SocialBusiness.org's top list of youth-centric social enterprises explores how social entrepreneurs are catering to the needs of the youth -- and of course, some are youth themselves. The old adage is that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but as youth activist Bilaal Rajen claimed at this year's TEDxToronto, it's more like youth are the leaders of today.
The recently published Generation Sell piece in the New York Times Sunday Review had the Twittersphere (occupied by Millennials, indeed) a buzzin' with rebuttals and praises from all generations.
Indeed, youth-centric social enterprises were a passing mention in the article. "Nonprofits are still hip, but students don’t dream about joining one, they dream about starting one," writes the Times writer William Deresiewicz on the Millennial generation. "In any case, what’s really hip is social entrepreneurship — companies that try to make money responsibly, then give it all away."
30 Youth-Centric Social Enterprises
30
Abuse-Free Indian Carpets
Jaipur Rugs Creates Tantalizing Products for You to Happily Walk On
29
Hip-Hop Social Enterprises
The Global Block Foundation Promotes Personal Sustainability
28
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
27
Socially Aware Streetwear
Ed's Threds Supports the Nettlefold Foundation to Prevent Youth Suicide
26
School Bags for Good
The Ark Collective Backpacks Help with a 'Get to Give' Model
25
Embedded Generosity Frocks
Whitten Grey Gives Away One Dress for Every Dress Bought
24
Ready-to-Use Food Campaigns
Two Degrees is a One-for-One Company Selling Nutrition Bars
23
Cause-Based Social Networks
KooDooZ Acts as a Soapbox for Youth Entrepreneurs
22
Charitable Boot Businesses
Roma Provisions Works to Keep Kids Safe
21
Anti-War Whistleblowers (UPDATE)
The Falling Whistles Company Aims to Help Congo Through Activism
20
Playful Social Entrepreneurs
Darell Hammond and KaBOOM! Build Over 1,800 Playgrounds
19
One-for-One Prenatal Vitamins
Build Nutrition Tackles Malnutrition in the Majority World
18
Mission-Driven Kids' Foods
Nest Collective Makes Healthy Options More Accessible
17
$75 Tablet PCs
The Aakash Computer is Meant to Modernize the Indian Countryside
16
At-Risk Teen Tees
Tees at Risk Sells Original Works from Troubled Teenagers
15
Ethical Silk Scarves
‘Cambodian Threads’ Gives School Supplies to Impoverished Kids
14
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
13
One-for-One Multivitamins
Life Equals is Partnered with Vitamin Angels to Fight Undernutrition
12
Benevolent Beaded Bangles
The FEED Kenya Bracelet is a Stylish Strategy to Feed Hungry Children
11
Local Multimedia Messages
The Community Film Unit is a Youth-Focused Social Enterprise
10
Innovative Training Centers
Striding Out Supports Young Social Entrepreneurs
9
One-Saves-Two Vaccines
'OneShot Global' Offers Meningitis Protection Using the TOMS Giving Model
8
Child Labor Avoidance Apps
The Free2Work App Scans Barcodes to Unveil Standards of the Company
7
Empowering Childcare Networks
Cool2Care Matches Personal Assistants with Disabled Children
6
Socially Savvy Decks
Comet Skateboards is a Certified B Corporation Building Boards for a Cause
5
For-Profit Social Ventures
The TOMS Shoes Movement Creates Customer-Philanthropists
4
Safe Neon Clothing
BrightKidz is a Social Enterprise That Sells High Visibility Designs
3
Change-Making Communities
Ashoka's Youth Venture Empowers Young People to Promote Positivity
2
Socially-Conscious Online Bookstores
Better World Books Aims to Alleviate Poverty Through Literacy
1
Eco-Certified Athletic Balls
Fair Trade Sports is a North American Purpose-Driven Company
Related Ideas
Sustainable Streetwear Store Interiors
Snarkitecture Embraces Recycled Materials for This Store
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Gen Z-Focused Fashion Labels
The 'MIXT' Label Caters to Youthful Fashion-Forward Indian Consumers
Next-Gen Graphic Attire
Serenity Trends’ Graphic Clothing Offers a Futuristic Aesthetic
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Sustainable EV Toys
Little Tikes’ Cozy Coupe Aims to Get Families Thinking More Sustainably
Advocate-Themed Cannabis Branding
Best Blnz's Branding is Created by Design Studio Pentagram
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Gen X Influencer Campaigns
L’Oréal Paris Taps 10 Influencers for Its Age Perfect Rosy Oil-Serum
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Community-Centric Headquarters
SPACE10 Embraces Community-Centric Design for Its Headquarters
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Gen Z Sustainability Campaigns
PUMA Recruits Gen Z Leaders to Showcase How They Live Sustainably
