10 Inspiring Social Entrepreneurship Examples That Will Make You Believe In Change

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Are you interested in entrepreneurship? If yes, then social entrepreneurship may be the perfect fit for you. Social entrepreneurship is a model of business that aims to create positive change in society while generating profit.

This article will highlight 10 inspiring social entrepreneurship examples that have made a significant impact on people’s lives around the world. These businesses use innovative solutions to solve social problems and create a better future for everyone.

1. TOMS

TOMS, founded by Blake Mycoskie in 2006, is an American shoe company that specializes in the production of comfortable, fashionable, and durable shoes. However, unlike most shoe manufacturers, TOMS operates on a one-for-one business model. For each pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. TOMS also offers eyewear, coffee, and bags that follow this same model.

To date, TOMS has donated over 100 million pairs of shoes to children in need across more than 70 countries. This business model has enabled TOMS to not only make a difference in the world but also become a successful global brand.

2. Warby Parker

Warby Parker is another company that has revolutionized the social entrepreneurship space. Founded in 2010, the company aimed to solve the problem of expensive eyewear. The co-founder of Warby Parker, Neil Blumenthal, realized that he was spending over $700 for a pair of glasses, which was not accessible to everyone.

To provide affordable and quality eyewear, Warby Parker created a vertically integrated business model where they design, manufacture, and sell their products directly to the customers. For every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need.

3. Good Eggs

Good Eggs is a food delivery service that connects people with local farmers and food artisans. The company’s mission is to create a sustainable food system that is good for the environment, farmers, and the community. Good Eggs offers an online marketplace where customers can shop for fresh, local, and organic groceries.

By partnering with small local producers, Good Eggs helps to reduce the environmental impact of food production and supports local communities. This model has enabled Good Eggs to not only provide quality products to their customers but also create economic opportunities for small farmers.

4. Greyston Bakery

Greyston Bakery is a social enterprise that has transformed lives through its open hiring model. The company has been providing jobs and opportunities to individuals who have been excluded from the traditional labor market due to a lack of skills, experience, and education.

The bakery operates on the principle of “Bake Good, Do Good.” By training and hiring people who are often overlooked by employers, Greyston Bakery has created a sense of community, purpose, and dignity for its employees. The company has also expanded into other areas, such as housing, childcare, and healthcare to support the well-being of its employees and their families.

5. Bombas

Bombas is a sock company that believes that socks are the most requested item in homeless shelters, but they are seldom donated. To address this issue, Bombas launched a buy-one-give-one program where for every pair of socks purchased, the company donates a pair to a homeless shelter.

Bombas uses high-quality materials and thoughtful design to create comfortable and durable socks. The company has donated over 50 million socks to homeless shelters across the United States.

6. Patagonia

Patagonia is an outdoor clothing and gear company that has been a pioneer in advocating for environmental and social policies. The company’s mission is to build the best products while causing no unnecessary harm to the environment.

Patagonia uses sustainable materials and ethical production practices to create high-quality products that are both functional and durable. The company also donates 1% of its sales to support environmental organizations worldwide.

7. The Empowerment Plan

The Empowerment Plan is a Detroit-based nonprofit that provides employment and training to homeless women to produce sleeping bag coats for those living on the streets. The company was founded by Veronika Scott, who spent time with homeless individuals to understand their needs and come up with a solution.

The Empowerment Plan provides a sense of purpose and community to the women they employ, and the sleeping bag coats they produce help to protect vulnerable people from harsh weather conditions.

8. Lush

Lush is a cosmetics company that creates handmade and cruelty-free products using natural ingredients. The company’s mission is to create an ethical and sustainable model of business that prioritizes people and the environment over profit.

Lush uses minimal packaging and sources raw materials from fair trade suppliers to reduce waste and support workers in developing countries. The company also donates a portion of its profits to grassroots organizations working for social, environmental, and animal rights causes.

9. Zady

Zady is an ethical fashion brand that promotes transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility in the fashion industry. The company’s mission is to educate consumers about the true cost of fast fashion and provide a better alternative through its thoughtful and timeless designs.

Zady uses sustainable materials and partners with ethical manufacturers to create high-quality products that are both fashionable and socially responsible. The company also shares detailed information about its production process and pricing, making it transparent and accessible to consumers.

10. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is an ice cream company that has been a pioneer in advocating for social and environmental justice. The company’s mission is to use business as a force for good and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Ben & Jerry’s sources fair trade ingredients, reduces waste in its production process, and advocates for social and environmental policies. The company also uses its social media platforms to share information about the issues it cares about and invites its customers to take action.

In conclusion, social entrepreneurship is a model of business that has the potential to create enormous impact and positive change in society. The above-mentioned examples illustrate how innovative solutions, bold visions, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility can transform industries and improve people’s lives.