John Bird on Social Entrepreneurs

September 12, 2008

By the time John Bird was 7 years old, he was homeless. By his twenties he had served several prison sentences for vandalism, arson and theft. In 1991, John founded the Big Issue, one of the first, and most prominent, examples of a social enterprise.

Social entrepreneurs provide business solutions to social problems, rather than looking to the state or charities for aid. In the case of the Big Issue, the magazine is written and edited by professional journalists. Homeless people then buy the magazine at cost, and sell it at a profit on the streets.

John has spoken at the United Nations in New York, at 10 Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. He’s presented to Prince Charles, Kofi Annan and Tony Blair.

On September 12th he’s coming to Cambridge. John will talk about his story, social enterprises, and what it takes to be a social entrepreneur.

The event takes place at 5:30pm at Robinson College, Cambridge, on Friday September 12th. It’s free, but you need to book a place.

 

4 Responses to “John Bird on Social Entrepreneurs”

  1. Cambridge Business Lectures » Blog Archive » John Bird speaking at Cambridge Business Lectures Says:
    July 30th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

    [...] John Bird, the founder of the Big Issue, is speaking on September 12th. Read more, and book a place. [...]

  2. Lorna Main Says:
    August 29th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    Hi

    I would like to attend John Birds talk.

    Thanks.

  3. Simon Johnson Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:12 am

    I would like to attend.

    Thanks.

  4. Neil Davidson Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:48 am

    If you want to come then you can book a place here:

    http://www.regonline.co.uk/CBL0908

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