14 R1.T2 – Module 4: Solutions to environmental problems through social entrepreneurship Upload your findings in the AY4L collaboration space and learn what your peers think about your findings! 2. Please visit this link and read an example of Theory of Change. Now, follow the tips provided in there and try to develop your own example. After completion upload it in the platform and discuss it with your peers. LEARNING UNIT 3: BENEFITS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR LOCAL, REGIONAL, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT As previously illustrated, social entrepreneurship can contribute significantly to the development of communities either at local, regional or even at national level due to the nature of the aims and activities that lie within its heart having as a primary goal the provision of solutions that promote prosperity, equal opportunities for all, accessibility, social inclusion etc. The role of social entrepreneurship for the society, economy and environment could be briefly presented as follows (SESBA, 2017; Haugh, 2005): ü Social entrepreneurship is a business model that allows organizations involved to become more sophisticated and innovative in the way that they maximize economic and social values. ü Social entrepreneurial activity adds to economic development by creating new jobs and entrepreneurial ventures; also supports the economy by improving the quality of the local workforce (e.g. health care for the poor, vocational job training for high school graduates, substance abuse counselling for ex-offenders, etc.) and helping the disadvantaged to overcome their poverty through employment. ü By valuing social as well as economic returns, social entrepreneurship can target areas of social need and can contribute to the improvement of life conditions for beneficiaries and to lower program costs for governments. ü Social entrepreneurship can contribute to the increase of tax revenues while reducing welfare payments. ü Social entrepreneurship, as a bottom-up approach can also provide benefits in rural areas, enabling service providers to address local needs more appropriately, satisfying the distinctive needs of local communities. Working collectively creates social capital and builds confidence that can be applied to other community issues of concern.
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