By Amber Alarid, JVA Consulting

For social entrepreneurs, it is not enough to establish a financially viable business—it is imperative that the business contributes to the welfare and advancement of the community. If your dream job involves integrating your business skills and experience with your inherent passion for changing the world—you are a future social entrepreneur—and this week’s blog has the resources you need.

Books

• How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas by David Bornstein­—One of Sarah Hidey’s (JVA’s Managing Associate for Social Enterprise) favorite books about social enterprise, this book details the journeys of inspiring social entrepreneurs from across the globe.
• Rippling: How Social Entrepreneurs Spread Innovation Throughout the World by Beverly Schwartz—Schwartz interviewed Ashoka Fellows who are leaders in the social enterprise field for this book about how social entrepreneurs impact innovation across the sector and the qualities that allow them to do so.

Blogs

• How to Become a Social Entrepreneur—From questions like “What is a social entrepreneur?” to “Is social entrepreneurship right for you?”, this blog gives you an overview of what it’s like to enter the social enterprise field. Blogger Naomi Enevoldson even shares her personal experience with social enterprise, allowing readers to learn along with her.
• Nonprofit Street—Nonprofit Street is JVA’s blog, a place where passionate changemakers share ideas and resources related to the social change sector. Recent social enterprise blogs include:
  • Social Entrepreneurship: It’s Not Only a 9-5 Job!
  • Simplifying Technology for the Social Sector: Big Ideas for 2013
  • Social Entrepreneurship: Fun for Any and All Ages

Professional Development

• Social Enterprise Academy—This five-day Social Enterprise Academy is designed to help you dive into the world of social enterprise and develop a plan for a viable and successful business that will accomplish a social or environmental mission as well as make money.
• Are You Ready for Social Enterprise?—Leave this training with a better understanding of how and why social enterprise can be important to create a more sustainable future for your nonprofit.
• Denver Net Impact—If you’re looking to network with other social entrepreneurs, check out upcoming events at Denver Net Impact.

What are your favorite social enterprise resources? Share your thoughts with other budding entrepreneurs in the comments section below.