![Bill Drayton - Ashoka [Photo by Global X] (CC BY-SA 3.0)](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/134606778_0d96130bc6.jpg)
The concept of social entrepreneurship has become a hot topic lately, but the idea actually goes back a full 30 years.
The movement can be traced to the founding of Ashoka by Bill Drayton, as a revolutionary way of addressing social problems through a practical, entrepreneurial approach. Ashoka has been providing funding to local heroes in communities around the world by offering fellowship stipends and partnerships with private firms. This support helps to foster the growth of innovative solutions to the point where they can have a large scale impact.
The concept of social entrepreneurship is becoming more attractive to talented people who want to work towards more than their own private gain. Social entrepreneurs work toward systemic change, and Ashoka currently supports over 2,000 of these pioneers in 60 countries who work in areas like eco-tourism, renewable energy, micro fiance and youth programs.
