Top 100 Social Entrepreneurs, Businesses, and Ideas on Twitter

Written by on March 18, 2009 in Africa, Asia, Education, Entrepreneurship, Europe, Green, Middle East, North America, Oceania, PR+Social Media, South America, World - 79 Comments

twitter_screenshot

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 individuals, companies, and even the government to interact with their core constituents.

This includes social entrepreneurs, businesses, and ideas.  Twitter is a powerful means for social entrepreneurs to inform others of the positive change they are creating in the world.  At SocialEarth, we wanted to promote social entrepreneurs and social organizations who are currently using Twitter.   While some of the users may not be classified as a social entrepreneur in the traditional sense,  we sought users who were genuinely interesting in increasing human welfare via their work. The list categories are: Education, Grants, Green, Humanitarian, Media, Microfinance,  and Social Entrepreneurs.

Education

EducateOrg
lnpproject
NanubhaiEF
SchSocEnt
Sicamp

Fundraising

Buy1GIVE1proj
Firstgiving
GlobalGiving
ZoomGrants

Green

Appropedia
Bestgreenblogs
Carbonfundorg
CarbonHeart
Cleaner_energy
Denversolarguy
Earthpromise
Ecogeek
EcoInteractive
Ecopond
GreenCanada
GreenerMKE
Greenmichigan
Greennews
Greenpeaceusa
iGoGoGreen
Jetsongreen
LighterFootstep
Onegreenearth
PanNature
PlanetForward
Sheagunther
Sustainablog
SustainLane
TreeHugger
WaterAidAmerica
WaterPartners

Humanitarian

Aidg
ASCENDalliance
Bajandream
Freedomclothing
HopeandHomes
Hp_org
Seva_Foundation
Stevorevo
StudentsCare
UniversalGiving
Worldresources

Media/ News

AlertNet
Changedotorg
Echoinggreen
Everywun
Focusthenation
GlobalEnvision
Globalvoices
Idealist
Neddotcom
Nlw
Sm4sc
Socialactions
Socialedge
Socialentrprnr
Thing2thing1
UnLtdWorld
Virgance
Worldchanging

Microfinance

Acumenfund
BasaBody
Common_Interest
Endeavor_global
Fivetalents
Footprintsntwk
GoMicrofinance
Grameen_Fdn
Heifer
Kivafellows
Lend4health
Mfinsights
MicroBikeUSA
Microplace
OppIntCanada
OptINnow
P_2_P
Rarenaud

Social Entrepreneurs

AshokaTweets
Catchafire
Chanellecarver
Davidbeckwith
Forimpact
HUB_Global
Janejohnson
JCCapelli
JoeDeLoss
KooDooZ
Montero
My95
OperationOF
Osize
PartnershipWalk
Project 7 (+1)
SociallyDriven
Windowboy
YogaBear


Now we know our list above is not exhaustive but we wanted to keep it to 100 users. If you’d like to join the social entrepreneurship movement, add your Twitter username to the comment section below!

Erik

Erik is a perpetually curious social innovator. As a serial entrepreneur, Erik knows a thing or two about change. As a co-founder of SocialEarth, Erik hopes to channel his passion for social advocacy into an innovative venue of social awareness for others.

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  • http://www.unitedprosperity.org Bhalchander Vishwanath

    Erik,

    Thanks for putting together a great list of people to follow.

    You could add:

    @bhalchander ( http://www.unitedprosperity.org)

    P2P lending. microfinance

    Cheers
    Bhalchander

  • http://jeffreystune.blogspot.com Jeffrey Abbott

    Great list! Thanks for putting it together. Interested to know your metrics.

    Sincerely,
    twitter id jeffrey_abbott

  • Ian

    Great list – thanks for putting it together!

  • http://www.grantgopher.com Rachel

    Awesome list! Can we add http://www.twitter.com/grantgopher?

    Trying to get grant information to individuals, nonprofits and businesses free, and also a fledgling social network where the members support each other with information and inspiration!

  • http://www.socialearth.org Erik

    Hi Jeffrey,

    Thanks for the comment. The users we selected are organized primarily into two categories: organizations that are currently creating positive impact and interacting with followers on twitter or individuals and ideas that we believe will have a significant impact in the future and can leverage twitter to promote their cause. Also, we included a few individuals who were simply interested in improving human welfare via social enterprises. The list is somewhat subjective, but the main goal is to promote social entrepreneurship via social media.

    Thanks,
    Erik

  • Rachael

    Thanks for putting this list together. It’s a great resource!

  • http://www.goeverywhere.com GoEverywhere Team

    This is one of the most thorough Twitter lists I have seen! I absolutely love how far twitter has come. It looks like I need to get on my webtop and add quite a few people/companies to my Twitter stream.

  • http://www.ywse.org/nywse natalia

    please add @nakisnakis.

    represents new york women social entrepreneurs (nywse).

    NYWSE is the New York Chapter of Young Women Social Entrepreneurs (YWSE). NYWSE members include seasoned social entrepreneurs, women transitioning from one career to another, and/or adding a social venture idea to their already full plates. NYWSE supports and promotes women social entrepreneurs through workshops, networking opportunities, an incubator, a mentoring program, and a book club forum.

