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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If you'd like to improve your work and life as a manager, learn from people in your field who have made an impact. My podcast, https://socentpodcast.org, has allowed me to meet and learn from fascinating people in social entrepreneurship. #socent
#DYK: 6,800+. That's the number of @BrightLifeFINCA’s customers in #Uganda who have benefited from free lighting during #COVID19. https://bit.ly/32GDFir #EnergyAccess #solar
What many funds are doing now is refusing to invest bc its too risky
U.S Followers:
Some of you know me as the author of two books on social enterprise. Today I am announcing the launch of my novel, “Ronnie’s Greenhouse”, the book you need on your nightstand the night of Nov 3. Find it here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KYGB8QL
U.K Followers:
Today I am announcing the launch of my first novel, “Ronnie’s Greenhouse”, the book you need on your nightstand the night of Nov 3. Find it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KYGB8QL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1