A social enterprise is a business that, rather than just focused on making money, tries to address a social problem.
It has a double bottom line — to be financially sustainable and to have a measurable impact on a societal issues such as poverty, health and the environment.
In this podcast, Rupert Scofield explores the challenges of starting, building and running a social enterprise. Guests include other social entrepreneurs and impact investors who share their insights and experience.
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Recent Podcasts
Episode 29: Rewriting the Playbook for Startup Innovation – Alexandre Lazarow (34:22)
Alexandre Lazarow, author of the book, Out-Innovate: How Global Entrepreneurs – from Delhi to Detroit – Are Rewriting the Rules of Silicon Valley, chats with Rupert Scofield about a new playbook for innovation. Alex has spent his career working at the intersection of investing, innovation and economic development across the private, public and social sectors. This episode: What is the “valley” vs. the “frontier” in startup innovation? Social entrepreneurs are “multi-mission athletes” – what does that mean? How are frontier entrepreneurs finding, attracting and retaining top talent?
Episode 28: Sustainable Energy and Climate Solutions – Harriet Lamb, Ashden (34:57)
Harriet Lamb, CEO of Ashden, talks with Rupert Scofield about sustainable energy and climate solutions and the social entrepreneurs who are innovating in these areas. Ashden is a registered UK charity known for its annual Awards Ceremony that celebrates the leading organizations tackling climate change, energy access, efficiency and storage. This episode: What is the origin of Ashden and how does energy access lie at the heart of so many development challenges? What are the Ashden Awards and what do social entrepreneurs working in the energy sector need to know? How does Ashden support award-winning social entrepreneurs tackling energy challenges?
Episode 27: Mentoring the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs – John Kohler, Miller Center (46:15)
John Kohler, Executive Fellow and a Sr. Director of Impact Capital Innovation at Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, chats with Rupert Scofield about mentoring the next generation of social entrepreneurs. The Miller Center is “the largest and most successful university-based social enterprise accelerator in the world” and aims to accelerate entrepreneurship to end global poverty and protect the planet. This episode: What is the GSBI accelerator and what makes it so unique? How should social entrepreneurs be thinking about start-up accelerators? What are considerations for balancing social impact with financial returns?
About Rupert
Rupert Scofield is a social entrepreneur and an agricultural economist with over 40 years of experience in developing countries.
He is President, CEO and Co-founder of FINCA International, the founder and majority owner of 20 community-based microfinance institutions and banks across Africa, Eurasia, Latin America, the Middle East and South Asia. Rupert now leads FINCA International on the next leg of its journey: supporting the rise of social enterprises delivering basic service and financial innovation.
An expert on microfinance, social enterprise and impact investing, Rupert is an author, podcast presenter and frequent speaker, offering insights and guidance on market-based solutions to global poverty.
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COVID-19 has shown the stark risks of complacency amid catastrophe. The world cannot afford the 2-wave shock of #COVID19 and climate crisis. Equitable #climateaction efforts cannot slow down, and as @nresearchnews points out, now is the time to act: https://go.nature.com/2yQzYdR
It’s diversity, stupid! “The consequences of the lack of investor diversity for founders is enormous […] Just hiring the odd female partner won’t be enough." Read more from @JFLenhard of the @MaxCamCentre in @crunchbasenewshere:
Special Report: EU Lags Behind US In VC Gender Equality, Albeit With Signs Of Change
Most importantly, we need to admit across the board that a cultural shift will be needed in order to tackle the issue of diversity in VC. Just hiring ...
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A crisis brings out the best and worst in a society. Scammers hijacking tech and undermining confidence in digital technologies that keep vulnerable populations informed, connected, and financially afloat is unconscionable. Read more from @CGAP:
Financial Scams Rise as Coronavirus Hits Developing Countries
As COVID-19 (coronavirus) spreads in developing countries, a surge in financial scams requires action from governments and financial services provider...
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