ENT141 Innovative Social Enterprises

When: Spring

Credits: 3

Enrollment Restrictions: Must have at least Sophomore standing.

Additional Notes: This course is required for the ENT for Social Impact Minor. This course is offered in collaboration with Tisch College for Civic Life.

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Instructors

Julianne Zimmerman

Julianne Zimmerman is all in on durable, transformative, reparative systems change. In her current role as Managing Director for Adasina Capital, she is on the front lines of social justice investing, drawing on more than 30 years’ experience putting technology and capital to work for the greater good.

Amir Alexander Hasson

Amir is a serial entrepreneur with experience developing profitable digital businesses internationally.

Description

Innovative Social Enterprises is structured to provide students a highly interactive exploration of core skills vital to social entrepreneurs. We start with awareness (self, context, relationships) and move quickly to practicing requisite disciplines (asking questions; testing and reframing assumptions; forming teams and other alliances; identifying opportunities, risks, and resources; giving and critiquing pitches; making go / no-go decisions). We will practice an iterative rhythm of weekly information gathering, sensing, assessment, and reframing, with emphasis on creating compelling value for multiple stakeholders. Students will engage in individual reflection, individual and team pitching, and active discussion. This course is designed to equip students with a practical discipline of asking effective questions. Whether students aim to found social enterprises, join social enterprises, or possibly fund, regulate, or incubate social enterprises, they will come away with sharpened agency and actionable practices for innovative leadership in the social enterprise sphere.