30.5 Qualifications, Skills & Competencies

To become a successful social entrepreneur, having the right educational background can be important. Many social entrepreneurs have degrees in business, social work, public administration, or related fields. These educational paths provide a solid foundation in understanding how to run a business and address social issues.

More importantly, social entrepreneurs need strong business acumen, including skills in management, finance, marketing, and operations, to successfully run and grow their businesses. Additionally, they must possess creativity and resilience to innovate, solve problems, and navigate challenges effectively. Soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and resilience are important. Empathy allows social entrepreneurs to understand and connect with the communities they serve, fostering trust and collaboration.

Reference

Barreiro, Terri D., and Melissa M. Stone. 2013. Social Entrepreneurship: From Issue to Viable Plan. Business Expert Press.

Gordon, Michael. 2019. Becoming a Social Entrepreneur: Starting Out, Scaling Up and Staying True. Routledge.