Social Entrepreneurism

One of the focuses of the efficergize process is value. Traditionally, value means profit. However, my idea of value can take many forms beyond traditional profit. Value in the efficergize process means anything that is worth something to the target consumer or public.  Thus, social entrepreneurism is inevitably correlated to efficergize theory. Social entrpreneurism focuses on social value, as opposed to traditional profits. Social entrepreneurism is an up and coming force, and I believe that business will have to increasingly focus on social value in additional to traditional profitability measures. Indeed, many believe that focusing on social value can lead to traditional profitability.

One social entrepreneur that I have been following for some time is Muhammad Yunus. Yunus is founder and manager of the Grameen Bank and won the Nobel Prize in 2006. The Grameen Bank is a microfinance organization that extends microcredit to those, mostly situated in rural areas, who would normally not be able to garner a traditional loan. The loans do not require collateral. Thus, credit is extended to many in rural areas who would otherwise not be able to get a loan. You're likely familiar with the old saying, you need money to make money. Well the extension of microcredit allows those who would not otherwise be able to find the money to start businesses to be self-sustaining to do so.

I have been noticing social entrepreneurism's increasing presence. I invite readers to think about and discuss where they see social entrepreneurism.

Follow up reading:
http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/whatis/
www.grameen-info.org