25 Social Enterprise Quotes Shifting Focus Away From Profit

If we want a better world, entrepreneurs need to run their businesses with less focus on making a profit and more on contributing to society. This need led to the rise of social entrepreneurs, individuals who pay attention to the areas of lack in their communities and seek ways to fill those gaps– all while still making a profit. Our selection of social enterprise quotes shares some of their stories and may inspire you to take similar steps.

Challenges are inevitable, whether you are an existing social entrepreneur or a beginner. Here are some motivational pushes and helpful insights from industry experts to help you stay ahead and build and innovate creative ideas that impact lives.

Table of contents:

Best Social Enterprise Quotes Encouraging You To Be Part Of One

Most people will say that money is the root of all evil. But let's accept the fact that the world revolves around it– whether we like it or not. Once that's done, we need to shift our perspective. Businesses can thrive financially while still giving back to the community and the planet in any form of advocacy. This is how a social enterprise operates.

We have all the power to make this the new norm. As consumers, we wield the influence. We must support businesses that genuinely make a positive impact. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs should let a purposeful mission steer their processes.

If you are not convinced, here are the top inspiring quotes for you to hop on the train.

I’m encouraging young people to become social business entrepreneurs and contribute to the world rather than just making money. Making money is no fun. Contributing to and changing the world is a lot more fun.
- Muhammad Yunus, Founder of Grameen Bank and recipient of Nobel Peace Prize.

What business entrepreneurs are to the economy, social entrepreneurs are to social change. They are the driven, creative individuals who question the status quo, exploit new opportunities, refuse to give up, and remake the world for the better.
- David Bornstein, Author of The Price of a Dream and How to Change the World.

When our grandchildren ask us where we were when the voiceless and the vulnerable in our era needed leaders of compassion and purpose, I hope we can say that we showed up and that we showed up on time.
- Gary Haugen, , Founder of International Justice Mission.

A little bit of good can turn into a whole lot of good when fueled by the commitment of a social entrepreneur.
- Jeff Skoll, , Founder of Skoll Foundation.

Insights On How Social Entrepreneurship Helps the Community

Social entrepreneurship is built on the desire to help communities. It can focus on issues like poverty, climate change, or even racism.

Take Komal Ahmad's Copia, for instance. It channels extra food from big companies to people who need it. This business model not only curbs waste but also feeds the hungry at the same time. 

These kinds of innovations keep our society moving forward. Don't you agree? For more examples, search for the mission of each person in this post.

Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry.
- Bill Drayton, Founder of Ashoka.

Social entrepreneurs identify resources where people only see problems. They view the villagers as the solution, not the passive beneficiary. They begin with the assumption of competence and unleash resources in the communities they’re serving.
- David Bornstein

I think one of the most exciting trends right now is the birth of the global citizen who is interested in not only improving his or her immediate neighborhood but also helping his or her neighbors across the globe.
- Kathy Calvin, Former CEO of the United Nations Foundation

Business is a powerful vehicle for change, and I want to be part of reclaiming an economy that is inclusive, embraces diversity, shares prosperity, and is regenerative.

~Kristi McKenzie, Senior Consultant of The Difference Incubator.

My key takeaway from the Social Enterprise World Forum in Brisbane: ‘Be the glue.’ It’s all about connecting with people. The ones who believe in business for good, social impact and a better planet, better places, better economies, and unlocking human potential right now.

~Sandeep Varma, CEO of SAARI Collective

Messages On Solving Problems Through Social Enterprises

I’m not the typical Silicon Valley entrepreneur — I’m not just trying to start a startup. I was trying to solve a problem, and it was an obsession. I had to figure this out. This needs to exist in the world. We don’t have the luxury of failing — the problem is so critical and so solvable — for the first time in human history, we can solve this problem.
- Komal Ahmad, Founder of Copia.

What we are advocating for is an ecosystem that welcomes all players and is willing to think outside the box to find innovative solutions for housing affordability.
- Zack Mellette, Cofounder of Swope Dreams.

There’s not a lack of ideas or a lack of creativity. It’s about creating the opportunity to share the resources so we can all experience success.

~Liandra Gaykamangu, Founder of sustainable fashion brand Liandra.

Quotes About The Obstacles Of Running A Social Enterprise

Some of the significant hurdles special enterprises have to overcome include financing, team building, creating ideas that sell, and loneliness. The last one is a long-standing problem that's often been tossed aside.

Founders could struggle to assemble teams committed to mission-driven work, often with limited resources. Loneliness becomes common, as their dual-focus goals can isolate them in both business and social circles. 

If you know someone who is starting a social enterprise, make sure to give them support. Or, share with them our resource on staying motivated as a social innovator.

The challenging part is in the beginning; it's a leap of faith. But I think the most important thing is to just do it. Start.
- Tom Szaky, Founder of TerraCycle

I knew that if I failed I wouldn't regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.
- Jeff Bezos

If you don’t get the systems, structures, and supports right, then social enterprises won’t grow at any pace.

~Chris White

Don't tell us all the reasons this might not work. Tell us all the ways it could work.

~John Wood, Founder of Room To Read

Fear is useless. What is needed is trust. As social innovators, we’ve got to be tenacious, gritty, and courageous. We deal with cynicism and rejection- especially when what we’re working on is important. So we can never give up. Ever.

~Jim Ziolkowski, Founder buildOn

Motivational Quotes For People In Social Enterprises

We are change makers. We are dreamers. And, most importantly, we are doers.
- Melissa Carrier

Build your business around being the most helpful to the world, and don’t ever forget why you started giving back.
- Todd Grinnell, Co-founder of This Bar Saves Lives.

You have to really believe in what you’re doing, be passionate enough about it so that you will put in the hours and hard work that it takes to actually succeed there, and then you’ll be successful.

~Pierre Omidyar, Founder of eBay.

Don’t be afraid of change and adjust – to solve social problems – you have to solve the problem at the core or at the system level, and that takes time and a real necessity to learn from your market and adjust your solution or product as needed.

~Shivani Siroya, Founder of Tala.

More Wisdom From Other Social Entrepreneurs

Here’s my advice: The first step to becoming a changemaker (the only secure job going forward) is to give oneself permission, i.e., to ignore — politely, of course — all those who say 'Don’t do it.'
- Bill Drayton

Think big. Having a big vision is very important in entrepreneurship. It’s better to have a vision that is giant-sized than one that is too small. The bigness of the vision often attracts other like-minded individuals who can see into the possibilities, and therefore, this type of thinking attracts opportunities for growth.
- Linda Rottenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Endeavor.

By simply capitalizing on core strengths and knowledge, companies and entrepreneurs can engage in an emerging business model that will enable them to create – and demonstrate – real, sustainable social impact in society.

~Muhammad Yunus

I am amazed at the speed at which the social enterprise movement is growing around the world. A new economy exists, and it is time to support it.

~Rafik Riad, Founder of Salt.