Social entrepreneurs -- those using business skills to accomplish social good -- have many choices these days. New York and California recently joined five other states in allowing social good to be given as much weight as corporate profit by approving Benefit Corporations in which the well-being of all stakeholders (employees, community, clients, environment), not just shareholders, are legally taken into account when decisions are made.

A Social Enterprise Learns, Grows From Its Mistakes

by Geri Stengel on Jan 12, 2012 - 12:20am

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Editor’s note: To help social entrepreneurs anticipate and avoid some of the problems of starting a social-good business, Ventureneer is doing a series of blogs about the progress of Greenway Grameen Infra, a social enterprise in India.

When last I wrote about Greenway Grameen Infra, its non-polluting stove, fuel efficient stove for rural homes in India was just on the market and hopes were high that 50,000 units would be sold by March 2012.

Slum Dwellers Inspire Hope for the Future of Urban Poor

by Geri Stengel on Jan 3, 2012 - 12:20am

collaborative design Commentary / Opinion Design with the Other 90% Motivated by Purpose social enterprise Social Entrepreneurship urban poor

With gray skies and gray economic news, one could feel a bit dismal about 2012 and the prospects for a brighter world. Design with the Other 90%, an exhibit at UN Headquarters in New York City dispels that grayness.

How to Choose the Right Social Enterprise for Your Nonprofit

by Geri Stengel on Dec 27, 2011 - 12:20am

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Once you’ve analyzed the pros and cons of starting a social enterprise and laid out the ground rules about what you can and will not do, it’s time to start the fun part: brainstorming what kind of social enterprise your nonprofit will undertake.

Changing Investment Strategy Can Solve Problems, Generate Income

by Geri Stengel on Oct 18, 2011 - 12:20am

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Ripples in the investment world are massing into a tidal wave of change in how we finance social good. It is a wave that will encompass investment brokers and philanthropists, venture capitalists and foundations.

9 Trends in Social Good Focus of Summit

by Geri Stengel on Sep 26, 2011 - 12:20am

Commentary / Opinion Motivated by Purpose Review social enterprise Social Entrepreneurship social good Social Media social media Social Media for Social Good

Wow! Where to begin? In rooms full of energetic people, keyboarding on one device or another, and bombarded with one great idea after another, where to begin in describing the Mashable/92ndStY Social Good Summit.

Customers Determine Product Design for Social Enterprise

by Geri Stengel on Sep 13, 2011 - 12:20am

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Editor’s note: To help social entrepreneurs anticipate and avoid some of the problems of starting a social-good business, Ventureneer will do a series of blogs about the progress of Greenway Grameen Infra, a very likely candidate for success. “Grameen” means “rural” or “village.” Greenway Grameen Infra is not associated with the Grameen Foundation. I’ll be checking back with them regularly to see what’s working and what’s not. Right now, it’s looking good.

Recharged and Rarin’ to Go with Outcomes of Latest Social Media Research

by Geri Stengel on Sep 1, 2011 - 12:20am

best practices Commentary / Opinion minority-owned Small Business small businesses social enterprise social media Social Media women-owned

Another day off to recharge and reflect: I visited Washington Irving's home at Sunnyside, just north of New York City. Lovely day immersed in history, literature, and the fresh air of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.

10 Social Media Habits To Boost Your Business

by Geri Stengel on Jul 28, 2011 - 12:19am

customer service social enterprise social entrepreneur Social Entrepreneurship Social Media social media sustainability

Yes, you can grow a business without damaging the planet or the people who live on it. From a start-up in 2006 to a presence in 30,000 stores worldwide, Yes To is a success story by any measure. And its values, as explained on its Facebook page, could come straight from “Social Enterprise 101,” if there were such a handbook:

a portion of all proceeds has been dedicated to a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization
sustainability in products, partners, and the lives of the company and the people who work for the company
a team committed to taking steps to lead greener and more 'aware' lifestyles (organic fruit deliveries! recycling! team yoga!)
a healthy, happy team makes everything a little bit better

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It’s Valentine’s Day: Are Your Condoms Socially Responsible?

by Geri Stengel on Feb 8, 2011 - 12:14am

Motivated by Purpose Profile: Company Small Business social enterprise Social Entrepreneurship Social Responsibility socially responsible triple bottom line Women Entrepreneurship

Better sex for a better world: Now there’s a Valentine’s Day sentiment we can all support. The more you indulge, the better the world seems … and actually is, thanks to “Love Begins With L.”