Multiple Meanings of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise and Their Implications for the Nonprofit Field

Abstract

Historically, society's third sector consisted of nonprofit and voluntary organizations. In recent years, however, social entrepreneurs and social enterprises have begun to share the third-sector stage. In 2011, for example, the Chronicle of Philanthropy included social entrepreneurs, along with philanthrocapitalism, B corporations, impact investing, and microfinance on its list of “Philanthropy's 10 Favorite Buzzwords of the Decade.†First, the meanings of social entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and related terms are focused upon in this article. Then, the implications of the growing interest in social entrepreneurship and enterprise for nonprofit education programs are discussed.