I just returned home from a meeting of Social Venture Network in Chicago (www.svn.org). What an amazing group of business and non-profit leaders! SVN’s mission is to “inspire a community of business and social leaders to build a just economy and sustainable planet.” I’ve been a member of SVN for about 15 years and am currently a member of the Board of Directors. This organization is composed of about 60% for-profit leaders and 40% leaders from the not-for-profit-world.

One of the highlights of the Conference for me was a panel yesterday morning with Kevin Lynch, president of Rebuild Resources, a non-profit social enterprise, and Julius Walls, CEO of Greyston Bakery – an organization with an important social mission. They spoke about their experiences running social enterprises, as well as their new book, Mission, Inc. Another highlight for me was the interview of Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America. She was interviewed with skill and compassion by Andy Shallal, CEO of Busboys and Poets, and innovative restaurant/meeting place in Washington D.C. Then there was Morgan Simon’s (Responsible Endowments Coalition) amazing performance, learning more about Elliot Hoffman of New Voice of Business…I could go on – the complete conference schedule is on the svn.org website…

Perhaps some of the unintended consequences from the current economic downturn will be:
- Return to more local economies with less dependence of global, mass-production industries (in our food production, and many other products and services.)
- Social innovation in the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds
- Movement from business being focused on greed and self-centeredness to business as a way of serving others
- Expanding and implementing the vision of common good

I’m passionate and have great faith in the role of business and entrepreneurship to influence and perhaps lead much needed social change

What are some of your questions or experiences with the world of social enterprise?

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