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Athleisure Resale Marketplaces
Vitality's New Platform Fosters the Purchase & Sale Of Used Apparel
Talent-Focused Creative Capsules
Swarovski Debuts a Collaboration with Dover Street Market Paris
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Digital Wellness Inniaitives
Pinterest Focuses on the Digital Well-being of Gen Z
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Next-Gen Diamond Jewelry
MONTSERRAT's Lab-Grown Diamonds Speak to Millennial & Gen Z Shoppers
Inclusive Social VR Programs
Meta Invested in a Social VR Research Team Alongside Universities
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Creator-Endorsed Fruit Snacks
BloxSnacks is Using YouTuber Partnerships to Appeal to Gen Alpha
Gen Alpha-Targeted Ice Cream Trucks
Unilever Taps Robomart to Launch 'The Ice Cream Shop'
STEM Holiday Shops
CircuitMess' Holiday Gift Shop Has Presents That Teach Coding & Creative Design
Nourishing Gen Z Skincare
'Nutritious' is a New Collection from Estée Lauder
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Empowering Fashion Films
Victoria's Secret World Tour Reimagines the Iconic Show as a Feature Film
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Organically Shaped Classroom Designs
Localworks Builds the Mustardseed Junior School in Uganda
Gamified Youth-Focused News Apps
RocaNews Uses Challenges and Quests to Encourage Staying Informed
Peer-Connected Support Platforms
'Togetherall' Offers a Safe Online Community for Mutual Support
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Gen Z-Targeting TikTok Tools
American Express & TikTok Launch the '#ShopSmall Accelerator' Program
Waste Tarp-Made Public Seating
The Membran Collective Joins the Urban Networks Project
Youthful Backpack Capsules
Skybags and 'The Archies' Unite for a Gen Z-Focused Backpack Collection
Youth-Focused Social Campaigns
Claire’s Introduces a New Gen Z-Alpha Platform Called 'The Collab'
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Gamified Custom Kidswear
Supermix Studio Empowers Kids to Create Their Own Apparel & Accessories
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Gen Z Sports Apps
Stadium Live is Aiming to Entice Gen Z Consumers with Immersive Experiences
Social Good Hats
The Home Depot Canada Foundation is Releasing a New Social Good Hat
Gen Z Sustainability Initiatives
Puma's Voices of a RE:GENERATION is a Project with Changemakers
Youth-Focused Therapist Networks
'Zencare' Connects Patients with Vetted Therapists Without Hassle
AR Secondhand Shops
American Eagle Outfitters' RE/AE Shop Spotlights Sustainable Goods
Gen Z Budgeting Platforms
Buddy and Klarna Teamed Up to Support Gen Z Financial Health
Engaging Youth-Focused Platforms
V&A Introduces the Mused Website for Gen Z Digital Natives
Visionary Youth Platforms
The Collab by Claire's Celebrates and Activates Gen Zalpha Creators
Community-Supporting Business Models
Ben & Jerry's' 'Linked Prosperity' Model Drives Positivity
Sneakerhead Mentoring Programs
eBay's Sneaker Academy Turns Sneakerheads Into Entrepreneurs
Gen Z Streetwear Brands
'HOS Wear' Prioritizes Individuality and Self-Expression with its Clothing
90s-Inspired Tween Fashion
John Lewis' New Collection Will Outfit Gen Alpha
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Digital Literacy Programs
Two Parkland Students Launch CLEO to Empower Seniors with Technology
Sleek Kid-Oriented Apparel
Authentic Brands Group Partners with Kidz Concepts for Aéropostale Kids
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
Virtual Game Tourism Campaigns
Cape Town Launches a Virtual Game for a New Tourism Campaign
Youth-Catered Transportation Apps
Uber Introduces Teen Accounts in the Latest Update
Outerwear Re-Commerce Platforms
Canada Goose Launches a Re-Commerce Platform in the US
Sustainable Future Contests
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest Empowers Young Minds
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Youth Art Campaigns
Sun Bum Taps Into the Gen Alpha Market with an Innovative Art Contest
Gen Z Advertising Tools
YouTube Launches a New Music Tool to Connect Advertisers with Gen Z
Peer-to-Peer Conversation Campaigns
JOYBA's Real Tea, Real Talk Supports Mental Health in Youth
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Gen Z-Focused Hotel Campaigns
Hyatt Recruits College Athlete Jalin Hyatt to Attract Gen Z
Teen-Targeted Investment Apps
The 'Bloom' App Helps Users to Build Longterm Wealth
Adult Board Game Campaigns
Hasbro and Ageless Innovation Rebrand Childhood Games for Adults
Musician Mentoring Programs
The Gibson Generation Group Cultivates Youth Talent
