A new breed of entrepreneur is asking customers to put their purchasing power to good use. So-called "socially concious" start-ups are focusing on more than profits by adopting a business-for-good model that strives to make money and make an impact in the lives of people around the world.
Business as an agent for change —
A new breed of entrepreneur is asking customers to put their purchasing power to good use. So-called "socially concious" start-ups are focusing on more than profits by adopting a business-for-good model that strives to make money and make an impact in the lives of people around the world.
Courtesy 31 Bits
During his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008, Matthew Clough, right, discovered that his porter, Benson, left, earned only a dollar or two a day -- not enough to put a child through school. The trip inspired him to do something to help children in Tanzania get an education.
stone + cloth —
During his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008, Matthew Clough, right, discovered that his porter, Benson, left, earned only a dollar or two a day -- not enough to put a child through school. The trip inspired him to do something to help children in Tanzania get an education.
Courtesy stone + cloth
Clough founded stone + cloth, which sells backpacks and donates a portion of the profits to a nonprofit partner working to improve education in Tanzania. "I decided to make backpacks to create a symbol linking my mountaineering trip with education," Clough says.
stone + cloth —
Clough founded stone + cloth, which sells backpacks and donates a portion of the profits to a nonprofit partner working to improve education in Tanzania. "I decided to make backpacks to create a symbol linking my mountaineering trip with education," Clough says.
Courtesy Stone + Cloth
Jessie Simonson, Kallie Dovel, Anna Nelson, Brooke Hodges and Alli Swanson model jewelry from 31 Bits. The five friends founded the company to help internally displaced women in Uganda rise out of poverty.
31 Bits —
Jessie Simonson, Kallie Dovel, Anna Nelson, Brooke Hodges and Alli Swanson model jewelry from 31 Bits. The five friends founded the company to help internally displaced women in Uganda rise out of poverty.
Courtesy 31 Bits
Jennifer is a 31 Bits designer and expert bead maker. In addition to earning an income from her craft, Jennifer receives English lessons, finance training and other support from various 31 Bits programs.
31 Bits —
Jennifer is a 31 Bits designer and expert bead maker. In addition to earning an income from her craft, Jennifer receives English lessons, finance training and other support from various 31 Bits programs.
Courtesy 31 Bits
Krochet Kids International founders Stewart Ramsey, Kohl Crecelius and Travis Hartanov picked up the unlikely hobby of crocheting in high school. Years later the trio is passing on its crocheting know-how to help women in Uganda and Peru.
Krochet Kids International —
Krochet Kids International founders Stewart Ramsey, Kohl Crecelius and Travis Hartanov picked up the unlikely hobby of crocheting in high school. Years later the trio is passing on its crocheting know-how to help women in Uganda and Peru.
Courtesy Krochet Kids
Every hat from Krochet Kids International is personally signed by its creator. Shoppers can learn about each of the women and how their purchases make a difference.
Krochet Kids International —
Every hat from Krochet Kids International is personally signed by its creator. Shoppers can learn about each of the women and how their purchases make a difference.
Courtesy Krochet Kids