    For more info, check out: http://www.ywse.org/nywse

  • http://www.personalfreedomandwealth.com Justyna

    Great list. Very thorough and informative. thanks for taking the time to do this and it sure will make it easier to find great people to follow on twitter.

  • Saul Good

    Another couple good social entrepreneurs to add:

    @tobybarazzuol – social entrepreneur leading the way to creating a sustainable business community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Currently runs Eclipse Awards, a leading sustainable recognition awards business – http://www.eclipseawards.com

    @itsaulgood – social entrepreneur contributing to the development and capacity of various social enterprises, providing training and employment opportunities for women living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Tradeworks trains women in carpentry and builds various FSC certified and reclaimed wood gift boxes and awards that are developed and distributed via Saul Good (www.itsaulgood.com) and Eclipse Awards.

  • http://greenskeptic.blogspot.com greenskeptic

    Some interesting suggestions. Thanks.

    @greenskeptic

  • http://www.bpeace.org Susan McPherson

    Please consider adding the Business Council for Peace @bpeaceHQ – we provide mentoring and training for business women in war-torn regions including Afghanistan and Rwanda.

    Susan McPherson
    @LittleMac1

  • http://www.freshandvital.com Sue Trumpfheller

    We are changing the world one post at a time. Shifting focus and taking responsibility for the world we live in now and the world we are helping to create.
    @FreshandVital

    creating a blog to support eco-entrepreneurs and creating a radio show…stay in touch
    http://www.eco-entrepreneur.info

  • http://www.mediafortemarketing.com Lisa Williams

    I don’t know if I would consider someone with 33 followers a top social entrepreneur? Interesting article. though!

  • Noah

    http://twitter.com/Marielhemingway is also an eco-friendly source of great info!

  • http://www.enterprise-mentors.org Nelda Sanker

    Very informative list. Thanks for putting it together. We’d love if you’d add us @mentors (www.enterprise-mentors.org) under microfinance on your list. Thanks again!

  • http://www.fivetalents.org Kelli Ross

    Thanks for including @fivetalents on your Microfinance list!

  • http://www.HippyGourmet.com HippyGourmet

    Can’t forget @hippygourmet in the media section.

    Organic Living with the Hippy Gourmet is a national PBS and syndicated commercial television series in its 10th season that reaches over 34 million homes each week, featuring all things organic and sustainable.

    The Hippy Gourmet also highlights individuals and groups making a real difference in clean-tech, solar/wind power, electric vehicles, eco-tourism, Industrial Hemp and so much more!

    Organic Living TV with the Hippy Gourmet can be seen on PBS stations, Dish Network (9415), commercial broadcasting stations, On-demand and on YouTube.

    http://www.HippyGourmet.com
    http://www.Twitter.com/HippyGourmet
    http://www.YouTube.com/HippyGourmet

  • http://www.tastingtheinternet.com Terri Brooks

    Great list! Thanks for compiling it.

    I’m an Online Business Manager, certified in Internet Marketing and Social Media Marketing.

    Follow me on Twitter, and I’ll follow you back!

    http://www.twitter.com/avirtualbiz

    Thanks!

  • http://www.socialnetworkingsandiego.com/ Social Networking San Diego

    great post! don’t forget social networking san diego who is doing social networking for businesses- who’d of thought :)
    twitterholic justinrfrench

  • http://ngopost.org Parul

    check out twitter.com/ngopost and http://ngopost.org – a platform for sharing news and ideas related to social welfare

  • http://www.b1g1.com Paul Dunn

    Thank you for the mention of B1G1 in the Fundraising Section. Really pleased to see our messages getting out there.

    Paul

    http://twitter.com/pauldunn

  • http://www.icontact.com Ryan Allis

    This is great. I’m @ryanallis. I run iContact and The Humanity Campaign out of North Carolina.

    http://twitter.com/ryanallis

  • http://unreasonableinstitute.org Daniel

    How does one get on this list? Haha, but in all seriousness, thanks for putting this together and for working to create an incredible resource of a website. Social Earth is an amazing tool!

  • http://www.WiHood.com Thomas F. Anglero

    Hi Erik,

    I am the founder of WiHood. WiHood provides a virtual laptop service on a portable USB bracelet so everyone has access to PC services and benefits from the internet.

    In March, we began providing 465 girls, in a remote school in Kenya, each with their own virtual PC desktops from only 5 PCs in the school. These girls now have the ability to receive an education equal to that of students in Europe and the US.

    WiHood would be honored to be included on your list.

    Twitter: http://twitter.com/WiHood
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/WiHood/21907248056?ref=ts

    Thank you.

    http://www.WiHood.com

  • http://www.interceptpoverty.com Tanya Lacy

    http://www.twitter.com/intercept
    Social Entrepreneurship + Micro Franchising + Loans for Micro Franchises = Intercept Poverty

    Amazing resource Thank-you for getting it up. The world needs us and the time is now.

    Tanya

  • http://www.hipporoller.org cynthia

    great list!
    please add Hippo Roller International to your list of social entrepreneurs!

