I am in the nonprofit sector; terms like ROI, venture capitalism, and investment feel like learning a new language. Public service is and will always be what motivates me, but the more time I spend working at and studying nonprofits, the more sure I become that our nonprofit-centric model of community aid is not sufficient. Nonprofits face chronic financial challenges that can lessen the impact of their work.
Are there some incredible nonprofits? Absolutely. Do I think there might be another way to better help our communities? Yes.
Social entrepreneurship is a new concept that is still evolving throughout organizations, but let’s keep it simple. According to Wikipedia, social entrepreneurship is, “an approach by individuals, groups, start-up companies or entrepreneurs, in which they develop, fund, and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues.”
Do I think we should turn the nonprofit industry into a for-profit one? No. But here is the potential: the efficiency of the market meets the mission of nonprofits. The creativity and grit of entrepreneurs with the compassion and generosity of nonprofit employees.
The University of Oregon has immense potential to be a hub for social entrepreneurship, which is why I am so excited about my position as a Provost’s Student Innovation Fellow. We are an innovation and research institution surrounded by a city that is known for its activism. Put all this together and you have a recipe for social entrepreneurship.
As I’ve immersed myself in this fellowship--learned from local leaders and entrepreneurs and met my brilliant, compassionate cohort members--one thing has become clear: most entrepreneurs don’t start as business people. They’re idea people. They’re solution people. This entrepreneurial ecosystem has doors wide open and what we need is people who have a heart for service and ideas for innovative solutions.
So, I’m writing to you: students with a mission to improve this world who have had even a passive interest in entrepreneurship. Take a look at successful social entrepreneurs and their work, or read The Blue Sweater by Jaqueline Novogratz. Talk to Chuck Williams and Jim Deane at the Office of Research and Innovation, or Kate Harmon, the Director of Cross-Campus Engagement at the Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship.
We have a higher ability for innovation, a greater demand for solutions, and more resources available to us than ever before. The potential is here; we just need you. The right person, with the right idea, and the right resources.