The recent report by RBS and Unltd1 finds that
young people aged 18 – 30 are more likely than the general population to
consider it important to support social causes when starting a business.
However, despite these motivations to do good, far more want to start their own
business (61%) or a social enterprise (27%) than a charity (12%).
This increased interest in the blending of
business and social purpose is an important new area. More social purpose
organisations are trading and setting up as Community Interest Companies. And
more businesses are considering social value either as a potential market or as
part of their CSR with pro bono work and corporate foundations on the rise. But
is there a problem for the future of the charitable sector if more young people
want to set up social enterprises than charities?
We know that the charitable
sector is a valuable source of jobs and work experience through volunteering.
And there is certainly sense in involving young social entrepreneurs who will
bring the passion and skills needed as the context that charities operate in
changes rapidly. We definitely need to capture young people who can identify
and capitalise on opportunities as well as being motivated by social causes.
There are lots of schemes out there supporting enterprise in schools and
supporting business and enterprise start ups. Perhaps it’s time to also encourage
a new breed of young charity founders and leaders?
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