprise is not charity. They are driven primarily by profit. Like Toms, they convince people that kids in Africa needs shoes and promoted their sales significantly as well as making a huge change for them.

Picture source: https://www.ashoka.org/story/meeting-rural-access-challenges-business-solutions