Social entrepreneurship

It's hard to study Humanitarian Efforts and New Media without running in to social entrepreneurship.

In fact, if you type this term into Google's search engine over 14 million links appear. To say this field has exploded is an understatement. In my view, social entrepreneurship and the proliferation of the Internet are highly correlated.

The Internet has given us access to parts of the world like never before, thus raising our awareness of the need felt by others all around the world. Also, the Internet connects us even when we're far away, which is useful for social entrepreneurs. And, it allows social entrepreneurs to reach a scalable audience with their issue(s) as well as provides a useful means for raising support. Another key benefit the Internet provides to humanitarian efforts is that it can lead to income in under-developed areas.

In fact, Ethan Zuckerman has been exploring this territory for awhile through various projects - geekcorps, global voices. IT Conversations is hosting an interview of Ethan that is worth checking out for ideas and inspiration for social entrepreneurship.

For more information on Social entrepreneurship, read these bios from the book - How to Change the World - written by David Bornstein.

And, Ashoka has started an interesting concept - venture capital for Humanitarian Causes.