There are as many definitions of social entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurs as there are organisations promoting the concept (see further reading and resources). Fairly non-controversial general statements are common such as: social entrepreneurs are innovative problem-solvers who take a sustainable and business-minded approach to solving social issues. More specifically, debate centres around the following issues: Can a business be both socially and commercially successful? Even more fundamentally: can companies with 'social good' at their core be financially successful? Are entrepreneurs who run such successful companies really social entrepreneurs? Or should the terms be reserved for efficiently-run not-for-profit organisations? On the one hand, Social entrepreneurship is used to refer to an entrepreneurial business with a social purpose. Characteristics include: A profit-seeking business which provides a social need, purpose or mission. Relies primarily on earned income from paying consumers. Does not rely on grants for capital or income. Some definitions widen the allowable income to consulting services/contract payments and occasional grants and donations. Funded by investment. Goal: generating earned income in pursuit of improved social outcomes. A business entrepreneur can be a social entrepreneur. One can do good through profit as long as there is a close link between profits and ethics. To sustain socially ...