"Social Enterprise" has come to describe businesses that engage, in part or in whole, in service and commerce focused on doing social or environmental "good" beyond the traditional sole end of increasing shareholder value. Yet, "social enterprise" can also describe the activity itself, activity engaged in with a social end in view.   The programs and activities described below reflect this broad view of "social enterprise" as both the businesses with socially focused agendas as well as activities undertaken to love our neighbors using the tools of business and finance.

Principles of Responsible Management Education

In Spring 2008, the School of Business and Economics at Seattle Pacific University became the first business school in the Pacific Northwest to adopt the United Nations' "Principles for Responsible Management Education." As an early adopter, SBE joins a number of other leading business schools in committing to inspire and champion responsible management education, research and thought leadership globally. 

Co-conveners of this program include AACSB, the Aspen Institute, EABIS, and the United Nations Global Compact.  AACSB accredited institutions who are willing to integrate corporate responsibility and sustainability in a systemic manner throughout their programs are invited to join. According to SBE Dean Jeff Van Duzer, "For us, this was an easy decision.  This is right at the heart of what we've been doing for years."

Social Venture Plan Competition

Seattle Pacific University held its 5th annual Social Venture Plan Competition in April 2011.  The competition is designed to encourage SPU students to develop projects that can make a difference in the world.  Its purpose is to assist students who wish to create solutions to social needs by developing their entrepreneurial skills to engage the culture and change the world.

The Social Venture Plan Competition is sponsored by the Office of Student Life, the Center for Career and Calling, and is directed by the staff of the School of Business and Economics' Center for Applied Learning.  

BUS 3680 Social Enterprise

This undergraduate course is the first place for interested students to explore this topic.  It examines "blended value" businesses designed to achieve both financial return and social benefit. It incorporates lectures, case studies, guest speakers, and preparation of a social enterprise business plan to study commercial ventures operated by nonprofit or for-profit organizations. BUS 3680 emphasizes the unique rewards and cultural, human resource, legal, and financial challenges of earned-income ventures within mission-based organizations.

Business Administration Concentration in Social Enterprise

Business Administration majors who graduate after summer 2009 may complete their senior concentration in the area of Social Enterprise. Here are the concentration requirements.

Select 15 or 16 credits as follows:
     BUS 3680    Social Enterprise (3)
     BUS 3682    Social Venture Planning (2)
     BUS 3690    Microfinance (5)
And either:

     POL 3320    Political & Economic Development of Nations (5)
Or both of these courses, which are offered alternate years:
     ECN 3810    Community Economic Development (3)
     BUS 3670    Management in the Non-Profit Sector (3)

Bachelors Degree in Global Development Studies

A BA in Global Development Studies prepares students for vocations in global development through a liberal arts knowledge base, applied skills training, and direct, cross-cultural experiences. This major is offered through the Political Science and Geography Department and is supported by the School of Business and Education.