Do you dream of making a difference while building something extraordinary? In this Challenge, you'll tackle a social issue—like homelessness, accessibility, or rainforest protection—by developing a new product, service, or business idea that creates real impact. Dive into the exciting world of social entrepreneurship, where innovation meets purpose, and gain job-ready skills to set you up for success. Create a 3–5 minute video pitch for a chance to win a cash prize from the Fleischer Scholars Foundation and bring your big idea to life! You'll address the question:
What problem, big or small, inspires you to take action, and how would you solve it as a social entrepreneur?
This challenge will run from January 21 - February 21, 2025.
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a big idea into something real? That’s what entrepreneurs do—they're people who dream big, think creatively, and work hard to make their ideas come to life. Entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses; they solve problems, take risks, and find new ways to improve the world around them. With the right mindset, anyone can think like an entrepreneur—whether it’s by being your own boss, creating something amazing, or inspiring change in your community. Let’s explore more about entrepreneurs and what sets them apart!
What is an Entrepreneur? (1:06)
Employee vs. Entrepreneur (2:42)
10 Characteristics of Entrepreneurs (3:35)
Types of Entrepreneurs (7:44)
An entrepreneur is someone who turns an idea into reality, creating a business or project that solves problems or meets needs. Social entrepreneurs go further by using their businesses to tackle big issues like poverty or environmental challenges. For example, Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, helped millions escape poverty with small loans, while teen entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer started "Me & the Bees Lemonade" to save bees and support the environment. Social entrepreneurship combines creativity, kindness, and business savvy to make the world a better place. Could you imagine turning your ideas into something impactful?
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Enterprise (2:12)
What is a Social Enterprise? (1:36)
What is a Social Entrepreneur? (3:00)
Social Entrepreneurship for Students (2:38)
What’s the difference? It all comes down to money, mission, and how these organizations use their profits. Charities focus on helping people or causes and rely on donations, while nonprofits work toward a mission and reinvest their money back into their goals instead of keeping profits. Social enterprises are a mix—they sell products or services like a business, but their main focus is solving big issues like poverty or climate change (think TOMS shoes or Ben & Jerry’s). Regular enterprises aim to make money but might still support causes on the side, while traditional for-profit businesses are all about maximizing profits for their owners or shareholders. Each type plays an important role in our world, and together, they make up a spectrum of businesses working to create change in different ways!
Charity vs. Social Enterprise (2:11)
Nonprofit vs. Social Enterprise (1:06)
Social vs. Traditional Enterprises (3:13)
Social Enterprise vs. CSR (2:04)
Ever wondered what it’s like to use a business to change the world? In this section, you’ll meet social entrepreneurs who are tackling big issues like poverty, climate change, and education inequality. These inspiring people prove that you don’t have to choose between making an impact and running a business—you can do both! From creating eco-friendly products to helping communities thrive, their stories will show you how powerful a social mission can be. Get ready to meet some world-changers and spark ideas for your own mission!
7 Examples of Social Entrepreneurs (7:53)
Pulp Pantry (1:43)
Aldea Coffee (2:50)
Cafe Stepping Stone (2:53)
Social missions come in many shapes and sizes, and they can make a big impact! Some companies, like Ecoleaf, focus on creating eco-friendly household products to reduce waste, while others, like Bright Endeavors, help young mothers build brighter futures through job training and candle-making. In this section, you'll dive into the difference between a mission and a vision, explore what makes a great mission statement, and start thinking about what cause you want to champion. Whether it’s building libraries in your community or tackling global issues like clean water access, your mission can make a difference—big or small, every effort matters!
