The Rise of Social Entrepreneurship
Traditionally, many entrepreneurs built wealth in the private sector before turning to philanthropy later in life. Today, a growing number are tackling social issues directly through their businesses, creating a powerful blend of profit and purpose.
A new hybrid business model is emerging worldwide—combining the efforts of businesses, governments, and nonprofits. This approach, driven by a new generation of social entrepreneurs, successfully addresses pressing challenges while delivering shareholder value. Ethical practices such as impact investing, conscious consumerism, and corporate social responsibility have paved the way for remarkable success stories.
Here are 10 inspiring social entrepreneurs making a global difference:
1. Bill Drayton
Founder of Ashoka in 1980, Bill Drayton is often called the father of social entrepreneurship. Ashoka’s mission is to create a world where everyone is a changemaker, focusing on three pillars:
- Supporting Ashoka Fellows globally.
- Inspiring youth to become changemakers.
- Partnering with institutions to reshape business models for social good.
Drayton also chairs Get America Working!, Youth Venture, and Community Greens.
2. Rachel Brathen
Known as “Yoga Girl” on Instagram with nearly 2 million followers, Rachel Brathen blends mindfulness with community support. She founded:
- Sgt. Pepper’s Friends (animal rescue in Aruba)
- Yoga Girl® Foundation (aid for women and children in need)
Her digital platform offered yoga, meditation, and wellness resources before retiring in 2025. Today, she runs her nonprofits and hosts two popular podcasts.
3. Shiza Shahid
Co-founder of the Malala Fund, Shiza Shahid was instrumental in managing operations for Malala Yousafzai’s education campaign. She has worked tirelessly to empower girls through education access and equality. In recent years, Shiza pivoted to entrepreneurship, leading cookware brand Our Place.
4. Blake Mycoskie
Founder of TOMS Shoes, Mycoskie pioneered the One for One model—donating a pair of shoes for each pair sold. Now a Certified B Corporation, TOMS allocates one-third of its profits to mental health, education, and ending gun violence. To date, it has donated over 100 million pairs of shoes.
5. Scott Harrison
After volunteering in West Africa, Scott Harrison founded charity: water in 2006. The nonprofit has provided clean drinking water to 29 countries, raising over $925 million and completing more than 186,000 projects worldwide.
6. Muhammad Yunus
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus popularized microfinance and microcredit through the Grameen Bank, empowering millions—especially women—to rise out of poverty. With a 95.8% repayment rate, the bank is a model for sustainable community development.
7. Jeffrey Hollender
Co-founder of Seventh Generation, Hollender champions sustainable consumer products and corporate social responsibility. He also co-founded Sustain Natural and leads the American Sustainable Business Network.
8. Xavier Helgesen, Christopher “Kreece” Fuchs & Jeff Kurtzman
The trio behind Better World Books turned selling unwanted books online into a literacy-funding powerhouse. They have since launched initiatives like ZOLA Electric (renewable energy for off-grid homes) and global social ventures.
9. Marc Koska
Marc Koska revolutionized medical safety with the auto-disable syringe, preventing reuse and the spread of disease. His SafePoint Trust has delivered over four billion safe injections worldwide.
10. Sanjit “Bunker” Roy
Founder of Barefoot College, Roy empowers rural communities in India with solar energy, education, and self-sufficiency programs. His work has been recognized globally for innovation and grassroots impact.
What Is Social Entrepreneurship?
Social entrepreneurship combines business innovation with a mission to solve societal problems—addressing issues like poverty, inequality, access to clean water, and environmental challenges.
The Bottom Line
From clean water to education and renewable energy, these 10 inspiring social entrepreneurs prove that business can be a force for good. By merging profitability with purpose, they’re shaping a future where impact and income go hand in hand.
