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.
From 2019 until his passing in 2022, Rupert Scofield explored the challenges of starting, building and running a social enterprise. Guests include other social entrepreneurs and impact investors who share their insights and experience.
Podcasts
Episode 34: Practical Activism – Steve Davis (39:21)
In this episode of The Social Enterprise Podcast, Rupert Scofield hosts author and activist Steve Davis. Steve is also Senior Strategic Advisor and interim Director, China Country Office, for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This episode: Undercurrents and practical activism. Changing with the COVID-19 pandemic. New capabilities and tools in global development. Improvements in global wellbeing.
Episode 33: Maximizing People Capital – Debbie Wall (39:42)
In this episode of The Social Enterprise Podcast, Rupert Scofield hosts Debbie Wall, founder and Executive Vice President of the Sage Foundation. They chat about how businesses can maximize “people capital” and empower employees to support their local communities. This episode: Sage Foundation’s unique model of “action philanthropy.” The impact of COVID and adapting to the pandemic. The vision for the future. Originally published November 4, 2020 on www.socentpodcast.org.
Episode 32: Becoming a Social Entrepreneur – Michael Gordon (41:22)
In this episode of The Social Enterprise Podcast, Rupert Scofield hosts Michael Gordon, Professor of Social Entrepreneurial Studies at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. They chat about what it means and takes to become a social entrepreneur. This episode: The personal interest in social enterprise. The status of the sector in academia. The motivation for writing the book, “Becoming a Social Entrepreneur.” Response to failures and crises.
About Rupert
Rupert Scofield is a Co-founder of FINCA International and served as its President and CEO from 1994 until his passing in 2022. FINCA International itself is the founder and majority owner of a network community-based microfinance institutions and banks across Africa, Eurasia, Latin America, the Middle East and South Asia.
Rupert’s passing on November 27, 2022 was a monumental loss to FINCA and the global community that he dedicated his life to serving. You can read more about Rupert and his final call-to-action here.