These micro social innovations show just what can be done on a small scale. While perhaps this story begins with microfinance, a loan and credit program that is often associated with Muhammad Yunus' Grameen Bank, this SocialBusiness.org top list doesn't simply include those related to microfinance. For instance, Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery, which is based in Seattle, Washington is a "small-format" grocery store. As such, they offer produce to communities located in food deserts.
From finance to toolkits, these micro social innovations offer up small-sized examples of entrepreneurship, making us rethink "think big" while at the same time creating something larger altogether if you do think of social enterprise as movement. And with programs like the Awesome Foundation, it seems that the web is allowing smallness to come forth in mass numbers.
100 Micro Social Innovations
From Finance to Toolkits, Small-Sized Examples of Entrepreneurship:
Tiana Reid — Jun 29, 2013 — Social Good
100
Explosive Ethical Jewelry
'peaceBOMB' Bracelets Embrace War-Inflicted Cities
99
DIY Battery Manufacturing Kits
The Solar Pocket Factory is Tiny Idea That Shines Bright
98
Pay-as-You-Go Energy
Simpa Networks Offers Solar Power to Underserved Markets in India
97
Adventures with Purpose
Sam Bruce Shares 10 Ethical Holiday Providers of Sustainable Tourism
96
$20-Per-Month Homes
Each WorldHaus is Built in 10 Days and is Designed for the World's Rural Poor
95
Microfinance Investing
Kiva.org Lets You Become a Banker to the Poor
94
Microloan-Giving Tees
The Naked Hippie Invests in Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in the Majority World
93
Accessible Bamboo Bicycles
Zambikes International Creates Jobs and Transportation in Zambia
92
Micro Loan Bikinis
RubyMoon Swimwear Donates its Profits to Female Entrepreneurs
91
Small-Format Food Shopping
Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery Attempts to Provide Access
90
Empowered Hand-Crafted Accessories
BADALA Gives Single East African Mothers a Working Income
89
Social Entrepreneurs
A Megatrend
88
Ebay Ventures Into Microfinance
MicroPlace.com
87
Culture-Sustaining Hammocks
Yellow Leaf Provides Alternatives to Child Labor and Toxic Farming
86
Conscious Capitalism
Dirty Business No More
85
Fair Trade Statement Jewelry
Raven + Lily Features Collections Benefiting HIV-Positive Women
84
Philanthropic Online Platforms
UNITE is Working to Enable Impactful Connections Throughout Africa
83
Explosive Suit Accessories
These 'PeaceBOMB' Cufflinks Will Blow You Away
82
Energy-Generating Fitness Clubs
The Green Microgym in Portland, OR is Powered by Your Workout
81
Hunger-Eliminating Social Media
FlashFood Turns Restaurant Leftovers into Meals for the Hungry
80
Eco-Conscious Knitted Attire
'lur.' Creates Comfortable Clothing for the Environmentally Aware
79
NGO-Turned-for-Profit Companies
SKS Microfinance is a Loan-Providing Company Based in India
78
Gender-Based Violence Support
SHE WILL is a Project of the Acclaimed Global Enrichment Foundation
77
Energy Poverty Entrepreneurs
Solar Sister Targets Women to Sell Lamps and Improve Livelihoods
76
Micro-Volunteering Platforms
Raise5 Enables the Charitable Giving of Your Time and Talents
75
Organic Food Fighters
Stonyfield Farms' 'Be a Food Superhero' Campaign Advises Healthy Eating
74
Four-in-One Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Ontario Catapult Microloan Fund is Streamlined
73
Research-Funding Web Platforms
Microryza Crowdfunds Innovative Science Research Projects
72
Ecotourism Development Cooperatives
Travel for Change Melds Community-Based Initiatives and Tours
71
Guarantor Model Capital
MicroCredit Enterprises Uses the Funds of People with a High Net Worth
70
