Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Investing

Traditionally, social and environmental issues have only been addressed by governments and philanthropic efforts, while the private sector focused solely on investments that would maximize financial returns. However, through the integrative law movement, this mindset has shifted, and concepts such as Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing were developed. Social Entrepreneurship: Social Entrepreneurship is a for-profit business model that primarily focuses on developing solutions to various social and environmental issues. The social entrepreneur will examine commercial opportunities that provide a positive impact to their community and the world and then construct a business around that opportunity. What determines success for a Social Entrepreneur differs from their traditional for-profit counterparts. Social Entrepreneurs measure their success by examining their positive impact on the targeted issue instead of examining traditional metrics such as revenue and market capitalization. Moreover, unlike conventional for-profit businesses that distribute profits to shareholders or reinvest into the business, social entrepreneurs look to disburse their excess capital directly into the issue they have targeted. Impact Investing: Impact investing is an investment strategy that is designed to generate both positive financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. The investments target a wide array of issues, from combating global warming to improving health care and education. Impact investors measure the success of their investments by examining the positive impact their investments make on the target social or environmental issue, along with the traditional financial metrics. With impact investing, the individual or institutional investor is committed to the concept that their investment’s social or environmental performance is the primary objective. Impacting investing challenges the traditional view that market investments should only focus on maximizing financial returns. The impact investing market allows investors to generate financial returns while making social and environmental improvements.

This page was researched and designed by Jesse Hyde

Stuffed Elephant as Mascot

The Elephant is our mascot. Around the world, the elephant is a powerful symbol of strength, social bonds, wisdom, dignity, grace, wisdom, confidence, patience, commitment, peace, gentleness, discernment,  intelligence, compassion, collective consciousness, and the removal of obstacles.  This particular elephant is a creative depiction of the Blind Men & the Elephant story. 

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