Connect

Several organizations have emerged that employ various strategies to identify, support, and connect social entrepreneurs and business and nonprofit leaders interested in the use of business and management skills to enhance the effectiveness of the social sector. Depending on your interests and background, one or more of the following might provide valuable resources and opportunities for connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations.

Ashoka: Innovators for the Public: Ashoka’s mission is to develop the profession of social entrepreneurship around the world. Ashoka has invested in more than 1,400 Ashoka Fellows in 48 countries.

Bridgestar: Dedicated to developing leadership for the nonprofit sector, BridgeStar’s goal is to attract, connect and support leaders — established and aspiring — for greater effectiveness and social impact.

Echoing Green: Echoing Green provides first-stage funding and support to visionary leaders with bold ideas for social change. Through a two-year fellowship program, Echoing Green helps passionate social entrepreneurs develop new solutions to some of society’s most difficult problems.

Net Impact: Net Impact is a network of emerging business leaders committed to using the power of business to create a better world.

SocialEdge: Social Edge is a lively and provocative online community for the social sector where you'll find social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, nonprofit professionals, activists, academics, friends and colleagues.

Social Enterprise Alliance: Social Enterprise Alliance is the membership organization leading the creation of a social enterprise movement by mobilizing communities of nonprofit organizations and funders to advance earned income strategies.

Social Venture Network: Social Venture Network (SVN) is a community of leaders-company founders, private investors, social entrepreneurs and key influencers-who share a commitment to building a just and sustainable world through business.

Social Venture Partners International: The network of Social Venture Partners organizations seek to catalyze significant, long-term positive social change in their communities by engaging professionals in investing time, expertise, and money in innovative nonprofits to collaboratively strengthen their organizations.