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Tween-Friendly Apparel Capsules
John Lewis Debuts its First Tween Fashion Collection for Ages 7-12
Youth Intern Social Stunts
Louis Vuitton Hires a 13 Year Old Intern After Sketches Went Viral
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Sustainable Secondhand Marketplaces
Yoox Launches a Pre-Owned Marketplace for Used Apparel
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Youth Culture Telecom Campaigns
Deutsche Telekom's Summer Campaign Connects with Gen Z
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Teen-Targeted Banking Features
Verizon Launches 'Family Money' For Gen Z and Gen Alpha Bankers
Youth-Focused Skincare Campaigns
Przm Launches a New Consumer-Centric Campaign for Proactiv
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
Financial Literacy Platforms
Secret U Supports Gen Z Women with Free Tools for Financial Success
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Gen Z Debit Cards
Venmo is Introducing a Teen Account & Debit Card for Gen Z
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Activism-Focused Apparel Capsules
Aéropostale and Global Citizen Launch a New Apparel Collection
Child President Campaigns
The Tech Interactive Launches "President for a Day" Contest with Zigazoo
Health-Focused Staff Programs
SOCIETY Debuts the 'SOCIETY Residents' Employee Welfare Initiative
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Teen Hygiene Collections
Essynce Moore Launches the New Plant-Based Self-Care Products for Teens
AI Boomer Mentor Programs
Eldera is Connecting Baby Boomers with Kids Who Need Mentors
Incarcerated Employment Programs
Next Chapter Aims to Create a More Equitable Workplace
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Gen Z Basketball Campaigns
Rivalry Unites with Basketball Forever for a Gen Z-Focused NBA Campaign
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Lifestyle-Conscious Cannabis Products
Trailblazer Cannabis Products Have Been Relaunched
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Hispanic-Focused Business Opportunities
PepsiCo Unveils the Newest Greenhouse Accelerator Program
University-Backed Esports Programs
Intel and National Student Esports Debut the FutureGen Campaign
Post-Launch Entrepreneurial Newsletters
One Year Wiser Interviews People One Year After Launch
Youth-Focused Coding Dolls
E-liza Dolls Aims to Create a New Generation of Women in STEM
Entrepreneurial Esports Events
Esports Insider and the University of Warwick to Host ESI Next Gen
Ageism-Focused Work Pledges
The Centre for Ageing Better Debuts an Age-Friendly Employer Pledge
Generational Advisory Programs
Sun Life's New Program Builds a Multi-Generational Advisory Force
Digital Age-Diverse Platforms
Growing with Age is a Platform for Sustaining Age-Diverse Workforces
Enriching Senior Initiatives
Ogilvy Shanghai Debuts a Seniors Initiative Called 'Morning Shanghai'
Circular Luxury Clubs
'More' Supports More Conscious Shopping and More Accessible Luxury
Refurbished Tech Initiatives
An Orland Town's Recycling Program Repurposes Refurbished Electronics
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Student-Focused Esports Deals
Generation Esports Partners with Nintendo for Middle School Esports
Inclusive Job Networks
Inployable is an Employment Community for People with Down Syndrome
Children-Supporting Trust Initiatives
The Children who Trust Again Campaign Supports Abuse Victims
Bite-Sized Gen Z News
Mata.Today Offers Quick Insights for Gen Z to Easily Digest
Social Good Yogurt Lines
Yogurtland Debuts a Branded Apparel and Accessories Collection
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Gen Z-Backed Eco Initiatives
The EPA Debuts a Youth Advisory Council to Address Climate Challenges
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Campaign-Led Esports Studios
Guild Launches New Creative Services Division Called ‘Guild Studios’
Youth-Benefiting Esports Platforms
Valhallan Acquires Youth Esports Platform NXT UP Esports
Senior Enrichement Programs
Art Windsor-Essex Aims to Combat Social Isolation and More
Diverse Leadership Inanities
Civic Nation Launched a New Initiative Dubbed the Change Collective
India-Based Senior Campaigns
The Alappuzha Social Justice Department Launches an Elderly Campaign
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Parent-Focused TV Campaigns
NatureFresh's TV Campaign Explores How Active Parenting Benefits Kids
Presidential Note Campaigns
Joe Biden Launches a New Boomer-Focused Campaign Using the Notes App
Philanthropic Investment Banks
Builders Vision Helps Build a More Humane and Healthy Planet