Textbooks for Change is an Ontario-based company dedicated to bringing about a positive difference in the world by selling and donating used textbooks.
Chris Janssen started this social good business and his passion for giving back is what made him strive to make the company what it is today. Along with his business partner Tom Hartford, the company aims for a goal of helping people on a global scale achieve their own entrepreneurship dreams.
After a trip to Africa, Janssen realized there are hundreds of entrepreneurs that need funding, and in just one year, Textbooks for Change has donated $1,700 to non-profit organizations and 15,000 textbooks to universities in Africa and has given $18,000 in micro loans to entrepreneurs around the world.
The next time you walk by your -- probably unread -- textbooks, donate them to Textbooks for Change and you’ll basically play a role in changing the world. While 50% of the books are donated to universities in Africa, the other 50% are sold at a lower cost on their Amazon store for micro loan donations and to keep the business running.
Not everyone has access to textbooks; donating to Textbooks for Change is a great way to start giving back.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Social Impact Entrepreneurship
- Opportunity for businesses to make a positive difference in the world through their products and services.
- International Philanthropy
- Growing trend of supporting charitable organizations and initiatives on a global scale.
- Sustainable Textbook Solutions
- Emerging market for businesses that focus on reusing and redistributing used textbooks to promote sustainability and accessibility in education.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Education
- Innovative solutions for textbook redistribution can disrupt the traditional education industry by offering affordable and sustainable alternatives.
- Non-profit
- Collaboration opportunities for non-profit organizations to partner with businesses that align with their mission of education and entrepreneurship support.
- E-commerce
- Advancements in online platforms, such as Amazon, provide avenues for businesses to sell used textbooks and generate revenue for charitable purposes.
