Meet These Social Entrepreneurs on Stage at SOCAP23
With ethical products in a range of industries, social entrepreneurs are creating positive impact and meeting growing demand among conscious consumers. In the SOCAP23 Entrepreneur Program, the founders’ ethical products create impact in numerous ways — from supporting artisan weavers in the Puna region of Argentina to creating employment for at-risk youth in El Salvador to giving consumers more plant-based meal choices.
With their business models and sustainable solutions, the SOCAP23 Entrepreneur Program founders in this article are tackling social and environmental challenges around the globe. In the months leading up to SOCAP23, these innovators participate in six months of virtual programming, learn from one another, and get access to investor connections. The entrepreneurs selected this year — meet them in our lookbook — will share their solutions to pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues at SOCAP23, when they will pitch their ideas on the main stage.
Below we share more about seven entrepreneurs making a difference with ethical products. Register for SOCAP23 to hear more from them and others in the SOCAP23 Entrepreneur Program bringing innovative solutions around the globe to scale.
Gaston Arostegui, Hilandería Warmi
Latin America and the Caribbean
Hilandería Warmi partners with entrepreneurs in the Argentine Puna who make traditional Andean fabrics from llama and sheep fibers. Its innovative and culturally respectful business model features exclusive garments and incorporates modern management tools and stakeholders to create positive, sustainable impact.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
Changing the history of the Puna region (northern Argentina), one thread at a time.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Support artisans around the world, but especially those in the more remote parts of the world.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding?
Warmi Spinning Mill is seeking funding in the order of $1 million, which could be a blend of equity and debt. We are looking for a strategic partner to help us in our expansion to the United States and Europe.
Ishu Dhakras, Né Nepal
Asia and South Pacific
Rooted in Nepali culture, Né Nepal is a design house that is helping champion the rich traditions of its artisans across centuries. The culture-focused design studio co-creates with more than 40 Indigenous artisan groups for a social commerce model that aligns with the growing global collective of conscious consumers.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
Making impactful handmade ethical products in Nepal.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Equal opportunities for everyone regardless of where you come from.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding?
We are looking for $150,000 in grant capital to expand our production capabilities and operations in Nepal. We are looking to connect with large foundations or philanthropic investors that seek none to little return on their investment.
Aida Kandil, MyTindy
Europe and Middle East
With its AI-enabled online marketplace, MyTindy connects Moroccan artisans with customers around the world. By getting to know the artisans and ensuring they create high-quality products, MyTindy creates a unique marketplace for Moroccan decor and fashion.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
From makers to market.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Shop artisanal products directly from the makers.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding/support?
Expanding beyond Morocco, optimizing our e-commerce funnels, and connecting us with other entities that can help us with social impact efforts.
Hubert Bendfeldt Vasquez, Utz Box
Latin America and the Caribbean
By simplifying distribution with innovative logistic and export services, Utz Box helps artisans, entrepreneurs, buyers, and others overcome market constraints. Utz Box provides shipping services that are easy to use, efficient, and affordable.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
Provide rural areas in Guatemala and the region with access to international markets.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Provide e-commerce infrastructure in rural areas as an engine for development.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding/support?
SAFE, equity, or debt investments of $1 million to expand our operations in Central America and continue developing e-commerce services that allow more regions to broaden their export opportunities.
Ariela Suster, Sequence Collection
Latin America and the Caribbean
Sequence is an award-winning urban lifestyle brand that make quality fashion-forward jewelry, bags, and accessories with a meaningful message and a dedication to creating positive change. Its handcrafted products help disrupt the cycle of violence that limits at-risk youth by generating jobs for young men and women in violent communities. Sequence also supports them with personal and professional development programs.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
Create employment opportunities for talented at-risk youth living in violent communities.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Disrupt the cycle of violence that limits at-risk youth.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding?
We are looking for $250,000 in grant capital to develop, staff, and pilot a new incubator program inside at-risk communities in El Salvador. The program will amplify our impact and mission by providing unemployed young people with entrepreneurship skills to help launch their own businesses.
Noora Sharrab, Sitti Social Enterprise Ltd
North America
Sitti is a conscious lifestyle brand committed to the self-reliance of refugee and displaced communities through long-term employment opportunities and skill development training. Its soap artisan training and other professional training programs support skill development and education among displaced people.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
We are building a sustainable social enterprise committed to the self-reliance of the refugee community.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Create long-term employment for refugees globally.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding?
We are seeking $500,000 USD in grant and equity-based capital to expand our operations to North America, starting in the United States. We are also seeking investment in our nonprofit arm to support our local staff in Jerash Refugee Camp for global production to secure long-term sustainable employment for the refugee community.
Lidia Diaz, Plant Powered
Latin America and Caribbean
Through partnerships with local fruit and vegetable farmers, Plant Powered makes a direct impact on communities. Its innovative meat and dairy substitutes and ready-to-eat frozen foods provide lower-impact food options.
If you had to sum up the impact you create in the world in a one-sentence tagline, what would it be?
We help consumers have a more sustainable diet without having to sacrifice flavor or lifestyle choices.
What is your call to action for the SOCAP community?
Sustainability should be the cornerstone of our social development.
What, specifically, are you looking for in terms of funding?
We’re looking for support and connections to expand our operations in the U.S. market and obtain the required quality certifications to expand to the EU market.
