A social entrepreneur can be defined as a person solving societal problems with a business approach. The resulting social enterprise (SE) is the organizational form to do so. Although SE is only a niche in the general economy, it is a growing one and yields a lot of potential for solving developmental problems in particular. Identification of social entrepreneurs, diagnosing bottlenecks for e.g. their growth and providing the necessary, tailor made support to them is a core competence of specialized organizations like the Ashoka network and specialized consulting companies like Hystra. SDC will contribute to their existing efforts financially and with thematic inputs, allowing support to some 80 additional social entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean and in particular in SDC partner countries and with the main target group being low-income households. Quantification of outcomes and outputs are difficult ex-ante, as the sector, countries and natures of the social enterprises (SEs) are to be identified during programme life. However, measuring results will be feasible and estimations based on past experiences by partners are promising and showing a good cost benefit relation.

Pro Poor Growth, additional income, employment and improved livelihood for low-income households in Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular female headed households (fhh) (outreach target: at least 100.000 low-income households)

Direct beneficiaries: more than 80 social enterprises (SEs) Indirect beneficiaries: employees of social enterprises but most importantly: More than additional 100.000 low income clients of the SEs and a multiple of existing clients

1. Some 80 social Entrepreneurs have provided more essential products and services to low-income households, in particular female headed
2. Business and public partners involved in the different pillars of the programme (social entrepreneurs and beyond) are more inclusive and sustainable
3. More resources and organizations concretely engaged to develop and support inclusive businesses through new projects and programmes, among partners of the programme or inspired indirectly by this programme

Results from previous phases:  

This is the first phase. Results and insights from activities of Ashoka and Hystra are documented on their corresponding websites. The methodolgies to be applied are well-proven.

Phase 1 01.01.2014 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)