Social entrepreneurs, or changemakers, blend entrepreneurial and social initiatives to create positive societal changes. They work in areas such as education, job creation for disabled individuals, and environmental protection. Unlike conventional entrepreneurs focused on economic profit, social entrepreneurs prioritize social returns. Social enterprises can be for-profit or not-for-profit, as long as profits are reinvested into societal benefits.
Characteristics of Social Enterprises
- Clear Mission: A public or community mission (social, environmental, cultural, economic).
- Profit Reinvestment: Profits are reinvested into achieving the mission.
- Ethical Values: Activities are guided by ethical principles.
- Legal Forms: Social enterprises can take various legal forms.
Areas of Social Value
- Production: Resource-conserving production or circular economy practices (e.g., Garbarage in Vienna).
- Customer: Providing previously unavailable services to specific groups (e.g., products for disadvantaged people in developing countries).
- Offer: Innovative products or services that did not exist before (e.g., time banks for elderly care).
For more information, visit the Guide to becoming an Olderpreneur on the SASSI Hub.
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