
Strengthening Social Businesses Through Venture Philanthropy
Today’s most successful venture philanthropists use data as an essential tool in their central mission: changing people’s lives.
Since BCG began supporting Professor Yunus and his network in 2012, our partnership has evolved to cover strategic as well as operational issues with several of his organizations. Here, Grameen America CEO joined BCG's Doug Beal to discuss the role of microcredit in the age of COVID-19.
For small entrepreneurs already living on the margins, the COVID-19 crisis has been especially devastating. Hear how microlender Grameen America was able to provide microloans to low-income entrepreneurs—while pivoting to a “no contact” business model.
Founded by Professor Yunus in 2011, YSB currently operates in seven countries. In each, local teams source, coach, and mentor entrepreneurs through structured accelerator programs. YSB finances the most promising social businesses and provides postinvestment support.
Today’s most successful venture philanthropists use data as an essential tool in their central mission: changing people’s lives.
Social business startups need to balance achieving their social purpose and being commercially successful.
When designed properly, a social business subsidiary benefits not only the community it’s intended to serve but also the parent company.
In this video interview, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the Grameen Bank and Yunus Social Business, talks about the power of social business, a way companies can apply their enterprises to solve human problems.
Applying business principles to social problems can significantly increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and financial sustainability of the solutions. Social businesses, which bridge the business and social sectors, offer lessons in delivering social impact alongside commercial benefits.
Managing Director & Senior Partner; Social Impact Practice Leader
Atlanta
Partner and Director, Total Societal Impact & Sustainability
New York