A Social Mission Solving a Nation's Problem (2:08)
KIND's Social Mission (3:06)
Patagonia's Social Mission (2:45)
Mission vs. Vision (3:56)
Check out this video featuring Steve Seleznow, former President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation! These snippets will help you think about the “WHY” behind your social mission and business ideas. Feel free to watch the whole video, or reference the following key topics and time stamps below:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - 2:49
Corporate Philanthropy - 4:14
Supply Chain Innovators - 13:56
Philanthropy and Purpose - 17:36
How it Works - 28:17
Starting a social enterprise might sound like a big job, but anyone with a great idea and determination can do it! In this section, you’ll learn how companies like Warby Parker and StartSomeGood got their start and what steps they took to turn their ideas into reality. You’ll also explore the basics of finances for social enterprises—because even businesses that help others need to keep the lights on! Whether you dream of starting small or going global, this is your chance to learn how to make your mission come to life.
Warby Parker's Beginnings (6:03)
StartSomeGood's Beginnings (5:44)
Steps to Start a Social Enterprise (5:02)
Social Enterprise Finances (4:09)
Who better to learn from than the pros? In this section, you’ll hear advice straight from successful entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes. They’ll share their best tips on how to turn ideas into action, stay motivated, and handle challenges like a boss. Whether it’s staying creative, finding a mentor, or learning from failure, their advice will help you on your journey. Get ready to soak up some wisdom and start thinking like a true entrepreneur!
Advice from Oprah Winfrey (2:36)
Advice from Steve Jobs (1:09)
Advice from Barbara Corcoran (1:41)
Advice from Robert Herjavec (3:04)
Did you know that there are professionals, who created the Challenge, standing by to help you? They will also be judging your final pitches, so be sure to take advantage throughout the Challenge and post your questions on your dashboard. They want you to win!
What are you curious about? Ask them any questions that came up for you during the Explore phase.
One important part of The KnoPro Challenges is choosing the type of solution you plan to create (in a group or solo) and ultimately pitch to the judges. Check out an example of each of your choices: a product idea, a new business concept, or a marketing campaign. You can also get inspiration from all the winning projects.
Flip the cards to help you decide which approach you may want to take. Later in the Challenge, you'll choose ONE approach.
Product Idea
Product Idea
Get creative and come up with a new product idea that addresses the problem. This might be an app, a game, or a consumer product, for example. The possibilities are endless! You’ll write a design brief to plan your product, and ultimately create a “prototype” to pitch to the judges.Business Concept
Business Concept
Imagine a unique business idea that addresses the problem. This might be a for-profit or non-profit venture, an online platform, or an in-person experience/pop-up shop, for example. The possibilities are limitless! Write a business plan, and then create a fun way to share your business idea with the judges.Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Design an exciting and catchy marketing campaign that addresses the problem and inspires people to act! The campaign might be a viral social media video, a series of emails, or a live event, for example. You’ll write up a marketing plan and then create some "assets" and pitch your idea to the judges.Fictional Example: "Upcycle U"
Problem Addressed:
Fast fashion waste and textile pollution - a product to reduce waste.
Solution:
Create a DIY "Upcycle Kit" that comes with everything needed to turn old t-shirts into trendy bucket hats, tote bags, or scrunchies. The kit includes fabric stencils, sewing supplies, and a step-by-step app with video tutorials.
Why It Works:
This product empowers people to reduce waste and practice sustainability at home. It’s fun, creative, and appeals to eco-friendly fashion lovers.
Fictional Example: "WearChange Collective"
Problem Addressed:
Access to affordable, sustainable clothing for low-income communities.
Solution:
Launch a pop-up shop that runs like a "clothing library." Customers can "borrow" high-quality clothing items for school, job interviews, or events and return them after use. It’s like a clothing rental service but for people who can't afford to buy new outfits.
Why It Works:
This business supports low-income communities while reducing the demand for new clothing production. It’s sustainable, socially impactful, and scalable.
Fictional Example: "#DitchTheDrip"
Problem Addressed:
Overconsumption of fast fashion driven by social media trends.
Solution:
Create a viral TikTok and Instagram campaign encouraging teens to "Ditch the Drip" — meaning, stop buying brand-new outfits for every event. The campaign features influencers showcasing cool thrifted outfits and challenges students to post their own thrifted fashion finds.
Why It Works:
The campaign makes sustainable fashion "cool" and spreads the message through social media, where trends catch on fast. It promotes secondhand shopping as a way to look good and do good for the planet.