We live in a world where concern for society and for a better and more sustainable world is a growing issue. There are great challenges for which we must work to transform society and make it empathetic to the problems we face day by day.
It is there where social entrepreneurship arises. This movement occurs in response to the motivation of people who seek meaning in their daily work.
The word “undertake” comes from the Latin in 'en' and prendĕre 'to catch'. And the Royal Spanish Academy defines it as "undertaking and starting a work, a business, an endeavor, especially if there is difficulty or danger."
We all know cases of people who have started their own business, from globally recognized companies to small businesses.
But what is the difference between these situations and social entrepreneurship?
Although, in one case, it seeks to generate money for the benefit of the entrepreneur, in social entrepreneurship, it seeks to mainly benefit a social cause to combat a vulnerable situation in society, establishing cultural, social, ethical, environmental objectives, etc.; giving innovative solutions and generating an impact that lasts in the long term.
How to identify a social entrepreneur?
- Social responsibility: He is committed to society and the problems that concern him, he seeks to give his best to create continuous improvements in these problems. Empathy: He sees himself and society as oneself, is capable of understanding others and the circumstances they are going through. Leadership: He is a person with initiative that motivates others, through his example, to help and join his project, and guides them towards the goal. Axis of change: Seeks to innovate in solutions to social problems to generate an improvement in society. Vision: Create future projects to undertake and support causes and needs. Teamwork: Able to collaborate with others, respecting and listening to opinions to carry out activities in favor of the project.
Finally, we share 4 points that you must take into account when starting your social entrepreneurship:
1.-Identify a single sector:
You don't want to eat the world in one bite. We know that there are many causes to help, however, to start we recommend focusing on just one and start little by little. Over time and when you see your results, you can expand your project or start a new one.
2.-Build an action plan:
It is important that you consider what is the purpose of the project and the goal to be achieved. Structure the strategies you are going to use so that you progress through each stage until you reach the objective.
3.-Do not depend on donations:
Despite being a non-profit company, it is important that you visualize where you will get resources from. Relying on third parties is uncertain, so don't be afraid to sell your products and services. Today the public chooses to consume products that support a social cause.
4.-Don't get frustrated, accept that you need help.
Be aware that you alone cannot change the world, so don't be discouraged if you don't see improvements immediately. The important thing about a social project is to give your best effort and add people to the cause so that the impact is greater and the actions last.
Social entrepreneurs focus their activity on creating value, which is why companies now unite “profit and purpose” in a virtuous circle where they seek to grow as a society and have a more prosperous and dignified world.
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Claudia Gabriela Portilla Agapito - Ana María Limón Vargas - Neysa Rubí Castro Sánchez
References:
Start SME. (2015). Social Entrepreneurship. Obtained from
Royal Spanish Academy. (sf). Dictionary. Obtained from Undertaking:
Social Nest. (sf). Social Foundation. Obtained from DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
Ricardo Estévez (2015). What is social entrepreneurship? Obtained from Eco Intelligence;.https: //www.ecointeligencia.com/2015/10/emprendimiento-social/
