Social entrepreneurship is an approach to creating system-level change through the application of entrepreneurial thinking to social ventures, non-profit organizations, government institutions, and NGOs to create economic, environmental, and social value for multiple stakeholders, not just shareholders.

Both within and beyond the University of Virginia, a groundswell of support is emerging behind this growing field.  The University of Virginia is leveraging its vast array of existing resources to establish itself as a leading institution in educating the world’s highest impact leaders in the emerging field of social entrepreneurship and innovation.

Countless models have shown the potential for scalable solutions to address social and environmental problems on a global level.  Collaborating with government and business leaders, social entrepreneurs can spark cycles of self-sustaining social and economic value creation, uplifting communities and empowering individuals.

As this field develops, it is imperative we educate future leaders to advance this field. We strive to bring together the best of the University’s public service mission, world-class professional schools, and critical liberal arts training through a pan-University social entrepreneurship initiative.

Links:

• SE@UVA: As one of the top universities in the country, the University of Virginia is well placed to be a national leader in this emerging field.
• SEED: SEED is a passionate group of students at the University of Virginia committed to fostering sustainable development in communities around the world.
• SE Hub
• Batten Institute: The Batten Institute is dedicated to the creation of knowledge about the transformative power of entrepreneurship and innovation and to the cultivation of principled, entrepreneurial leaders.