Research Guides: Entrepreneurship: Social Entrepreneurship

General Sources

B Corporation
A certified B corporation is a company that has made a public commitment to balance purpose and profit. They've gone through a certification process to evidence that they consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is the site of the certification body.
CSRwire
One of the main websites for social enterprise news; they aim to provide the latest news, views and reports in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.
Stanford Social Innovation Review *
A magazine focused on cross-sector solutions to global problems and intended to inspire and inform social change leaders around the world.
PBS: Heroes from a Small Planet *
A PBS video series highlighting the word of social entrepreneurs around the world.
Society for Nonprofits *
Their Free Resources section includes articles, job listings, social networking, a fundraising guide and more.

SPIN Funding Opportunities Database This link opens in a new window
This database lets you search for research funding opportunities from more than 10,000 global sponsors. Simple keyword search option available, but the Advanced Search options are extensive.

Foundation Directory Online (CM)
This database gives information on over 92,000 foundations and 1.3 million grants. (So you could look up nonprofits similar to your conceived venture for idea generation, or look up grant opportunities that may apply to you.) Note: Only accessible IN the main library.
Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship *
This foundation really supports late stage social entrepreneurs around the world, but it's a great site for news in the field and idea generation. Check out the Resources section for reports and articles on new ventures and new ideas.
Ashoka *
This network of social entrepreneurs supports a competitive Fellowship program that provides Fellows with stipends, accelerator opportunities and a peer network. Even if you're not in a place to consider a fellowship, the Stories might be of interest, and they also have a Changemaker Network Search will give you information on Fellows working in similar areas to yours, etc. The profile pages are set up in an interesting way positing the Problem and the Strategy the organization employs; good for ideas.

World Development Indicators Online This link opens in a new window
This data from the World Bank is compiled from official international sources. It is the most current and accurate global development data available; national, regional and global estimates. Choose Countries, Series (data) and Time. These data series are things like access to electricity, educational attainment, life expectancy, literacy rates, etc. (1,500+ data series available)
OECD iLibrary This link opens in a new window
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Online Library of Books, Periodicals and Statistics. You can browse publications by theme or country. A lot of publications will focus on economics, politics and agriculture.
EMIS Intelligence This link opens in a new window
This database focuses on emerging markets; news articles, industry analyses macroeconomic statistics and market-specific information.

UNdata *
Global coverage includes economic, social, environmental and infrastructure indicators.
AIDDATA *
From a research lab at William & Mary's Global Research Institute; granular datasets on sustainable development investments.
International Aid Transparency Initiative Data Registry *
IATI is a global initiative intended to improve the transparency of humanitarian projects primarily through the establishment of guidance for and publication of data. You can search their database, but you need some technical skills.