The Top Trends That Will Shape Social Entrepreneurship in 2009

by Nathaniel Whittemore · 2008-12-26 09:33:00 UTC
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In 2008, the language of "social entrepreneurship" became an increasingly important part of the "do gooder" discourse. New books like "Philanthrocapitalism" and "The Power of Unreasonable People" brought the movement that straddles the business and charity world to a wider audience. Conferences like the Social Capital Markets event strove to break down the industry silos in which the social enterprise movement is germinating. 'Blended Value' investors channeled capital to new business models that combine social and environmental impact. And "Social Enterprise" even made Lucy Bernholz's Top Buzzwords of 2008.

Between now and New Year's Day, I'll be posting each day about the top trends that I think will shape social entrepreneurship in 2009. The list ranges wildly, but each of the forces I will catalog have the potential so significantly change the way we think about change. I'm looking forward to reader comments, ideas, and discussion as we go.

Nathaniel Whittemore is the founder of Assetmap. Previously he was the founding director of the Northwestern University Center for Global Engagement.
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