The University of Guyana’s International Center for Migration and Diaspora Studies held a guest lecture on Wednesday focusing on emerging trends in social entrepreneurship.
The lecture was delivered by Haitian Business Analyst Patrick Dessources, who emphasized that charity alone is not the solution for helping underprivileged or economically challenged individuals.
Instead, he advocated for encouraging and empowering people to start profit-making businesses that can drive the social change they desire.
Dessources highlighted that effecting change through social entrepreneurship is a modern approach that requires collaboration and community involvement.
He stressed the importance of having a support system and engaging with the community to ensure collective understanding and participation.
He also underscored the need for local and foreign entrepreneurs to collaborate, leveraging human resources and knowledge across borders to develop innovative solutions to both local and global challenges.
Dessources pointed out that while funding is crucial, generating earned revenue is essential for social entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses and attract financiers.
He explained that demonstrating profitability is key to accessing further financial support.
Additionally, he noted that grants, donations, and impact investments are viable funding sources for those interested in social entrepreneurship.