In the world of entrepreneurship, a new breed of business leaders has emerged in the last decade: social entrepreneurs. These individuals strive to create positive social change through innovative business models, addressing pressing societal issues while also generating sustainable financial returns. One such young entrepreneur, Chris Eigeland, gained attention for his inspiring take on building social enterprises and businesses designed for impact. As a passionate advocate for social entrepreneurship, Eigeland sheds light (in his TED Talk below) on the unique opportunities available inAustralia for startups focused on creating a positive social impact.
At its core, social entrepreneurship involves using entrepreneurial principles and practices to create and sustain businesses that address social and environmental challenges. These entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to make a difference and bring about positive change in their communities and beyond. They prioritise social impact alongside financial success, harnessing business as a force for good.
In his compelling TED Talk, Eigeland shares his experiences and insights as a social entrepreneur. He emphasises the need for a mindset shift, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to move away from solely profit-driven ventures and instead focus on creating businesses with a purpose. Eigeland's approach centres on building sustainable, scalable enterprises that tackle societal issues head-on, ensuring a lasting impact.
What sets Eigeland apart is his holistic view of entrepreneurship. He believes that every business should have a social or environmental mission at its core. By embedding impact-driven values into theDNA of a company, entrepreneurs can create a culture that aligns with their vision of a better world. Eigeland's unique perspective challenges the notion that social enterprises are separate entities from traditional businesses, highlighting the potential for all ventures to contribute positively to society.
Australia, with its thriving startup ecosystem, provides a fertile ground for social entrepreneurs like Eigeland. The country's vibrant and supportive environment fosters innovation and encourages entrepreneurship, making it an ideal hotbed for startups focused on social impact. Australia boasts a diverse and multicultural society, with a strong sense of community and a willingness to embrace social change. These factors create an ecosystem that promotes collaboration and provides resources for entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and scale their ventures.
Moreover, Australia's progressive policies and initiatives contribute too … The government offers grants, funding, and incubation programs specifically tailored to support startups focused on solving social and environmental challenges. The availability of such resources, combined with a culture that values sustainability and social responsibility, makes Australia an ideal environment for social entrepreneurs to thrive.
Take the time to watch Chris Eigeland’s TED Talk from 2015 –although it’s been around for some years, his words hold weight today:
If you’re an entrepreneur with a social outlook and approach, we’d love to chat. The Attune team works with startups and other businesses to build successful financial strategies that help maximise impact and business success. Speak with the Attune team on 1300 866 113 or send us an email to start the conversation – you won’t regret it!