9 8 Social Entrepreneurship Social Entrepreneurship refers to a person or a group of people working together seeking innovative solutions to social problems, such as education, welfare, environmental issues, reducing poverty and human rights. The majority of initiatives are operated as NGOs or Community Interest Companies known as “the third sector”. Additional for-profit companies take part and contribute to the social objectives. These companies are also considered social initiatives, and are known as “the fourth sector” (Wikipedia). Community Entrepreneurship Community Entrepreneurship is defined as self-organized bottom-up non-profit activities providing independent social products and services for the entrepreneur community. Entrepreneurs could be an official organization employing volunteers, paid staff or both (Igalla et.al, 2018). It is unique in its foundation upon the community and is locally focused. A group of local residents is the driving force behind the initiative: they recruit volunteers from within the community and focus on its needs (Arias-Llano2012, Bailey 2013, Rohracher & Ornetzeder; 2015). Community Social Entrepreneurship One of the IACC’s main goals is building and strengthening the resilience of local communities. There is a strong connection between community entrepreneurship, social capital and local connections (Perkins & Manzo, 2006). We believe that enhancing community initiatives will result in strengthening local communities. First we must understand what Community Entrepreneurship is and how to create successful initiatives. What is a successful initiativ? Based on “Serial Community Entrepreneurs” by Dana Gold (Igalla et al., 2018, Denters 2016): The creation of social capital - describes the network of connections between individuals in the community and their shared social norms, which enable them to promote their common objectives as individuals and as a group. There are three types of social capital in community entrepreneurship: 1. Relating - relationships and trust among the initiators 2. Mediating - between the initiative and other communities 3. Connecting - between the initiative and leadership which supports and assists Organizational abilities - this includes a sound organizational and financial infrastructure and management of human resources. Institutional support of the initiative - support of elected representatives and professional personnel. The support is provided on different levels, such as policy adaptation, legal frameworks, consultation and financial support. Inspirational and ambitious leadership - willing to invest time in leading the initiative. What is considered a successful initiative? Here are the answers provided by specialists in the field, the larger the font the more people chose it.
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