Youth-Led Social Enterprises

The landscape of social entrepreneurship is increasingly being shaped by young visionaries, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to tackling societal challenges. These youth-led social enterprises not only reflect the drive and creativity of the younger generation but also highlight the unique challenges they face in their mission to effect change.

Let’s explore the stories of some remarkable youth-led social enterprises, exploring their contributions and the journeys of their founders.

Malala Fund: Education for Girls

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Fund, co-founded by Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, focuses on ensuring every girl has access to free, safe, and quality education. Started when Malala was just a teenager, the fund operates in regions where most girls miss out on secondary education.

The challenge of addressing cultural barriers and safety issues in these regions is immense, yet the fund's impact is significant, advocating for policy changes and investing in local education activists.

Zero Hour: Climate Action

Jamie Margolin

Founded by Jamie Margolin at age 16, Zero Hour mobilizes young people for climate action. This youth-led movement aims to address the systemic causes of climate change and advocates for sustainable solutions.

Margolin's challenge was not only to raise awareness among young people but also to engage them actively in policy advocacy and environmental justice.

Sit With Us: Promoting Inclusion

Natalie Hampton

Sit With Us, created by Natalie Hampton as a high school student, is an app designed to promote a more inclusive, kind environment during school lunchtime.

The app helps students who have difficulty finding a place to sit at lunch connect with welcoming groups. Hampton’s own experiences with bullying inspired her to create a solution that tackles social isolation in schools.

ME to WE: Responsible Consumerism

Craig and Marc Kielburger

ME to WE is a social enterprise founded by brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger. It offers ethically sourced products and experiences, with profits supporting the work of its charity, WE Charity.

They started their journey as young activists and faced the challenge of changing consumer attitudes towards ethical products and responsible consumerism.

Think of Us: Foster Care Innovation

Sixto Cancel

Think of Us is a non-profit founded by Sixto Cancel, who, as a young adult, innovated in the foster care system. The platform uses technology to support youth in foster care, particularly focusing on the transition to adulthood.

Cancel’s experiences in the foster care system drove him to develop solutions to improve outcomes for foster youth, navigating the complexities of the child welfare system.

rePurpose Global: Plastic Neutral Movement

Svanika Balasubramanian

Founded by Svanika Balasubramanian, rePurpose Global is a movement dedicated to making individuals and businesses plastic neutral. By enabling users to offset their plastic footprint and funding ethical recycling ecosystems in developing countries, rePurpose Global addresses the global plastic waste crisis.

Balasubramanian's challenge lies in changing consumer behavior and corporate responsibility standards on a global scale.

These young entrepreneurs exemplify the power and potential of youth-led social enterprises. They demonstrate how innovative ideas, combined with passion and resilience, can address some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Their journeys underscore the importance of supporting young social entrepreneurs, who are not only shaping the present but also paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.