PERREAULT Magazine MAY | JUNE 2016 | Page 35

I think for social enterprise it has specifically made its massive impact in the ability for artisans in rural areas to work with online marketplaces to sell their products. This was not possible years ago, but since the internet and tech have made it to the developing world it has allowed for individuals to lift themselves out of poverty through amazing products they create and then sell to consumers all over the world. There are no doubt many other areas that tech has played a huge role in on behalf of social good and social enterprise, but I think the ability for example, for a poor women in rural Peru or Africa to be able to create a bag, jewelry, or clothing, and then sell it on a 3rp party marketplace is the main tool that can drive social good and help alleviate poverty.

Do you think Social Entrepreneurism is a fad or here to stay? DO you see the concept spreading through other industries?

I actually think this will be the wave of how business is done. I believe we are in the infancy of social entrepreneurship. There are already alternative social good products for basically every product on the market from shoes, to headphones, to clothing, to bikes, and so much more. I only see it growing. Once data starts to pour in on how social enterprises are really making an impact I think it will start to explode even more. Europe is really spearheading the social enterprise effort as a report indicated last year that nearly 70% of new business being applied for has a social good aspect to them. I think it is more of a revolution and not a fad. It will continue to make strides and become more mainstream as consumers and investors get to know more and more about them.

www.causeartist.com

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