The entire history of mankind shows that no one State was able to solve all problems in society. But at all times there were enterprising people, innovators, capable to pull together like-minded people, ideas and resources for solving social problems. In modern society such people can solve important social problems due to the ability to combine knowledge of business processes and best technologies in the social sphere.
Using innovative approach and existing business models, social entrepreneurs are able to properly organize actual and interesting business that benefit the society. A Social enterprise can be illustrated as an organization where disabled or vulnerable people are employed and make socially significant goods such as necessary medical equipment for disabled people and provide social services such as advising for low-income families.
I believe that there is a great potential in social entrepreneurship for positive changes in society and for solving a great number of problems which are not always a priority for the government. First of all, I talk about regions of our country. Naturally, the entrepreneurs who live and work in some area know about its problems and specific characters much better then anyone else. Unfortunately, they do not always have the necessary capabilities and resources.
That is why it was decided to establish a fund which aim is to develop and promote social entrepreneurship.
It is rather complicated because there is no any consolidated experience in this field in Russia yet. However, the successful solution of this problem is possible with the support of the state, nonprofit organizations and other interested parties. The successful solution of this problem will not only "give life" to new ideas and initiatives of people and organizations who don’t have enough resources, but will also determine the direction of unique activities of unique people for the benefit of society and our country.
Best regards,
Vagit Alekperov
Founder, The Fund of regional social programs, "Our Future"