AEM 3382 - [Social Enterprise Development]

Spring (weeks 1-7, multi-semester). Next offered 2017-2018 (offered alternate years). 1 credit. S/U grades only.

Prerequisite: AEM 3381. Permission of instructor required.

D. Streeter.

This course is about using entrepreneurial competencies to craft innovative responses to social problems. Entrepreneurs are particularly good at recognizing opportunities, exploring innovative approaches, mobilizing resource, managing risk and building viable enterprises. These skills are just as viable in the social sector as they are in business. This course is the second in a year long class series that is designed to provide an experiential learning opportunity in the field of social entrepreneurship. During the Fall AEM 3381 prepares students for an 8 day field trip to work with small business owners in El Rodeito, Honduras. During the Spring in AEM 3382 students develop a business plan for a social enterprise in Honduras. Students will analyze and reflect on their experience in Honduras and discuss the challenges faced. Students will submit social business plans; which are designed to strengthen small businesses in the region. The social business plans will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, the process of launching a viable and scalable social enterprise and the challenges they faced and how to overcome them. Participants will work with a non -profit, Mayor Potencial, whose mission is to improve educational standards and facilities in Latin America, empowering young leaders to transform their home communities. The course is ideal for students interested in hands on experiences as consultants to entrepreneurial social ventures.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to analyze social ventures using entrepreneurial frameworks in a developing world context.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to make practical, actionable recommendations to help small businesses, with awareness of local contexts.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to interact with people of other cultures and ethnicities, with a higher level of self-awareness and empathy.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to articulate the root causes of poverty and the impact of globalization on social ventures.