Just as entrepreneurs change the face of business, social entrepreneurs act as the change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches and creating sustainable solutions to change society for the better. However, unlike business entrepreneurs who are motivated by profits, social entrepreneurs are motivated to improve society. The Skoll Foundation www.skollfoundation.org Mission: The mission of the Louisiana Office of Social Entrepreneurship is to advance social innovation by supporting the creation and growth of the most innovate, measurable and sustainable solutions to the social problems affecting Louisiana's citizens. The Office of Social Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the public, private, and non-profit sectors, is committed to providing meaningful capacity building around tenets of social entrepreneurship, creating credible portals for financial and in-kind resources, and supporting improvements to public policy that enhance social innovation. History: In the Fall of 2006, Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu founded the Louisiana Office of Social Entrepreneurship. It is the first of its kind in the nation, positioning Louisiana as one of the most welcoming places in the country for social innovation. Social entrepreneurship is an emerging concept that combines business principles with a passion for social impact and demonstrates three core characteristics: social innovation, accountability, and sustainability. In March 2007, the Louisiana Office of Social Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Louisiana Serve Commission, launched the Changing Louisiana Initiative. It was a statewide initiative, consisting of city-specific conferences aimed at promoting citizen involvement in social entrepreneurship and volunteerism. Gatherings held in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans, and Shreveport attracted more than 1500 participants. There has never been a better time to create or grow a social entrepreneurial endeavor in Louisiana. Citizens are urgently seeking solutions to the social problems that continue to affect Louisianans at alarming rates. The Louisiana Office of Social Entrepreneurship is committed to improving the lives of Louisiana's citizens and the strength of Louisiana's communities. Current Initiatives: Public Innovators' Forum Public Funding Grantor's Workshop Series Business Planning for Social Innovators Workshop Series Social Innovation Business Plan Competition The Social Innovation Venture Forum Contact: Lieutenant Governor Mitchell J. Landrieu Louisiana Office of Social Entrepreneurship 1051 N. 3rd Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 Email: changinglouisiana@crt.state.la.us www.crt.state.la.us/ltgovernor/socialentrepreneurship Nadiyah Morris, Manager Email: namorris@crt.state.la.us