From the beginning: What is Social Entrepreneurship

?In October last year, I got the opportunity to join a BOOKBRIDGE capability program.

BOOKBRIDGE is a social enterprise that supports social entrepreneurs in developing countries and works with purpose driven leaders within their partner organisations. I am one of those purpose driven leaders and BOOKBRIDGE has opened my world as we have now co - created a business that produces 100% HDPE eco panels made out of recycled plastic from the landfill in Phnom Penh.

This program has made me want to be more involved and this is my way of doing it. Reading, learning, writing and sharing everything I can.

What is social entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship is a business model that has gained increasing attention in recent years.

It involves using entrepreneurial principles and practices to create social value and address social problems.

And social entrepreneurs are individuals who are driven by a desire to create positive change in the world, and they use their business skills to achieve this goal.

Why Social Entrepreneurship Matters

Social entrepreneurship is important because it offers a unique approach to addressing social problems. Traditional non-profit organizations often rely on grants and donations to fund their activities, which can be unreliable and unsustainable. Social entrepreneurship, on the other hand, uses the power of business to create self-sustaining models that can address social issues over the long term.

?In my case, Rithy, our local entrepreneur had a vision to help empower the local community build better lives and reduce the mountain of plastic in the Phnom Penh landfill. Together with the team we hope Green Lotus Eco Panels will address these issues in Cambodia and make a significant impact on people's lives and the environment.

Benefits of Social Entrepreneurship

There are many benefits to social entrepreneurship. Here are just a few of them:

1. ?Sustainable Impact: Social entrepreneurship creates self-sustaining models that can address social issues over the long term. By using business principles, social entrepreneurs can create solutions that are both impactful and financially sustainable.
2. Innovative Solutions: Social entrepreneurs are often driven to find new and innovative solutions to social problems. They are not bound by traditional approaches, and can think creatively to find new ways of addressing issues.
3. Economic Development: Social entrepreneurship can create new jobs and stimulate economic development. By creating businesses that address social issues, social entrepreneurs can help to create new markets and opportunities.
4. Increased Social Awareness: Social entrepreneurship can help to raise awareness about social issues and promote positive change. By creating successful models that address social problems, social entrepreneurs can inspire others to get involved and take action.

?Examples of Social Entrepreneurship

?There are many examples of social entrepreneurship in action. Here are just a few:

• TOMS Shoes: This shoe company was founded on the principle of giving back. For every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. This model has helped to provide shoes to millions of children around the world.
• Patagonia: We've all seen the news when ownership of Patagonia was transferred to a trust and a non-profit organization, both set up for the purpose of keeping the company independent and ensuring that all of its profits, about $100 million a year, go to fighting climate change and preserving undeveloped land.
• ?Ben & Jerry's: This ice cream company has a long history of social and environmental activism. They source their ingredients from fair trade suppliers and support a variety of social and environmental causes.

And these are just the obvious ones. There's plenty of small independent start ups as well that are joining the ranks.

Social entrepreneurship is an important and impactful way to address social problems. By using business principles and practices, social entrepreneurs can create self-sustaining models that can make a real difference in people's lives.

Whether it's providing shoes to children in need or creating new economic opportunities, social entrepreneurship is a powerful force for positive change. As more people become aware of the potential of social entrepreneurship, we can look forward to a future where businesses are not only successful, but also doing good in the world