Social entrepreneurs are individuals who make profit to improve and fix societal problems. Among several social entrepreneurs, perhaps the most dominant and well-known social entrepreneur would be Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes. During Mycoskie’s trip to Argentina, he was struck by many social problems there including poverty, health issues, and most of all, he noticed that there were quite a number of children who did not own proper footwear. He was inspired to help the children in need, and started his own business with $300,000. His mission for TOMS shoes is to donate a pair of shoes to a child for every pair of TOMS sold.

Mycoskie’s 45-employee company has now raised roughly $4.6 million since the launch and donated over 115,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world. I strongly support social entrepreneurs and businesses such as TOMS, because it shows that the world of business still has a heart, and it’s not entirely just about money. While TOMS still makes small revenue, they are doing good for the world. In addition, their shoes have become part of a growing trend not only in America, but around the world. Living in a first world such as Canada makes me take a lot of luxuries for granted. However, companies such as TOMS demonstrates to third world countries that North America aren’t just filled with greedy, and selfish people.

Source : http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/04/0403_social_entrepreneurs/26.htm