Abstract:

This paper/presentation will address a specific academic/pedagogical approach that the presenter uses to teach graduate students how to be/become Social Entrepreneurs. The curriculum is carried out over a two semester sequence where students first familiarize themselves with the many ways that Social Entrepreneurship is defined, the various forms that a Social Enterprise can be formed, the student/founder's relationship with money (is profit something that is important, or not), implications for leading a social enterprise, marketing/public relations, what is the student's personal story that can provide insights into the social cause they might be closest to, and what skills might they possess that would support them becoming a Social Entrepreneur. This work is carried out in the larger learning community (the larger class) as well as within small groups. Each student serves as a consultant within the context of the larger and smaller group/s by offering feedback, criticism, an outside perspective, and some strength/expertise that they may possess. This is all carried out with the Professor as facilitator/expert within an "idea lab" environment where freedom of thought, expression, and ideas are encouraged.

As students reach the midway point of the first semester each student identifies an idea for a Social Enterprise that they have been considering and are passionate about. They then begin the work of writing a business plan for the Social Enterprise. It is this component that introduces the student to becoming the founder, and forces them to carefully consider each aspect of their social enterprise. As each student approaches completion of his/her plan they then must offer a 5 minute pitch of the concept/idea as they will eventually have to do when seeking out funding. The "doing it" component which carries over into the next semester has produced students that have started and have been able to maintain social enterprises and are social entrepreneurs. Some of the funding has come from winning or placing in pitch competitions as well as gaining attention at Social Entrepreneurship events and competitions.

This paper/presentation will provide more detailed information regarding some of the successful enterprises and insights regarding the process and actual testimonials from past and present participants.

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneur.