Social Entrepreneurs

so·cial en·tre·pre·neur noun
A social entrepreneur is a visionary leader with a high-impact social innovation who takes our society forward by helping to create a picture for the future that is stronger than a nostalgia for the past.


Describing Social Entrepreneurs

"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
George Bernard Shaw

Social entrepreneurs are unreasonable people. They are the mavericks who refuse to accept the status quo. They look at the world, are dissatisfied with what they see, and resolve to change it. They are both dreamers and doers; imagining a brighter future and setting about making that dream into a reality. They are true entrepreneurs; innovators who are passionate and resourceful, who are prepared to take risks and who apply their energy, drive and ambition to effecting social change in Ireland.


Characteristics of Social Entrepreneurs

  • Innovative
  • Passionate
  • Resourceful and opportunistic
  • Risk takers
  • Can execute their plan
  • Fully committed to success
  • Intimate understanding of their sector
  • Have learnt from failure and kept going


Well known examples

Mary Davis
Special Olympics Ireland, Taskforce on Active Citizenship

Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy
Focus Ireland, Young Social Innovators, The Immigrant Council of Ireland

Muhammad Yunus
Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Founder of the Grameen Bank

Edmund Rice
Pioneer of primary education in Ireland


For examples of the next generation of Irish social entrepreneurs, click here >>