This story originally appeared in our June 30th, 2011 e-magazine. Click here to download the pdf e-magazine.

Pablo Handl, Co-Founder of the HUB São Paulo (Brazil), and Julieta Villacaña, Coordinator at the HUB Oaxaca (Mexico), share their experiences and views on the social enterprise landscape and its future in both countries.

What is the state of social entrepreneurship in your countries?
JV: The scene of social entrepreneurs in Mexico is gaining momentum, but in Oaxaca, the term itself is not well known. The people who work for social transformation [do] not yet see clear value in social entrepreneurship, as [the] idea of being able to live [off] social transformation is still under discussion and [a] conflict within organizations and among traditional activists, [who] have [spent] more time working [towards] change, at least in our state.

PH: The ecosystem around social entrepreneurship in Brazil is rich and reaching a new level of sophistication. However, there is a weak legal framework and public policy support for entrepreneurs. The investment landscape is not ready to invest in ideas yet. Most investments are made in up-and-running social enterprises. » Continue reading “Building hub spaces”

By Kate Sutton

After meeting someone like Dr. Sam Prince you are left with an overwhelming feeling of inspiration—a belief that with passion anything really is possible. Prince is passionate about three things: health care, education and business. With these passions, it is not surprising Prince is a doctor, a Mexican food entrepreneur and a philanthropist. However, when it is revealed Prince is all these things at the age of 27, it is surprising.

Prince is not your typical entrepreneur. Prince trained as a doctor at the Australian National University in Canberra. While studying, Prince worked in restaurants to pay the university bills. He was particularly interested in an American food franchise concept: Fresh – Mex – Grills, as it’s name suggests, fast, fresh, healthy Mexican cuisine. It was during his medical studies when Prince started Zambrero, a Mexican restaurant, which has multiplied into 17 restaurant franchises across Australia. Zambrero’s profits go towards the Emagine Foundation to deliver health and education projects in Australia and developing countries. » Continue reading “Meet Sam Prince: Australian Serial Entrepreneur”

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” -Robert F. Kennedy

Last weekend, I came across a few young people who, like Robert Kennedy, believe that through small acts, they can redefine this generation. In India, a country still riddled by the barnacles of a caste system unwilling to let go, seeing young people working together across class to make change proffered hope for a new India.

While waiting for the monsoon to arrive in an auditorium in Mumbai, I met a series of social entrepreneurs, part of Ashoka’s Youth Venture program, who have taken on the responsibility to change our world, with perseverance and steady energy.

Eighteen year old Shubhangi has started an initiative to inform her community about child sexual abuse. Monika is 15, and raising awareness of substance addiction among young people in her neighborhood. Prabal has started an alternative magazine called SLAP. Prashant is sending drop-outs back to school.

Each of these projects is led by a young person (15-24) and has produced measurable results. 18 conversations about alcohol abuse. 12 drop outs re-enrolled in school. 4 girls returned to school.

As I watched the video about a young woman helping send girls back to school, I caught myself in a wave of cynicism. Four girls, I thought. It’s quite a small number. But then, I tried to imagine the girls. In a classroom. Learning. Playing. Reading aloud. Proving their point. » Continue reading “Blurring Social Divides”