Social Enterprise

This course examines innovative organizations – social enterprises – that are created to improve people’s lives and that contribute to improved social, economic and environmental conditions. These organizations adapt various aspects of the market model emphasizing both financial viability and social/environmental goals – measuring achievement in all of the areas.  Social enterprises are often launched to address problems where government, the private sector, and the traditional nonprofit sector fail to provide a public good. The course emphasis will be on how such organizations are started, the business models they develop, and how they scale (grow) their impact beyond local benefit.  The course will also focus on how these enterprises are financed by examining the field of impact finance. 

Through case studies, experiential activities and guest speakers, the course will give students an understanding of various approaches to social enterprise and illustrate the general strengths and weaknesses of different social enterprise business and financing models.