Some people consider New York City to be the center of the world and whether or not you agree, you'll have to admit than Manhattan social innovations often offer some of the most up-to-the-minute entrepreneurship trends that you'll see out there. While Silicon Valley is certainly a source and space of technological change, sometimes product-driven (that is, retail and shopping oriented) offerings take off in NYC, where money is king. All the same, however, it's not easy to make a business work here, which makes these Manhattan social innovations all the more interesting in both the short and long run.
From shops that have social change as a theme to trial-sized beauty deliveries, this SocialBusiness.org top list will have you churning up your next big social entrepreneurship idea.
17 Manhattan Social Innovations
From Change-Themed Shops to Trial-Sized Beauty Deliveries:
Social Business Editor — May 21, 2014 — Social Good
17
Social Good Themed Shops
Story in New York City is Currently Focusing on Socially Conscious Retail
16
Easy E-Waste Pick-Ups
'4th Bin' is a New York-Based Recycling Collection Service
15
Community Hot Desks
Hub Vilnius Lets Social Innovators Come Together in Lithuania
14
Trial-Sized Beauty Deliveries
Goodebox is a Members-Only Website Offering Eco Cosmetics
13
Local Grocery Deliveries
Farm2Me lets You Browse Online and Get Goodies to Your Doorstep
12
One-Hour Condom Deliveries
Talia Frenkel's One-for-One Innovations are Constantly Changing
11
Retro-Style Eco Furs
Tracker Fashions That Channel the Pioneer Days in an Ethical Way
10
Local Eating Guides
Edible Manhattan Offers Critical Analysis on Food Sustainability
9
Debt-Countering Start-up Apprenticeships
Enstitute Matches Young Entrepreneurs with Founders
8
Multimedia Social Business Campaigns
The Catrinka Project Works Alongside the 'Girl Rising' Film
7
Socially Aware MFAs
Design for Social Innovation at SVA is the First of Its Kind
6
Invite-Only Change Conferences
The Social Innovation Summit Attempts to Create Large-Scale Impact
5
Local Fashion Production Films
‘Make it in Manhattan’ Values New York Manufacturing
4
Youth Tech Bootcamps
Girls Who Code Teaches Programming Skills to Young Women in NYC
3
Seasonal Local Pickles
Rick's Picks is Based on the Lower East Side in Manhattan
2
Coin-Operated Public Art
The Laundromat Project is a Non-Profit Arts Organization in Harlem
1
Mentor-Induced Education Programs
Practice Makes Perfect Inc. Pays up Students for Success
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100 Ethical Fashion Choices
From Worn Leather Loafers to Charitable Eco Labels
Eclectic Ethical Fashion
Upcycled 'Adamah Stein' Designs by Artisans in Senegal and Paris
Long Life Cycle Boxes
This Motorola Eco Packaging Concept Survives as Long as the Phone Inside
Socially Conscious Cotton Clothing
Buyfriend's 100% Organic Tees Promote Ethical Fashion
Ambitious Typographic Phone Cases
This Custom Typography Phone Case Reminds You Not To Slack
Grocery Store-Themed Runways
The Chanel Fall 2014 Fashion Show Had a Bold Grocery Store Setting
Socially Conscious eShops
TOMS Marketplace Features 200 Products That Create Change (SPONSORED)
Conscious Couture Collections
The Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Africa Line is Revolutionary
Earthy Ethical Fashion
Emma Watson Launches Green-Chic Clothing Line With People Tree
Upcycled Fair Trade Fashion
Liz Alig Links Consumers & Producers to Support Ethical Practices
E-Junk Seats
The 'N + ew: No More Electronic Waste' Project Makes Use of Tech Trash
Seasonal Eco Eateries
A Better World Cafe Serves up Accessible Sustainable Food
Fair Trade-Only Websites
Global Goods Partners Features the Work of Women Artisans
Community Hot Desks
Hub Vilnius Lets Social Innovators Come Together in Lithuania
Indoor Reclaimed Farms
The Plant Chicago is a Food Business Incubator
Female-Concious Condoms
A Brand of Female Condoms That Women Won’t Feel Ashamed to Show Off
Inspired Altruistic Vino Brands
Cultivate Wines is a Nonprofit That Gives Back
Casual Children's Cause Clothing
'ever/after' is a Brand That Reflects a Californian Lifestyle
Art School Social Innovation Programs
OCAD University & CSI Partner for Creative Entrepreneurship
Altruistic Accessory Lines
Rising Tide Fair Trade Bags Provide Jobs For Under Served Women
Socially Responsible Accessories
Raven & Lily Provides Employment For Female Artisans
Consciously Durable Fashion
Michael Cepress's Clothing Line is Socially Conscious and Made to Last
Luxurious Socially Conscious Tees
Yoox.com’s Socially Conscious Apparel Gives Fashion a Kind
Local Grocery Deliveries
Farm2Me lets You Browse Online and Get Goodies to Your Doorstep
Salad Vending Machines
