Now or Never

Social enterprises are “organizations which harness the power of the marketplace to solve critical social or environmental problems.” They are driven by the triple bottom line: “people, planet, and profit.” These companies employ for-profit methods to fulfill non-profit goals. I see this as a perfect combination.

The impacts of social enterprises around the world are tremendous. Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the microcredit and also a social entrepreneur, exemplifies the results of social enterprises. The concept of microcredit is simple, yet revolutionary. Microcredit is a small loan (contrary to the kind of loans COMM 293 teaches us) given often to impoverished people to encourage independence, and self-employment. Eventually, the issuing of these loans can stimulate the country’s GDP.

Impacts of social enterprises can be recognized on an individual basis, as individual could receive benefits directly, and also on a national basis, where enough individuals benefit as a result. In addition, social enterprises also act as positive role models in the business industry. As people are often driven strictly by profits now a days, it’s good to just pause for a second for our work and think about what we each can do for the society.

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