    In many countries, traditional water collection involves carrying a 5-gallon (20-liter) bucket on the head. This practice puts a great burden on the body and can damage the spine, neck and knees over time. A full Hippo Water Roller only feels like 22 pounds (10 kg) when rolled over level ground, making it possible for almost anyone to transport 24 gallons (90 liters) of water in much less time and with greater ease.

  • http://www.newprofit.com New Profit Inc.

    Great List! Please add @newprofit.com, we’re a funder of social entrepreneur-led organizations. @ashokatweets is also great. Change.org blog on SEship, @socialentrprnr. Some social entrepreneur-led orgs on Twitter include @cschools, @teachforamerica, @nspnet, @PeaceGames, @kaboomplay….

  • http://makezen.wordpress.com/ Julie

    Hi,

    Great to see Social Entrepreneurship movement grows on Twitter. Please add me too @makezen

    Thanks

  • http://paulpolak.com paul polak

    Great site, would love to see International Development Enterprises (IDEorg.org) and Design for the Other 90% (D-REV.org) posted.
    Thanks!

  • http://www.neoaid.com Jennifer Poole

    Thanks Erik, this list is a great resource, and a good starting point for anyone fairly new to Twitter (like ourselves).

    NeoAid is an online portal where your can search, shop, sign up for offers or download free software and generate donations for your favorite cause at no cost to you. Find us @neoaid or @neoaidcom – follow us, and we’ll follow you back.

  • http://www.socialearth.org Erik

    Hi Jennifer, I’m glad you find the list useful! Neoaid looks great, we would love to publish a story on your work. Please email me if you’re interested.

  • http://MamaRucci.wordpress.com Rachel Ferrucci

    You can add @RachelFerrucci

    Founder/Owner of http://Touchd.net homemade Bath and Body Products
    Editor/Owner http://MamaRucci.wordpress.com
    Co-Host http://BlogTalkRadio.com/CoastalChicksUnplugged

  • http://www.globalgiving.co.uk Pete

    The American version of GlobalGiving have their Twitter account posted above under the Fundraising section but for all non-American traffic you can follow the GlobalGiving UK Twitter. Our Twitter account is @globalgivinguk come find us and see what we are doing

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  • http://www.pifworld.com Femke

    Pifworld could also be added to the list. We just got started with our online platform for fundraising. we connect people with each other and good causes. we tried to make it fun and easy to do good. You can also follow us on Twitter @Pifworld

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  • http://italki.com @williambaobean

    please add italki.com under education. enabling the worlds population to teach each other languages for free via language exchange over the internet with the biproduct cultural exchange.

    find us under @italki

    thanks
    @williambaobean

  • Lisa

    Please add LSmall13 on twitter.

  • http://www.opportunitygreen.com Karen Solomon

    Thanks for the great list. Would love to see Opportunity Green noted http://www.opportunitygreen.com or via twitter #oppgreen check us out!!

  • http://twitter.com/tzk_design martha

    “Twitter is here to stay.” I agree. Lately there has been a good deal of cynical criticism about Twitter’s limitations and whispers about its looming demise, but lets see it for what it is: a fast, informative way to stay up-to-date and keep in touch with brands, people and any other anthropomorphizable object. This tool was built for the twenty first century and beyond.

  • http://@shivakumarSE shiva kumar

    wow… its amazing… thanks for your STAND.

  • http://twitter.com/shivakumarSE shiva kumar

    wow… its amazing… thanks for your STAND.

    http://twitter.com/shivakumarSE

  • http://Www.project7.com Tyler Merrick

    Would love to see you add @project7 in the humanitarian section.. We’re a cause related consumer goods brand that gives back 50% of our profits to 7 areas of need annually w/ a minimum of $105,000

    Heal the Sick
    feed the hungry
    house the homeless
    build the future
    hope for peace
    save the earth
    help those in need

    Thanks

  • http://www.socialedge.org Jill Finlayson

    In case you missed it – Social Edge’s list of top 100 tweeps to follow in social entrepreneurship: http://bit.ly/abVKe including funders, social entrepreneurs and do gooders in philanthropy, social media, tech, VC and links to other lists as well including top twitterers in microfinance…
    Cheers,
    Jill

  • http://www.latingipsy.com Gloria & Johanna (Aceneth, LLC – Miami- FL)

    We’re so inspired to see so many other social entrepreneurs also on the same path to social innovation! Thank you! And we look forward to being able to join your community!

  • http://www.latingipsy.com Gloria & Johanna (Aceneth, LLC – Miami- FL)

    Feel free to reach out to us anytime! We’re always looking for ways to join forces & spread the word!

    http://www.latingipsy.com
    http://www.twitter.com/latingipsy
    http://www.facebook.com/latingipsy

    THANK YOU SocialEarth.org!

  • Anonymous

    Great list, thanks for compiling!

    Ashoka, however, isn’t a microfinance organization. It should be listed under “Social Entrepreneurs”.

  • http://twitter.com/SocialEarth SocialEarth

    Edit made. Thanks Tom!

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