The Farmer's Fridge Provides Healthy, Eco-Friendly Food On-The-Go
Hip Handwoven Attire
Bhalo Employs Rural Bangladeshi Women to Produce Fair Trade Fashion
Last Mile Delivery Services
B-Line is a Distribution Networking Building Sustainable Urban Life
Canadian Indie Fashion
The Independent Designers Outlet in Toronto Carries 8 Labels
Educational-Promoting Block Games
The Stacking Veggie Game Puts a Brainy and Healthy Spin on Jenga
Poverty-Focused Innovation Labs
Proximity Designs is a Myanmar-Based Non-Profit Enterprise
Like-for-Like Businesses
'One' Products Fund Similar Items in the Developing World
Small-Format Food Shopping
Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery Attempts to Provide Access
Online Job-Hunting Infographics
How Social Media Influences the Workforce and Job Placements
Conscious Contraceptives
ConCon.org is a Discrete Online Store Using the One for One Model
Animal-Printed Children's Clothing
Barley & Birch Offers USA-Made Organic Cotton Duds
Ethical Designer Satchels
These Vivienne Westwood Bags Support Over 7,000 African Women
Power-Generating Soccer Balls
SOCCKET by Uncharted Play Inc. Turns Play into Energy Source
Sustainable Baby Products
The Honest Company Offers Eco-Friendly Diapers
Love-Centric Shops
The STORY New York City Shop is Hosting an Installation All About Love
Ethical Event Supplies
Susty Party Offers Sustainable Products for Your Next Gathering
Collaborative Food Drives
The Stamp Out Hunger Drive Helps to End Hunger Across America
Co-Branded Altruistic Jewelry Lines
The Caliber Collection Supports Newark's Gun Buyback Program
Educational Typographic Dating Websites
'Type Connection' Proves That Arial Isn't Meant to be
Stationery Subscription Services
Nicely Noted Delivers Quirky and One-Of-A-Kind Greeting Cards
Code-Teaching Robots
Robotiky the Educational Robot Teaches Kids How to Program
Charitable Airport Regulations
The Frankfurt Airport Recycling Bank Makes Giving Up Bottles Easier
Sleek Tech Education Solutions
Belkin’s Secure and Charge Docking Station Will Help Learning
Hunger-Eliminating Social Media
FlashFood Turns Restaurant Leftovers into Meals for the Hungry
Batik Skater Sneakers
The VANS x Della Shoes Feature a Rustic West African Tie-Dye Print
Online Farmer's Markets
Farmingo Lets You Buy Locally Grown Produce Online
Socially Responsible Sportswear
Puma Wilderness Collection Offers Eco-Friendly & Fair Trade Items
Collaborative Workspace Launches
The Center for Social Innovation NYC Opened Earlier This Month
Eco Charity Condoms (UPDATE)
Sir Richard's Condoms Are a Philanthropic Pleasure
Consuelo McAlister & Anne Pringle, Founders of Local Buttons (INTERVIEW)
Fashion Social Enterprise
Local Food-Sourced Events
Serendipity Catering Offers Seasonal Produce to Create Specialized Menus
Socially Responsible Healthcare Companies
Novo Nordisk is a Danish Triple Bottom Line Business
Eco-Friendly Condoms
L. Condoms are Women-Empowering and Environmentally Sustainable
Charitable E-Bakeries
Baking for Good is an Online Treat Service That Delivers Change
Micro-Volunteering Platforms
Raise5 Enables the Charitable Giving of Your Time and Talents
Organic Food Fighters
Stonyfield Farms' 'Be a Food Superhero' Campaign Advises Healthy Eating
E-Waste Loungers
The Binary Chair is Made from Salvaged Computer Components
Subsidized Community Restaurants
Ellice Cafe & Theatre is a Hub of Activities and Delicacies
Organic Food Delivery Software
Bucky Box Makes It Easier for Businesses and Customers
Empowering Prophylactics
The L. Condoms Promote Safe Sex for a Cause
Philanthropic Artistic Shoes
The TOMS Haiti Project Commissioned Artists to Make Limited Edition S
Soulful Sustainable Shorts
Explore Ethical Fashion in the Ryan McGinley Beautiful Rebels Film
Charitable Smartphone Installations
FLUXe at Nuit Blanche was Fascinating
Rights-Based Organic Food
Grocerybunny Makes Quality Produce More Accessible and Affordable
Social Good Entertainment
Global Good Games Aims to Shift the Video Gaming Paradigm
Local Food Movements
SPUD.ca and SPUD.com Stock Your Fridge with Organic Groceries
Fashion-Fueled Community Initiatives
Royal Dynamite T-Shirts Generate Buzz About Education Issues
Legal Advice for Farmers
Farm Commons is a Non-Profit Organization with Echoing Green Support
Compelling Online Retailers
Fashion ComPassion Sells Brands with a Socially Conscious Mind Frame
Ethical Artisan-Empowering Organizations
Shopping for a Change is a Globally Minded Non-Profit
Artsy One-for-One Condoms (UPDATE)
Sir Richard's Condoms are Plaid and Socially Rad
Italian Market B Corporations
Zullo's Serves Organic and Seasonal Italian Food in Chicago
Virtuous Event Celebrations
The 'A Good Week' Launch is on Its Way So Prep for Fun
