Social Enterprises around the World

With an aim to generate income if not wealth, the social enterprises come up with innovative as well as people-friendly solutions to bring a positive change in the society. What makes them different from the corporate world is their basic aim; they work for the people who live below poverty line and offer flexible working environment to people. Although the concept of social entrepreneurship has been around since 1960s and is promoted by many individuals but the establishment of The Grameen Bank in Bangladesh was the first instance where the concept was thoroughly used. Under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, it tried to address the issue of people living below poverty line and gradually has evolved as a strong identity.

The Skoll Foundation - North America

Founded by Jeff Skoll, the first president of ebay, the Skoll Foundation supports the social enterprises and highlights their work by establishing their partnerships with Sundance Institute and NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. NIKA Water Company is another social enterprise in America. The company sells bottled water in the country and brings clean water to the developing world with its profits. It uses its 100 percent profit in the activity.

Grameen Bank - Bangladesh

Social enterprise is not a new concept but it started becoming popular only in 1960s. There may be different rules and regulations for social enterprises around the world but their basic concept remains the same. Their ultimate aim is to serve the people of the society who are at the bottom of the pyramid. In Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus incorporated the Grameen Bank, a microfinance organization that makes small loans to people living in rural areas without requiring collateral. The bank does not believe in charity but in offering help to people as an initiative to break through the poverty cycle.

Echoing Green - USA

Based in New York, Echoing Green is a non-profit organization that operates in social sector investing. For last twenty years, it has been working in this field encouraging and helping young entrepreneurs to launch new organizations.

Rang De - India

Rang De is a not profit online organization in India that lends small loans to individuals planning to start a new or grow their existing business. It is a successful attempt to bring together the two parts of India one of which is successfully progressing while one is left out due to shortage of resources. Founded in the year 2006 by Ramakrishna NK and Smita Ram, Rang De, today is a major online platform in the country.

Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

Founded by Professor Klaus Schwab and his wife, the main purpose of Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is to promote social innovation. The foundation does not give grants but addresses social problems and provides platforms at the country, global and regional levels.

Omidyar Network

Established in 2004, the Omidyar Network is a philanthrocapitalist investment firm that fosters economic advancement. With a network of for-profit companies, the network encourages participation in the areas of government transparency, microfinance, social media and property rights. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, it was established by Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam.

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