My predilection for the occasional cigarette has more to do with the rules of engagement than any kind of nicotine craving. Mom, I know you’re rolling your eyes and muttering, “you have an answer for everything”, but hear me out. I’m an extremely gregarious person – I carry on chatting with strangers at bus [...]
In light of the global economic meltdown (not to mention moral obligation to the human race), we are thankfully moving into a more socially conscious and fiscally responsible business environment. The next generation of leaders for our nations, companies and organizations will undoubtedly be socially mindful and indeed, they must. In order for us [...]
Today, we wanted to pay tribute to the absolutely amazing work that Kiva has done during the past 3+ years. Kiva, Swahili for unity or agreement was founded by Matt and Jessica Flannery in November 2005 and quickly became the world’ leading micro-lending website. During this short period of time, Kiva has literally changed [...]
Yesterday, we highlighted Acumen Fund which was founded in April 2001. Today, we shine the spotlight on another company which was also founded in April 2001, Children’s Development Bank.
There are approximately 100 million children who are homeless, 11 million of whom live on the streets of India. While many of these children work, the [...]
Help us congratulate and celebrate Acumen Fund on their 8th Anniversary, today, April 1 2009. During the past eight years, the organization has invested over $40 million in social enterprises which serve the poor and have directly and tangibly changed millions of lives. To celebrate their 8 year anniversary we’ve compiled an abridged list [...]
Last week, I attended a presentation by Tarun Khanna, professor of strategy at Harvard Business School. His presentation focused on microfinance, a theme in his new book, “Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India Are Reshaping Their Futures–and Yours.” To propel discussion, he discussed the dynamics of microfinance in India and China and how [...]
Attention social entrepreneurs and change makers: if you have not heard of TED, then you’re missing out, really missing out.
TED, acronym for Technology, Entertainment, Design, started in 1984, is an annual conference hosting an array of scholars, thinkers and change makers who are moving our world forward, one speech at a time. Participants have [...]
If you’re familiar with Acumen Fund, you know these change makers genuinely understand, appreciate and support social entrepreneurship. With a unique, patient capital approach to venture investment, Acumen Fund is pioneering a socially conscious investment model.
Acumen’s portfolio is comprised of dynamic entrepreneurs from around the world who are focused on creating affordable, sustainable solutions [...]
Twitter is here to stay. In the past few months site usage has increased dramatically, over 55% from January 2009 to February 2009. Users include Barrack Obama, CNN, and TechCrunch.
Twitter is a microblogging platform which connects users and allows them to share what they are doing- in 140 characters or less. The site empowers [...]
“Ashoka envisions a world where everyone is a change maker: a world that responds quickly and effectively to social challenges, and where each individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem and drive change.”
Since 1981, Ashoka has pioneered the field of social entrepreneurship with a core belief that society’s [...]
Each year Harvard Business School in cooperation with the Kennedy School of Government hosts an annual Social Enterprise Conference. While we did not have a first row seat at the conference this year, we have heard it was once again an awesome event. I’d like to take a moment to share the story of [...]
Lift Kids is a Minnesota-based non-profit organization taking action on the plight of impoverished children via a philanthropic franchise model centered on what they call a Lift Kids Village. By partnering United States immigrants with local non-governmental organizations in host countries, they create sustainable village communities according to a model that can be replicated [...]
Based in San Francisco, Sustainble Global Sourcing is a social venture focused on women’s economic empowerment in Sub-Saharan Africa. They help women lift themselves out of poverty by partnering with them to establish profitable cooperatives within the apparel industry. Sustainable Global Sourcing’s dedication to reducing poverty in Africa is matched with their steadfast commitment [...]
