Beyond Business: The Social Impact of Entrepreneurship

When we think about entrepreneurship, it's easy to picture tech startups, fast growth, and billion-dollar valuations. But there’s a growing group of entrepreneurs who are proving that business can be about more than just making money. These changemakers are building companies that solve real problems; for the environment, for communities, and for people who’ve been left out.

Let’s take a look at three powerful stories where business and impact go hand-in-hand.

Eco Femme – Pads That Protect People and the Planet

In a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, a social enterprise called Eco Femme is changing the way people think about periods.

Started by Kathy Walkling and Jessamijn Miedema in Auroville, Eco Femme makes reusable cloth pads. The goal? Help reduce the massive waste from disposable pads and provide a safe, affordable option for people who menstruate. But they didn’t stop there. The team also runs education sessions to raise awareness about menstrual health and break taboos, especially in places where talking about periods is still difficult.

By 2022, they’d distributed over a million cloth pads. That’s millions fewer disposables in landfills, and thousands of girls and women more informed and empowered.

Eco Femme shows how a simple idea, done right, can create both a solid business and lasting social change.

Water bottle Co-op – Real Estate Meets Real Lives

Over in Baltimore, USA, there’s a group quietly doing something remarkable. Waterbottle Co-op buys and fixes up abandoned houses, but not with your typical construction crew.

Founder David Lidz had a different vision: to hire people who are recovering from addiction or have been through the justice system. Give them real work, real income, and real support. And better yet, give them ownership. Today, Waterbottle Co-op owns 25 properties, and they’re aiming for 200. It’s not just about flipping houses, it’s about helping people rebuild their lives.

It’s a small co-op with a big heart, showing how business can create second chances and stronger communities.

Inkomoko – Helping Refugees Become Entrepreneurs

Imagine having to leave everything behind and start over in a new country with no job, no credit history, and no one to turn to. That’s the reality for many refugees in Africa. But Inkomoko, a social enterprise in Rwanda, is changing that.

Founded by Julienne Oyler and Sara Leedom, Inkomoko gives refugees the tools they need to run their businesses. They offer training, mentorship, and small loans, no fancy paperwork or credit score required.

One man, Gore Ladu, used Inkomoko’s support to grow his canoe-making business in a flood-prone area. With just two small loans, he was able to hire workers and expand his business, while helping his whole community with transportation.

To date, Inkomoko has helped over 100,000 small businesses take off. It’s proof that with a little support, people can do amazing things, even in the toughest situations.

These stories remind us that business doesn’t have to be just about profits. When entrepreneurs build with purpose, they can tackle serious challenges, from pollution and poverty to stigma and inequality. Being socially conscious isn’t just “nice to have” anymore. It’s smart, it’s sustainable, and in many cases, it’s what sets successful businesses apart.

So, whether you’re dreaming up your startup or just looking for inspiration, remember: the best businesses are the ones that make the world better.