Impact Entrepreneurship In Practice

Catalog description

Impact Entrepreneurship in Practice examines the evolving role of business in society and explores how a new generation of entrepreneurs can design and lead enterprises that are net-positive—contributing to environmental regeneration, social equity, and wellbeing rather than only minimizing harm. Taught by Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder and former CEO of Seventh Generation, one of the most successful purpose-driven consumer brands, the course critically examines the historical, political, and economic forces that have shaped modern neo-liberal capitalism and contributed to widening inequality, ecological degradation, and systemic risk. Students will explore why traditional models of “sustainability” have proven to be insufficient—and why impact entrepreneurship represents the future of responsible and regenerative business. Through systems-thinking frameworks, a diverse group of readings and guest speakers, students will learn how to design net-positive products and services, navigate governance challenges, raise mission-aligned capital, and build organizations that contribute meaningfully to a just and thriving economy. Most class sessions will include an external speaker drawn from leading impact-driven companies. Past speakers have included the former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, the co-founder of Allbirds, and the founder and former CEO of Kiva and Branch.