Using Business Tools To Combat The World's Big Problems

In 2006, a social entrepreneur named Muhammad Yunus, the so-called "banker to the poor" who pioneered microfinance, won a Nobel Peace Prize. And ever since, the concept of doing good — while still making a profit — has been a hot topic in business schools and industry.

We talk to experts about the rising tide of social entrepreneurship. Does it have the power to address some of the fundamental problems in society — hunger, health, poverty? And we check in with local companies who are trying to change their communities and the world.

Understanding Social Enterprise

First, we delve into the background and theory behind the movement with two expert professors.

Guests:

• Robert Higgins, senior lecturer, Harvard Business School; founding partner, Highland Capital Partners

• Julie Battilana, associate professor, Harvard Business School; author, "Beyond Heroic Entrepreneurs" (paper)

On The Ground: Turning Business Into Good

Part 1:

Part 2:

We talk to entrepreneurs whose companies are running online auctions for charities, selling shoes to make money for clinics and educational initiatives, helping finance small businesses and funding socially-conscious organizations.

Guests:

• Jon Carson, chairman and CEO, Bidding for Good

• Chuck Rubin, CEO, Common Soles

• Miki Akimoto, co-founder, Saffron Circle; board member, Asian-Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy

• Steve Goldberg, managing director, Social Finance