Microlending Credit Cards
KivaB4B Doubles Grants
69
Social Entrepreneurship Filmmakers
Actuality Media Create Philanthropic Videos About Changemakers
68
1 for 1 Snacks
Each KUTOA Health Bar Also Buys a Nutrient Pack for a Child in Need
67
Green Coal Options
Eco-Fuel Africa Works on Creating Sustainable Energy Technologies
66
No-Strings-Attached Grants
Awesome Foundation Gives Out Monthly Micro-Monetary Support
65
Online Marketplaces for Good
KarmaGoat is Like Craigslist But Proceeds Go to Charity
64
Micro-Health Insurance
Naya Jeevan Makes Healthcare a Reality for Low Income Employees
63
Emissions-Free Delivery
GnewtCargo is a Logistics Organization Using an Electric Fleet of Vehicles
62
Manifesto-Driven Fashion
Holstee Wants Customers to Consider People, Planet, Product
61
Global Charity Microfinancers
WildHearts Provides Microloans to Help People Work out of Poverty
60
Microfinancing Poverty Solutions
Lumana Credit is Microlending to Rural Africans from Seattle
59
One-for-One Prenatal Vitamins
Build Nutrition Tackles Malnutrition in the Majority World
58
Micro Forestry Startups
KOMAZA Creates Sustainable Economic Opportunities for Farmers in Africa
57
Ceramic Water Filters
Pure Home Water Creates Low-Tech Solution to Water Sanitation
56
Urban Slum Sanitation
Sanergy Turns Kenyan Toilets into Green Social Enterprises
55
Business Development-Focused Cuisine
Exceline Catering's Founders Commit to Small Enterprise Ideas
54
Urban Housing Banks
Jamii Bora is a Microfinance Institution Based in Nairobi, Kenya
53
Alternative Banking Loans
The Hilltop Microfinance Initiative Helps in Low-Income Entrepreneurs
52
Giving 2.0
Kiva Loans Lend Directly to a Developing World Entrepreneur
51
Indian Water-Saving Technology
GEWP Allows Farmers to Yield More Crops and Create More Jobs
50
Recycled Map Wallets
Mighty Wallet Takes Intricate Recycled Paper & Makes 100% Biodegradable Goods
49
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
48
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
47
POS Social Enterprises
Frogtek Uses Cellphones to Bring Tools to Small-Scale Retailers
46
Cloud-Based Education Toolkits
Zaya is a Non-Profit Whose Founder is an Echoing Green Fellow
45
Supply Chain Integrating Loans
Kinara Capital is a Social Enterprise Supporting Startups in India
44
Fair Trade Cocoa
Divine Chocolate is a Social Business Partly Owned by Its Farmers
43
Crafty Microfinance Blogs
Ahkun Takes a Different Approach with Local Artisans
42
Cashless Microfinance
Musoni Delivers Banking Services by Way of Cellphones
41
Activist Apparel + Accessories
Nest Helps Fund Female Artisans in Developing Countries
40
Collateral-Free Microcredit
Muhammad Yunus's Grameen Bank Has Revolutionized Finance
39
Innovative Micro-Crowdfunding Sites
The Tipping Bucket is a Web Platform for Social Change
38
Microcredit Sanitation Services
The Gramalaya Urban and Rural Development Initiatives and Network
37
Alternative Micro-Investment Platforms
InVenture Helps Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
36
Micro-Volunteering
The Extraordinaries is a Platform for Small-Scale Time Commitments
35
Low-Income Microfinance Associations
RADIM Works in Buenos Aires to Support Economic Development
34
Ads That Nourish Kids
Lazy Angel Browser Add-On Easily Fights Malnutrition in Children
33
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
32
One-for-One Multivitamins
Life Equals is Partnered with Vitamin Angels to Fight Undernutrition
31
Poverty-Fighting Soap
'Eve Echo' Sells Hygiene Products That Offer Loans to Female Entrepreneurs
30
Social Street Papers
Real Issues Magazine Empowers Communities Marginalized by Poverty
29
Micro-Entrepreneurial Kits
Living Goods Provides Affordable Necessities in Uganda
28
Microloans for Homelessness?
