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"Success Breeds Authority"
Full Disclosure: I'm a Tom Friedman fan. I know not everyone is, but I am. Yes, he may simplify complex realities, but he makes them digestible and accessible to my common woman's brain. In his April 20th column, "Everybody Loves a Winner," Friedman writes how the passage of health care reform may turn out to be Obama's "single most important foreign policy achievement." He says: "In politics and diplomacy, success breeds authority and authority breeds more success."
 So let's hope that "A New Beginning: Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship," an event hosted by President Obama this week, is a success. Sensing the need to build both business and social ties with the Muslim world, the event will highlight the increasing role of entrepreneurs in job creation and social upliftment (not just social entrepreneurs, although, we know that President Obama likes us!). Nearly 250 entrepreneurs (six from India!) from more than 50 countries with large Muslim populations will participate in the summit.
Last year, during his speech in Cairo to the Muslim world, President Obama called for this summit as part of the "new beginning" for US-Muslim relations. A criticism of Obama in the past year has been his lack of follow through, especially with respect to the Middle East. He entered office with a bang; made the aforementioned much-applauded speech in Cairo; and, nothing has come out of it. Muslim world relations are tricky, but this is no excuse for neglect. While it is possible that "big issues" like Middle East peace will overshadow this initiative, let's hope this summit provides a springboard for action. Engaging Muslim civil society, as the summit intends to do, is certainly a solid first step.
The meetings at the summit will focus on improving access to capital, energizing young people, and developing the role of Arab businesswomen. At Beyond Profit, we are particularly excited that social entrepreneurship will have a role to play in that it appeals to young people interested in having an impact. Lest we forget, a large proportion of the Muslim world population is under 30, with high levels of youth unemployment. If we can give jobs to these youth and inspire them along the way, we can cut down on the social ills associated with unemployment!
In the words of President Obama, "Yes we can!"
- Adrienne Villani
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Sankalp 2010: On the Radar!
 Will you be at Sankalp 2010 on May 4 and 5? We'll be there in Mumbai.
Sankalp 2010 is the place to be even if you are someone who is only remotely interested in the social enterprise and social investment space in India. To many, Sankalp 2009 signified that, in India, there was finally a critical mass around the idea of using business to do good. Sankalp 2010 will most definitely build on that.
A buzzing confluence of some of the most dedicated and seasoned minds in social business, Sankalp, will provide a vital springboard for enterprises looking to establish themselves and scale up. This year's event includes online networking, interactive sessions, enterprise showcase stalls, videos, and of course the Sankalp Awards, which are given away to companies across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, food, and rural business; clean energy; inclusive education; health, water, and sanitation; and technology for development.
Be at Sankalp 2010 to engage with the New Global Economy!
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Beyond Profit Issue 4: Fresh Off The Press
 We hope you enjoy the new issue of Beyond Profit - fresh off the press! We just completed our first survey of social enterprise in India, and in the new issue we have uncovered some interesting results about legal structures, profitability, and hurdles. What came as a surprise is that the majority of the respondents - nearly 125 entrepreneurs - were middle-aged and 67% of them have an advanced degree!
Meanwhile, in our provocative cover story, we ask, What's Wrong with Being Poor? Later, we take you to Dharavi, India's largest slum, and share perspectives on the community's redevelopment. We also explore Indian philanthropy, Thrust Funds, Artisanal Products, Doubters of Scale, and more!
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Where You Can Find Us...
April 28-30, San Francisco, CA, USA
Social enterprise has the potential to be a defining innovation of this century. Don't miss this international forum advocating increased social impact through social enterprise. Join over 500 social entrepreneurs in San Francisco to advocate the wider use of social enterprise approaches - to learn, to grow, and to be inspired.
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Beyond Profit, a new social enterprise magazine, presents the stories, people, and ideas behind social ventures by bringing you first-hand insights and expert commentary.
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