Patrick Hibbard: Social Enterprise the Road to Sustainability

Patrick Hibbard of Social Enterprise Ventures and Patrick Hibbard Consulting, is one of a growing cadre of young professionals that are researching and finding the importance of connecting the competencies of the private sector in the nonprofit world.  

Social enterprise has a long history, dating back to the 1800’s, though under different names. The first use of the term ‘social enterprise’ can be traced to Beechwood College in Leeds, England around 1978. Social Enterprise first appeared in the US around 1983. It carries a history of misconception and alignment with many thinking it means a not for profit. However, social enterprise is more aligned with strategies versus a particular corporate structure. That also may contribute to the slow rise of understanding its benefits. Companies can be identified and documented using these strategies as far back as the 1800’s. However using the concept as the foundation and core of business practices was not the emphasis. It was a side-effect of other activities.  In the US during the mid 1980’s the first social enterprise conference was held for the business sector and papers then emerged on social enterprise for nonprofits. However, it never really took hold as a strong and viable model. Now there seems to be re-emergence of its value, so I know we will be talking about how nonprofits benefit