Much has been said in recent years about the phenomenon of globalization, and how it has impacted-and tied together-the economies of our planet. Countries deploy their key resources-natural, human, and intellectual-to create virtual partnerships with businesses around the world. Globalization is about the global economy, and as it grows, national boundaries blur and fortunes become intertwined. To oversee this economic gold rush, a global financial infrastructure has grown up around us making everyone increasingly dependent upon each other. 

The problem now though, is that the world’s financial infrastructure is in disarray, and people are worried about it. Huge international banks and insurance companies are failing. Automakers the world over are seeking funds from their respective governments simply to stay afloat. Factory closings in China are at an all time high. The United States government has already pumped $700 billion into its financial institutions and the new president is talking about shelling out almost $1 trillion more to “jump start” the American economy.  

Of course, America doesn’t exactly have this kind of money lying around so they will be borrowing it-much of it from China. But China’s having problems too, so the cycle would seem to continue. Where it will end-or more importantly how it will end-is anybody’s guess. And if it ends badly, we’re all in trouble. 

It’s no wonder then that people are scared about all of this. Anxiety and fear now plague virtually every industrialized society-the same anxiety and fear that has always plagued under-developed countries. The truth is that most people are intellectually unprepared for this type of global financial catastrophe. They don’t have the training and education to deal with it. 

All of this creates an incredible opportunity for social entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurship applies the principles of creating and operating a business for the betterment of society. This by the way does not inhibit the profit motive-it simply juxtaposes it with a redeeming social value. Social entrepreneurship is a win-win because the entrepreneur benefits society while making a profit as well.  

One possible such enterprise would be dedicated to helping members of society deal with their financial challenges, and to eliminate the nagging fears that rule their lives. Teaching people how to manage their money and then helping them to launch a successful, recession proof business is a prime example of how a social entrepreneur could benefit society today. Becoming a beacon of hope to those in financial distress is clearly a worthy cause. Earning a healthy income from doing it makes it even better.