Beyond the Cardboard Shares Stories, Interviews and Resources
27
Socially Responsible Smartphone Donations
The 'Oven Bits Instead' App Promotes Giving to Charity
26
Charitable Dining Recommendations
Tasting Table Provides Funding To Help Budding Entrepreneurs
25
World Bank Books
'The New Microfinance Handbook: A Financial Market System Perspective'
24
Micro-Entrepreneurial Management
Hapinoy Uses a Multi-Level Program to Teach and Share Knowledge
23
Youth Innovation Mentorships
Startup Corps Engages Students in Social Enterprise in Philadelphia
22
Self-Reliant Immediate Investments
Bina Swadaya Teaches Members to Invest Using Self-Help Groups
21
Green Power Microlending
Energy in Common's Person-to-Person Loans Fight Climate Change
20
Global Microfinance Networks
FINCA Provides Financial Services to Low-Income Entrepreneurs
19
Tech-Focused Continent Narratives
The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative Promotes Entrepreneurship
18
Micro-Lending Web Platforms
Lendwithcare.org Works with The Co-operative
17
Mission-Focused Mentorship
Global Social Benefit Incubator Launched Kiva, VisionSpring
16
Creative Power Forums
The Social Business Conference 2012 Featured Muhammad Yunus
15
Acupuncture Cooperatives
POCA Aims to Provide Affordable and High Quality Treatment
14
Business-Building Education Programs
The Global Social Benefit Incubator at Santa Clara University
13
Community-Empowering Language Lessons
Speak Shop Enables 1-1 Spanish Tutoring Over Skype
12
Multivitamins for Purpose
A Bottle of Vitamma Gives 2 Years of Nutrition to 3 Kids
11
Rule-Breaking Market Ventures
The Criterion Institute Attempts to Shift Energies
10
Closed Loop Plant Systems
Aquaponics UK is a Social Enterprise Tackling Waste, Food and Energy
9
Innovative Eye Care
VisionSpring is a Social Enterprise Selling Eyeglasses to Developing Countries
8
Imaginative Care Supporters
Community Catalysts Develops Radical Solutions to Social Issues
7
Health Care Smart Cards
Changamka Microhealth Ltd is an Outpatient Company in Kenya
6
American-Based Microlending
ACCION Chicago Provides Financial Access to Small Business Owners
5
Creative Credit Programs
The Microfinance for Artists Research Project Focuses on Socio-Economics
4
Technological Literacy Programs
‘121 Women and Computers' Teaches Valuable Employment
3
Social Advisory Firms
Intellecap is a ‘Think and Do' Tank With Market-Based Strategies
2
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
1
Eco-Certified Athletic Balls
Fair Trade Sports is a North American Purpose-Driven Company
Related Ideas
Micro Keychain EDC Tools
The Man of Gear 'tinyBLADE' is the World's Smallest Tactical Knife
Multifunctional Micro-Camper Vans
The Toyoya Kayoibako Prioritizes Flexibility
Trauma-Informed Interior Designs
IKEA Introduces Trauma-Informed Tiny House for Seniors
Autonomous Micro Markets
Micromart Features Digital Price Tags & AI Product Recognition Sensors
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
High-Quality Electric Micro Homes
The Cosmic ONE Gets New Upgrades with Premium Components
Content Marketing Hubs
Arcane Helps Startups Transform Insights into Impactful Content
Cost-Conscious Cashierless Microstores
Fainders.AI Launched a Prefab MicroStore Within a Gym
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Compact Humble Economical Homes
Häuslein Tiny House Co. Designs the Chipper Tiny Home
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Social Movement Medals
The Openness Medal by Samsung Invites Gen Z to Share Challenges
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Inclusive Social Support Programmes
MCR Social is Supporting Underrepresented Neurodiverse Youth
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
Crowdfunded Circular Childrens Toys
Tiny Earth Toys is Launching a Kickstarter for 'Tiny Spaces'
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Generative AI Healthcare Solutions
Light-It Group Debuts a New Chapter — Enlighten Ventures
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Affordable Housing Prototypes
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jai Complete the Tiny House
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Meetup-Encouraging Social Networks
The 'Mozi' Private Social Network Facilitates IRL Meetings
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Bio-Based Compact Housing
Woonpioniers Designs the Sustainable Sprout Ruben & Marjolein House
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Micro-Living Portable Homes
Modern Tiny Living Creates the Buttercup Tiny Home for Hosting
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Empowering Startup Programs
Siemens Has Unveiled the 'Siemens for Startups' Program at CES 2025
Textile Recycling Solutions
SuperCircle Secures $7M to Enhance Textile Recycling Infrastructure
Eco-Friendly Pet Programs
Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures Launch a Sustainable Pet Food Program
Startup Networking Platforms
Foundity Connects Founders with Peers, Resources, and AI Tools
Neighborly Contracting Apps
Pigybak Ride Helps Neighbors Support Neighbors with Home Projects
Idea Validating Platforms
HeadStarter Helps Entrepreneurs Discover If Their Idea Exists
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Social Network-Encouraging Homes
Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects Design a Madrid Home
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Business Idea Development
Think Tank Pro Helps Turn Ideas into Actionable Business Plans
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces
