Not all entrepreneurs and businesses are greedy money-grabbers whose only goal is to make profits. There are companies who make it their main goal to create a positive social impact for people in the community. Founders of these businesses are called social entrepreneurs.
Social entrepreneurship is an approach by individuals, groups, start-up companies or entrepreneurs, in which they develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. The main goal of social entrepreneurship is to make a positive social impact for people in a community.
From the economic point of view, most of the profit from social entrepreneurship is going back to society. Another part of the profit is dedicated to keeping the business alive, which means it is used to cover regular operational costs. Social entrepreneurs are often willing to take on the risk and invest a lot of effort to create a positive change in society through their initiatives. However, social entrepreneurs must still be financially sound to succeed in their goals.
Social entrepreneurship gives social and health protection, as well as education to the people who cannot afford it, creating new job opportunities in accordance with their skills. The learnings they get from working can then be used for other community development initiatives.
Most of the employees working in socially responsible companies come from some of the marginalised groups of society. Using social entrepreneurs’ services means encouraging a social change!
Some core values that are common for social entrepreneurs include community, empowerment, innovation, diversity, integrity, and ownership.
As Ireland’s leading social enterprise print and design house, Triest Press are passionate about producing high-quality digital print and design, but we are also dedicated to making a positive social impact. We provide meaningful employment opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities and we cultivate an atmosphere where happy employees understand their talents and approach life with confidence, wonder and a positive sense of self. Every purchase with us directly supports providing more employment opportunities for people in Ireland with intellectual disabilities.
Social entrepreneurship is still rather new concept and there are many challenges facing those who delve into the field. There is a greater need now, more than ever, for a stronger support system for social entrepreneurs in Ireland, with more understanding of the concept and the reality of social entrepreneurship.
Social enterprises contribute hugely to the social economy and both of these play a crucial role in a modern Irish economy.”
Pauline Gannon: Co-founder and director of Social Impact Ireland
The sense of purpose is very important, people are emotionally more satisfied when they know they did something to help someone else. That’s why you should try to support social entrepreneurs. You will probably love the feeling!
In the end, going by the motto “do well by doing good”, social value and social change are at the heart of any social enterprise operation, so why not be a part of it by adding your contribution?
