Social entrepreneurship examples show how innovation can tackle social and environmental challenges while driving meaningful change. According to Global Data on Social Entrepreneurship by the World Economic Forum, there are around 10 million social enterprises worldwide, generating over $2 trillion in annual revenue and creating nearly 200 million jobs.
These figures highlight the growing influence of mission-driven businesses in building a more sustainable future. In this article, we’ll explore 10 inspiring ventures that prove doing good and doing business can thrive together.
Key Takeaways
Social entrepreneurship is a business model that focuses on solving social or environmental problems rather than solely generating profit. Social entrepreneurs use innovative business strategies to create a positive impact and generate social wealth by tackling pressing issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
To define social entrepreneurship with an example, we can look at the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study, where the average rate of social entrepreneurial activity among new entrepreneurs is 3.2% across 58 economies.
This study highlights significant differences, with countries like Peru showing a high rate of 10.1% while South Korea has a much lower rate of 0.3%.
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Let’s explore 10 inspiring ventures that redefine success by creating both profit and positive change through innovation and purpose.
Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank offers small loans to people living in poverty, helping them build sustainable livelihoods. Since its inception, it has distributed microloans worth $36 billion to over 10 million borrowers, 97% of whom are women, as reported by Madras Courier.
This initiative empowers women while transforms communities by promoting financial independence. As one of the most influential opportunities for social entrepreneurship examples, it continues to inspire global microfinance movements.
Known for its famous “One for One” model, TOMS donates a pair of shoes for every pair purchased and has expanded into eyewear and clean water initiatives. Over time, it has shifted its focus to grant-based funding, supporting community-driven projects around the world.
This evolution demonstrates how business models can adapt while staying true to their social mission. When looking for social entrepreneurship examples that successfully merge profit with purpose, TOMS remains a key reference.
Warby Parker sells affordable eyewear online through its “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program, making clear vision accessible to all. The company partners with nonprofits to distribute glasses and conduct vision screenings for underserved communities.
Its approach blends convenience, affordability, and impact without compromising quality. This model proves that social good can be built directly into everyday consumer choices.
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Patagonia has become synonymous with environmental responsibility, leading efforts in sustainability and fair-trade production. The company donates a portion of profits to environmental causes while motivating customers to repair, reuse, and recycle their gear.
Dedicated to ethical sourcing and climate activism, Patagonia sets a benchmark in conscious consumerism. Next, the brand continues to shape how businesses integrate activism into their identity.
As one of the most inspiring social entrepreneurship examples, this food company created by actor Paul Newman donates 100% of its profits to charity, supporting education, nutrition, and social empowerment initiatives.
Their 40th anniversary report stated that more than $600 million has been donated to various organizations focused on helping children in need since the company was founded.
Cotopaxi integrates sustainability into every part of its outdoor gear production, using recycled materials and ethical manufacturing. A percentage of its revenue supports organizations fighting poverty in Latin America.
The company’s “Gear for Good” slogan reflects its dedication to people and the planet. Moreover, its transparent supply chain builds trust among conscious consumers.
Blueland tackles plastic waste by selling eco-friendly, refillable cleaning products and home essentials. Its goal is to reduce single-use packaging and promote sustainable consumption habits.
By using non-toxic ingredients and reusable containers, Blueland empowers customers to participate in environmental action. For anyone asking what are some examples of social entrepreneurship, Blueland’s innovative business model offers a powerful answer.
You may have heard of Benetech, a nonprofit that uses technology to expand educational access for underserved communities worldwide. Through initiatives like Bookshare, an e-book library offering customizable reading formats such as audio, large print, or braille, the organization empowers learners with diverse needs to succeed.
As one of the most inspiring social entrepreneurship examples, Benetech has partnered with over 1,000 publishers to deliver more than 20 million accessible books to 1.5 million readers.
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Hello Tractor, an agricultural technology company based in Nairobi, connects smallholder farmers with tractor owners through a smart equipment-sharing platform. This innovation helps increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and open access to modern farming tools.
Since its launch in 2014, over 6,500 equipment owners have served 2.5 million farmers, boosting their income by more than 200%.
Founded by Veronica Colondam in Indonesia, YCAB Foundation focuses on empowering underprivileged youth through education and economic independence. By integrating microfinance programs for mothers with scholarships for children, the foundation helps families build sustainable livelihoods.
Today, YCAB has trained over four million young people and provided small loans to 200,000 women, making it one of Asia’s most impactful social enterprises.
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Social entrepreneurship examples show that profit and purpose can grow side by side. If you’re developing a socially driven brand, the right typography can express your values and make your message more memorable, explore our Inspiring Font Collection to find typefaces that reflect your mission.
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