Flash Pack Launches the 'Friendship Corner' in New York
No-Code Knowledge Platforms
Micro Teams Helps Businesses Create In-App Guidance for Productivity
Purpose-Driven Leadership Schools
The African School of Governance is Accepting Its First Cohort
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Beauty Innovation Funds
L’Oréal's Inclusive Beauty Fund Recipients Were Announced
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Kindness-Promoting Marketing Campaigns
Once Upon a Coconut Launches 1 Million Acts of Kindness
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Blockchain-Powered Credit Unions
KeyPoint Credit Union Joins a Banking Innovation Program
Community Engagement Platforms
Dmany Builds Loyal Communities to Fuel Growth and Success
Cross-Border Startup Pitching Competitions
Seoul Seeks to Ignite Global Startup Collaboration
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Space-Saving Tiny Homes
Levi Kelly Designs a Space-Conscious Compact Home on a Single-Axle Trailer
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Business Feedback Platforms
Two Cents Helps Gather Constructive Feedback for Products and Services
Mobile Produce Markets
GROW-on-the-GO Nourishes Communities in Food Deserts
Small Business Grants Program
eBay Kicks Off Its Fifth Annual Up & Running Grants Program
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Youth-Focused Financial Literacy Guides
Lakefront Finance Targets Gen Alpha, Gen Z & Millennials
Cleverly Designed Micro Apartments
The Cabanon Measure 74 Square Feet with Folding Furniture
Idea Validation Tools
'Validator' Researches Micro SaaS Ideas with Competitor Analysis
Office-Transformed Co-Living Spaces
HUB & Bridges Fund Management Present its Cornerstone Project
Multi-Brand E-Commerce Expansions
Multiple Grocers are Adapting Instacart's Storefront Pro Tool
Chance to win £10,000
Meet the Cornish upcycler inspiring people
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Inclusive Social Housing Projects
Peris + Toral Arquitectes Design 85 Social Dwellings in Cornellà
Personal Efficiency Optimizers
8020.in Everything Maximizes Results by Focusing on the Key 20%
Innovative Smart Grid Software
MicroEJ Debuts the VEE Energy Software and It Ground-Breaking
Community-Led Grocery Initatives
CaringBridge and Instacart Unite to Enhance Delivery Services
Male-Targeted Emotional-Wellness Initiatives
Movemeber's Latest Grant Focuses on Indigenous Men
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
MENA-Focused Influencer Platforms
Mitgo Group Debuts the Takefluence Platform for Content Creators
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
Resilience-Focused Children's Books
Savvy Suzanna Inspires Young Entrepreneurs with Creativity
Social Media Content Creators
Social Media Kit Simplifies Carousel Posts with Figma Templates
Hyperlocal Social Networks
Build Real-Life Connections with Mingl for Socializing and Networking
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Scaleable Freelance Tools
Productize Fast Helps Freelancers Looking to Transition and Scale
Couple Investment Platforms
Plenty is a Tool Revolutionizing Investment for Modern Couples
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Social Housing Unit Blocks
Joan J Fortuny & Alventosa Morell Arquitectes Forms 54 Social Housing
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Startup Grouping Sidebar Tools
Nestlinker Organizes Startups in a Sidebar for Visitor Engagement
Millet-Based Healthy Snacks
Govindjee Unveils a New Selection of Millet-Based Products
Sustainable Minimal Compact Homes
The Team at Lou Tiny House Creates a New Compact Home
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Integrated Business Banking Tools
PennyFlo Streamlines Financial Management for Businesses
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Preemptive Startup Evaluations
Vet My Idea Helps Startups Survive with AI Assessments and Ideas
Nutrition Brand Investment Rounds
Squared Circles Plans to Launch Five Brands in the Near Future
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Daily Kindness Prompts
'Sharing Your Kindness' Makes Spreading Positivity a Daily Habit
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
AI-Powered Influencer Tools
SMINCO Connects Businesses with Influencers for Marketing Campaigns
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Daily Inspirational Quotes
Models of Life Offers Real, Inspirational Quotes and Narratives
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Bite-Sized Daily Wellness Actions
BlissList Approaches Holistic Wellness Through Small Steps
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Empowering Home Improvement Initiatives
Resurfacing Solutions Offers Mentorship & Ownership
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Compact Bengali Affordable Homes
Marina Tabassum and AKT II Design the Khudi Bari House
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Local Economic Growth Initiatives
Hershey's is Supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Community Cohesion-Promoting Grocery Campaigns
EDEKA Provides Insights of Neighborhood Relations
Weekly Finance Newsletters
Deelscoop Keeps Users Informed from Seed to Series D and Beyond
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Professional Resource Hubs
Noulej Offers Expert-Led Playbooks to Overcome Startup Growing Pains
In-Neighbourhood Service Maps
TROT KIT Helps Nomads Find Services Where They Are
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks