The Power of Social Entrepreneurship: Creating Impact While Building a Business

A group of people place their hands on top of each other in a gesture of teamwork and unity, embodying the spirit of social entrepreneurship and collective impact.

When your purpose is just as essential as the profit

Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless heart-centered entrepreneurs—visionaries who aren’t just building businesses for profit but for purpose. These social entrepreneurs see business as a vehicle for change, combining their mission-driven work with sustainable business practices to create real, lasting impact. And let me tell you—supporting these changemakers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

What Is Social Entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship is the practice of building a business with the primary goal of solving a social or environmental issue while maintaining financial sustainability. Unlike traditional businesses that prioritize profit or nonprofits that rely solely on donations, social entrepreneurs sit in a unique space where impact and revenue coexist.

Think about companies like Patagonia, TOMS, or Warby Parker—brands that weave philanthropy into their business models. But social entrepreneurship isn’t just for big corporations; small businesses, coaches, and consultants can also adopt this approach. Whether it’s a life coach offering sliding-scale services to marginalized communities, a health coach advocating for accessible wellness, or a sustainable fashion brand using ethical materials, the essence of social entrepreneurship lies in using business as a force for good.

Why Social Entrepreneurship Matters

At its core, social entrepreneurship bridges the gap between commerce and contribution. It allows founders to:

✔️ Address pressing global issues – From climate change to economic inequality, social entrepreneurs tackle real-world problems through innovative solutions.

✔️ Empower communities – Many of these businesses uplift underrepresented groups, whether by providing jobs, education, or access to vital resources.

✔️ Create sustainable impact – Unlike nonprofits that may struggle with consistent funding, social enterprises have revenue streams that ensure long-term change.

✔️ Redefine success – Traditional business models often define success solely by profit margins, but social entrepreneurs measure success by the lives they touch and the transformation they create.

The Challenges of Social Entrepreneurship

While the mission is inspiring, the journey is far from easy. Over the years, I’ve coached and collaborated with many social entrepreneurs, and these are the most common challenges they face:

1. Balancing Impact and Profit

Many social entrepreneurs struggle with the internal (and external) pressure of making money while staying true to their mission. They often ask:
“How do I charge for my work without feeling like I’m taking away from my mission?”
“Is it possible to scale my impact without compromising my values?”

This is where business strategy meets alignment—helping entrepreneurs create pricing models, revenue streams, and offers that allow them to serve while sustaining themselves.

2. Attracting the Right Clients and Investors

Unlike traditional businesses, social enterprises need to educate their audience about the problem they’re solving and why their approach matters. Finding customers who align with their mission can take time, and seeking funding from investors who understand the impact-first model can be equally challenging.

I’ve worked with clients to craft powerful brand messaging that clearly communicates their mission without confusing or alienating their audience. Because let’s be real—if people don’t understand the problem you solve, they won’t invest in the solution.

3. Avoiding Burnout

When you’re deeply passionate about your mission, it’s easy to pour everything into your business—often at the cost of your own well-being. I see this all the time with soulful entrepreneurs:

🚩 Overextending themselves because they feel personally responsible for their cause.
🚩 Undercharging (or offering too much for free) because they want to help as many people as possible.
🚩 Carrying the weight of systemic issues on their shoulders, leading to exhaustion and doubt.

This is where energetic alignment comes in. I help social entrepreneurs work with their unique energy to create sustainable strategies that honor both their energy and their mission. Because changing the world shouldn’t come at the cost of burning out.

4. Navigating the Business Side of Things

Most social entrepreneurs are heart-first people. They care deeply about impact, people, and purpose, but when it comes to the nitty-gritty of business—marketing, pricing, legal structures, and scaling—they often feel overwhelmed.

This is where my role as a business coach and consultant comes in: helping them move from chaos to clarity by designing a business model that supports both their vision and their livelihood.

My Experience Supporting Social Entrepreneurs

I’ve worked with mission-driven clients in health, coaching, sustainability, education, and activism—helping them turn their big-hearted ideas into viable businesses.

✨ I’ve helped coaches and healers step into their power, charge what they’re worth, and reach more people while avoiding burnout.
✨ I’ve worked with nonprofits transitioning into social enterprises, creating business models that fund their mission sustainably.
✨ I’ve guided conscious brands and consultants in crafting messaging that attracts aligned clients who believe in their cause.

And the best part? Watching them thrive while making a difference—because when a social entrepreneur succeeds, the ripple effect is HUGE.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Business Is Impact-Driven

If you’re a social entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—know this: your work matters. The world needs businesses that operate with integrity, lead with impact, and challenge the status quo.

And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to balance profit with purpose, you don’t have to do it alone. Supporting soul-driven entrepreneurs is my passion, and I’d love to help you bring your vision to life in a way that feels aligned, abundant, and sustainable.

💡 Want support in building your mission-driven business? Let’s chat. Together, we can create a business that changes lives—including yours.

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Erin MacCoy

My greatest joy is shining a light on the strengths and abilities of others, allowing them to move forward with purpose and intention and without hesitation by understanding and embracing who they really are.