What is a Social Entrepreneur?

Social entrepreneurs are unreasonable people. They are the mavericks who refuse to accept the status quo. They look at the world, are dissatisfied with what they see, and resolve to change it. They are both dreamers and doers; imagining a brighter future and setting about making that dream into a reality. They are true entrepreneurs; innovators who are passionate and resourceful, who are prepared to take risks and who apply their energy, drive and ambition to effecting social change in Ireland.


Characteristics of Social Entrepreneurs

 

  • Innovative
  • Passionate
  • Resourceful and opportunistic
  • Risk takers
  • Can execute their plan
  • Fully committed to success
  • Intimate understanding of their sector
  • Have learnt from failure and kept going

 


so·cial  en·tre·pre·neur   noun

A social entrepreneur is an individual who:

is compelled to act for public or social benefit (rather than to make money)

has an innovative approach in addressing a well defined problem and

has an ability to effectively develop and grow their new idea to maximise impact



Examples of social entrepreneurs
 

Mary Davis
Special Olympics Ireland, Steering Group on Active Citizenship

Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy
Focus Ireland, Young Social Innovators, The Immigrant Council of Ireland

Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Founder of the Grameen Bank

Edmund Rice
Pioneer of primary education in Ireland

 



► For more on what it means to be a social entrepreneur, read our introductory guide “The 8 things you always wanted to know about social entrepreneurs”.


► For examples of the next generation of Irish social entrepreneurs, click here