Imagine launching a venture that solves a social problem and doing good while making your career a success. That’s the exciting world of social entrepreneurship! These days many students are taking social initiatives in college. Social innovations and social ventures by students are becoming quite common and creating positive change in the world.

Aarushi Batra and her friends started the Robin Hood Army while studying at Delhi University. Today, this social venture by students operates in over 100 cities across India. It collects surplus food from weddings, restaurants, and events and redistributes it to the homeless and underprivileged. With their innovative approach and dedication, the Robin Hood Army is impacting millions of lives.

Similarly, Akshay Saxena started The Akshaya Initiative while studying at IIT Bombay. It has developed low-cost, innovative technologies to improve access to medical diagnostics and treatment in remote areas. Their device called ‘Sanjeevani’, for example, allows for efficient and affordable blood sugar monitoring.

Aakash Chaudhary started Buddy4Study studying at Amity University. This social initiative by students bridges the educational gap between privileged and underprivileged children. It connects volunteers from universities with underprivileged students, providing them with one-on-one academic support and mentorship. With over 10,000 volunteers and beneficiaries across India, Buddy4Study empowers both parties and fosters a culture of collaboration and social responsibility.

Are you excited by the prospect of being part of such social initiatives or social ventures by students? Then, social entrepreneurship might be the right choice for you.

Why should students in college consider social entrepreneurship?

Do you believe in this adage:

“We rise by lifting others.” ~ Robert F. Kennedy

If you also want to build a career that makes the world better, social entrepreneurship is for you. Here are the four compelling reasons you should consider it:

1. Passion with Purpose: College is a time for exploration and discovery. Social initiatives in college allow you to translate your passions into tangible action. Whether it’s tackling environmental issues, promoting social justice, or empowering communities, social ventures by students can address issues that can make a difference in the world.

2. Uncover Hidden Skills: Don’t underestimate the impact social innovations by students have on their personal and professional development. Social ventures by students are not only good for the society but also help them hone valuable skills like:

• Leadership: By starting a venture, students learn to lead a team, inspire others, and make tough decisions.
• Communication: By starting a social venture, students learn to articulate their vision, rally support, and connect with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-solving: They find creative solutions to real-world challenges.
• Teamwork: They also have to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals to make their venture successful.

These skills are highly sought-after by employers and graduate schools, giving you a competitive edge in your future career.

3. Gain a Competitive Edge: Are you tired of feeling like one in a million? Participating in social initiatives in college sets you apart! You can mention them in your resume to demonstrate your initiative-taking ability, leadership, and dedication to positive change – qualities that make you stand out from your peers when you are sitting for an internship or a placement interview.

4. Build a Network: The journey of social entrepreneurship is rarely solo. Engaging in social initiatives in college connects you with a vibrant network of like-minded peers, mentors, and organizations. From sharing ideas to receiving support and guidance, this network becomes your personal cheerleading squad, propelling you forward on your entrepreneurial journey.

Indulging in social entrepreneurship in college or exploring social initiatives in college is not just about creating a business; it’s about creating positive change in the world. It’s also an investment in your personal growth, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Getting Started with Social Entrepreneurship

If you have decided to be a social entrepreneur, here are some steps to follow:

1. Uncover Your Cause:

The first step is identifying a social issue that you deeply care for. Look around you, talk to friends and family, or explore areas like education, healthcare, or the environment. 

What injustices bother you? What challenges resonate with your personal values? Once you find your cause, you’re ready to find solutions to them. 

2. Brainstorm Solutions:

Now comes the fun part! Think outside the box and brainstorm creative solutions to address your chosen issue. Don’t limit yourself to conventional approaches. Consider technological solutions, community-driven initiatives, or even policy changes. Remember, social ventures by students thrive on unconventional thinking!

Some inspiring social innovations by students include Project Listen Up by Neeti Kailas (a student of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad). She developed a low-cost device for diagnosing hearing impairments in newborns, ensuring early intervention and improved outcomes. In Phillippines, students created a social venture called Liter of Light which has created solar-powered light bulbs from recycled materials, providing affordable and sustainable lighting to communities without electricity.

3. Research and Network:

Before diving in, learn from existing social initiatives in college and experienced entrepreneurs. Research successful social ventures by students, attend workshops and connect with mentors. Ask questions, gather inspiration, and gain valuable insights that will strengthen your own venture.

4. Build a Powerful Team:

No entrepreneur thrives alone! Assemble a diverse team with complementary skills and perspectives. Seek friends with technical expertise, marketing know-how, or fundraising talents. 

It’s easier to raise a team in college where you can find the best people in different courses and work with them. A well-rounded team can help fuel the success of your social venture to greater heights.

5. Develop a Business Plan:

Social initiatives need to be planned too – to make them sustainable for the long term. Hence, it’s important to develop a clear plan outlining your venture’s goals, target audience, and impact model. 

You can take the help of your professors and mentors to define your unique value proposition and outline strategies for achieving your objectives. In SMS Varanasi, the Centre For Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development (CEISD) can help you come up with a well-defined plan that attracts support and funds and drives your social venture towards success.

6. Start, Test, and Iterate:

When you are in college, time is on your side. You can start small, test your ideas in a controlled environment, and gather feedback. Be open to iterating and adapting based on learnings. 

Entrepreneurship of any kind is a journey, not a destination. You need to embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and continuously strive to improve your venture.

And we can help you do so.

Resources and Support

Your college can offer you some incredible resources and support for your social entrepreneurship efforts. At SMS Varanasi, there’s a Centre For Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development (CEISD) that offers:

• Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences,
• Startups Incubation Fellow Programme,
• Skill Development Training for essential skills like marketing, finance, and leadership,
• Sectoral Mentoring by connecting with industry professionals, and
• Specialized Cells, such as the Entrepreneurship Development Cell, Innovation and Incubation Cell, Skill Development Cell, Consultancy Cell, and more.

CEISD also offers:

• PGDM Program with Entrepreneurship Specialization,
• Customized Short-Term Programs,
• MSME Clinic offers free guidance to social ventures by students and guides them on how to overcome challenges,
• Startups Lab to experiment, prototype, and launch your idea in a supportive environment,
• Seed Funding Support,
• Business Plan Contest to showcase your innovative idea and win valuable feedback and funding opportunities,
• Consultancy Services, and
• SMS Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Besides you can also connect with social entrepreneurship organisations like Ashoka Young India, Youth for Cause, and more. Online platforms like The Better India, SocialStory, etc. can also serve to inspire you and offer you insightful articles and interviews.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. You need to embrace the resources available, network, learn, and persevere to make your dreams come true. With dedication and the right support, social ventures by students can change the world!

At SMS Varanasi, we are all ready to help you begin your incredible journey. So, take the first step and explore the resources we offer you.