NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

If your social enterprise can’t survive without grants, don’t kid yourself, you’re running a charity.

This is the harsh truth the social enterprise sector needs to face if it wants to deliver on its original promise. Social enterprises have been hailed as champions of change for decades, tackling the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change, poverty and gender equality, while blending purpose with profit and making a unique connection with customers. But their track record of delivering on their lofty goals is spotty at best.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Moca.