What or who are social entrepreneurs? A social entrepreneur is an organization or individual that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being, rather than maximizing profits for external shareholders. The preparation of class 20 tells us stories of many social entrepreneurs that have been successful in their fields. A few notable social entrepreneurs are; Muhammad Yunus (Grameen Bank),Jaqueline Novogratz (Acumen Fund), Bill Drayton (Ashoka), Sally Osberg (Skoll Foundation), Mrs. Kassahun (Salems Ethiopia), Ms. Tesfaye (Shega Shero Eatery and Yana Sweets). How are these notable individuals different from any other entrepreneurs? Social entrepreneurs are usually:
- Ambitious.
- Mission driven
- Strategic
- Resourceful
- Results oriented
Going back to the question, it is fair to say that there isn’t any accurate answer to the question. I personally feel that social entrepreneurs not only aim to maximize profits, but also aim to improve the standard of living of the community. United Nations may be fully funded, but their funds are not so much to improve everyone’s standard of living. This is where, Arc initiative and social entrepreneurs comes into picture. The pre reading material written by our comm 101 instructor Jeff Kroeker, tells us positive things that Mrs. Kassahun and Ms. Tesfaye done to their community. They were able to not only employee individuals but also gave them incomes which were so much more than the average annual income of Ethiopia. This would have not been possible without the help of the Arc Initiative.
In my perspective, Arc initiatives have played a vital role in spreading awareness amongst the social entrepreneurs. The United Nations may be fully funded but it will not be always available to address the struggle of each and every community. Hence, workshops and programs like The Arc Initiative should always be encouraged.