Ethical Anti-Poverty Initiatives
Partners for Just Trade is a Faith-Based Not-For-Profit
Ethnic Exchange Cuisine
Culture Kitchen Employs Immigrants to Teach Cooking Classes
Community-Building Barter Apps
Bright Neighbor is the First Sharing Economy Mobile Platform
Chef Delivery Services
The 'Kitchensurfing' Booking Service Brings the Cook Home
Recycled Electronics Ads
Best Buy E-Cycle Billboard Made from E-Waste
Luxury-Marketed Contraceptives
B Condoms Melds Social Responsibility with Branding
Sustainable Food Subscriptions
Door to Door Organics Delivers Fresh Natural Groceries to Your Door
Portable Anemia Scanners
The Biosense ToucHb Administers a Blood Test with no Prick
Economy-Focused Sustainability Projects
Borderstep Institute Takes a Success-Driven Approach
Non-Profit Acceleration Headquarters
Space with a Soul is Boston's Social Innovation Station
Innovative Micro-Crowdfunding Sites
The Tipping Bucket is a Web Platform for Social Change
Surgery Sponsoring Web Donations
Watsi is Making Medical Care Affordable for the Developing World
Social Enterprise Connectors
The Sankalp Forum Works with Investors to Build Business
Charitable Contraceptive Packaging
The L Condoms Boxes Highlights the Company's Fight Against AIDS
African Lit Non-Profits
The Golden Baobab Prize is a Social Enterprise Based in Ghana
Ethical Eco Retailers
The Offset Warehouse Online Store Makes a Cost-Effective Statement
Carbon Offset B Corps
'3Degrees' Works with Fortune 500 Companies for a Cleaner Environment
Local Food Deliveries
Mama Earth Organics Lets You Choose Weekly or Bi-Weekly Produce Baskets
Youth Tech Bootcamps
Girls Who Code Teaches Programming Skills to Young Women in NYC
Food Delivery Adventure Campaigns
GE Freshpedition Brings Fresh Food to Remote Desert
Employment Enjoyment Infographics
This Infographic Shows How Satisfying Your Career is
Local Food Biz Connectors
Sustaination Makes It Easy and Efficient to Get Healthy Food
Income-Generation Handicrafts
'Let Them Help Themselves' is a Skill-Sharing Ugandan Charity
Seasonal Food Charts
The Bountiful Year Infographic is a Visual Guide to Produce
Localized Impact Investing
Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital Provides Surgeries to Eradicate Blindness
Youth Innovation Mentorships
Startup Corps Engages Students in Social Enterprise in Philadelphia
Kevin Jones, Co-Founder of Good Capital (INTERVIEW)
Investment Firm with Poverty and Inequality in
Health-Promoting Pet Food
OrganiPets Uses Local and Hypo-Allergenic Ingredients
Community-Bridging Organizations
Youth Social Innovation Capital Fund (YSI) Offers Finance Support
Community-Ownership Organizations
Plunkett Foundation Works in Rural Parts of the United Kingdom
Custom-Printed Sustainable Tees
TS Designs Adheres to the Triple Bottom Line
Poverty-Ending Crusades
The Adventure Project Aims to Eliminate Struggles and Misery
Non-Profit Food Trucks
Texans Canteen Supports Students of the Austin Can Academy High School
Global Environment Standardization
Scientific Certification Systems is a Californian B Corporation
Humanitarian Product Developers
Red Button Design's Midomo Bracelet Provides Potable Water
Latin American Business Accelerators
Agora Partnerships Supports Social Entrepreneurs
Coin-Operated Public Art
The Laundromat Project is a Non-Profit Arts Organization in Harlem
Idea-Led Purpose Companies
BeCause LLC Consults and Invests in Business Models
Charitable Canvas Wallets
These Canvas Products Raise Money for the Charity: Water Organization
Stacey Horowitz, Founder of Shopping for a Change (INTERVIEW)
Supporting Global Artisans
Sam Rye, Community Connector at Bucky Box (INTERVIEW)
Social Enterprise Supporting Organic Food
Activist-Driven Neighbourhoods
'Thriving Communities' is an Alternative Way to See the World
Teacher-Focused Literacy Programs
ConTextos is a Non-Profit Focused on Critical Thinking
Impact-Driven Health Tech Startups
Preciva is Pioneering Accessible Cervical Cancer Screenings
SMS-Based Layaway Platforms
'myAgro' is a Tool for Farmers in Mali Aimed at Increasing Production
Altruistic Innovation Incubators
Unltd India is a Launch Pad for Budding Social Entrepreneurs
Social Innovation Incubators
Affinity Lab is a Shared Working Space and Platform in DC
Campus-Based Social Action Facilities
Student Hubs Helps Pupils Connect with Meaningful Causes
Opportunity-Spurring Delivery Services
TurnAround Couriers Hires At-Risk Youth in Toronto
Corporate Foods Collaborations
Grameen Danone Foods is an Example of What's to Come in Social Biz
Impact-Based Contracts
Instiglio Adapts Bonds to Join Various Sectors in Developing Countries
Bond-Creating Community Networks
Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership is Holistic