SocialBusiness.org's top list of youth-centric social enterprises explores how social entrepreneurs are catering to the needs of the youth -- and of course, some are youth themselves. The old adage is that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but as youth activist Bilaal Rajen claimed at this year's TEDxToronto, it's more like youth are the leaders of today.
The recently published Generation Sell piece in the New York Times Sunday Review had the Twittersphere (occupied by Millennials, indeed) a buzzin' with rebuttals and praises from all generations.
Indeed, youth-centric social enterprises were a passing mention in the article. "Nonprofits are still hip, but students don’t dream about joining one, they dream about starting one," writes the Times writer William Deresiewicz on the Millennial generation. "In any case, what’s really hip is social entrepreneurship — companies that try to make money responsibly, then give it all away."
30 Youth-Centric Social Enterprises
30
Abuse-Free Indian Carpets
Jaipur Rugs Creates Tantalizing Products for You to Happily Walk On
29
Hip-Hop Social Enterprises
The Global Block Foundation Promotes Personal Sustainability
28
Alternative Education Enterprises
KO2 is a Community Interest Company with a Love for Dirtbiking
27
Socially Aware Streetwear
Ed's Threds Supports the Nettlefold Foundation to Prevent Youth Suicide
26
School Bags for Good
The Ark Collective Backpacks Help with a 'Get to Give' Model
25
Embedded Generosity Frocks
Whitten Grey Gives Away One Dress for Every Dress Bought
24
Ready-to-Use Food Campaigns
Two Degrees is a One-for-One Company Selling Nutrition Bars
23
Cause-Based Social Networks
KooDooZ Acts as a Soapbox for Youth Entrepreneurs
22
Charitable Boot Businesses
Roma Provisions Works to Keep Kids Safe
21
Anti-War Whistleblowers (UPDATE)
The Falling Whistles Company Aims to Help Congo Through Activism
20
Playful Social Entrepreneurs
Darell Hammond and KaBOOM! Build Over 1,800 Playgrounds
19
One-for-One Prenatal Vitamins
Build Nutrition Tackles Malnutrition in the Majority World
18
Mission-Driven Kids' Foods
Nest Collective Makes Healthy Options More Accessible
17
$75 Tablet PCs
The Aakash Computer is Meant to Modernize the Indian Countryside
16
At-Risk Teen Tees
Tees at Risk Sells Original Works from Troubled Teenagers
15
Ethical Silk Scarves
‘Cambodian Threads’ Gives School Supplies to Impoverished Kids
14
Youth-Oriented Finances
MyBnk Teaches Money Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
13
One-for-One Multivitamins
Life Equals is Partnered with Vitamin Angels to Fight Undernutrition
12
Benevolent Beaded Bangles
The FEED Kenya Bracelet is a Stylish Strategy to Feed Hungry Children
11
Local Multimedia Messages
The Community Film Unit is a Youth-Focused Social Enterprise
10
Innovative Training Centers
Striding Out Supports Young Social Entrepreneurs
9
One-Saves-Two Vaccines
'OneShot Global' Offers Meningitis Protection Using the TOMS Giving Model
8
Child Labor Avoidance Apps
The Free2Work App Scans Barcodes to Unveil Standards of the Company
7
Empowering Childcare Networks
Cool2Care Matches Personal Assistants with Disabled Children
6
Socially Savvy Decks
Comet Skateboards is a Certified B Corporation Building Boards for a Cause
5
For-Profit Social Ventures
The TOMS Shoes Movement Creates Customer-Philanthropists
4
Safe Neon Clothing
BrightKidz is a Social Enterprise That Sells High Visibility Designs
3
Change-Making Communities
Ashoka's Youth Venture Empowers Young People to Promote Positivity
2
Socially-Conscious Online Bookstores
Better World Books Aims to Alleviate Poverty Through Literacy
1
Eco-Certified Athletic Balls
Fair Trade Sports is a North American Purpose-Driven Company
Related Ideas
Problem-Solving Youth Skincare
Epic Skincare Shares Purposeful Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Gen Z AI Campaigns
Lenovo Launches a New Campaign Called 'Meet Your Digital Self'
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Travel-Ready Backpacks
Jansport is Debuting its First Travel Pack the 'Venture Pack System'
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Revolutionary Social Networking Platforms
Soei aims to contribute value to the Global Community
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Next-Gen News Apps
Shades is a News and Culture App for Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Social Movement Medals
The Openness Medal by Samsung Invites Gen Z to Share Challenges
Entertainment Industry Expansions
Starbucks Enters the Entertainment Industry as Starbucks Studio
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
Inclusive Social Support Programmes
MCR Social is Supporting Underrepresented Neurodiverse Youth
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Crowdfunded Circular Childrens Toys
Tiny Earth Toys is Launching a Kickstarter for 'Tiny Spaces'
Next-Generation Fashion Campaigns
REVOLVE Partners with Jeon Somi for a Gen Z Campaign
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
eCommerce Consignment Services
eBay Consignment Was Launched with Luxe Collective
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Circular Fashion-Enabling Partnerships
Coach and Poshmark's Collaboration Makes Buyer Resale Easy
AI-Powered Digital Employees
Product Genius Transforms How Small Businesses Connect with Customers
Generative AI Healthcare Solutions
Light-It Group Debuts a New Chapter — Enlighten Ventures
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Nonprofit-Backed Senior Social Apps
'Senior Planet Community' is Supported by the AARP for Seniors
Teen Skincare Hubs
Indu 101 Educates, Empowers and Inspires Young Beauty Consumers
Gen Z-Focused Video Campaigns
Astroyogi is Introducing a New Campaign that Aims to Attract Gen Z
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Ageism-Targeting Language Campaigns
Modern Age Has Launched the Aging Index
Early Retirement Communities
The Cantinas by Taco Bell Invites Young Adults to Live Like Retirees
New-Generation Artful Urban Hubs
IED and CampusX Join Forces on the Pixel Project
Gamified Youth-Focused News Apps
RocaNews Uses Challenges and Quests to Encourage Staying Informed
Peer-Connected Support Platforms
'Togetherall' Offers a Safe Online Community for Mutual Support
Emotional Well-Being Dolls
Kid Kreations' Heartfuls Support Self-Belief and Resilience in Children
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Gentle Pre-Teen Skincare
Your Skin Stuff Specializes in Youth-Safe Skincare for Ages Eight to 12
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
Youth-Focused Social Campaigns
Claire’s Introduces a New Gen Z-Alpha Platform Called 'The Collab'
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Self-Repair Tech Platforms
Empowered360 is Focused on Revolutionizing Chromebook Management
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Youth-Focused Therapist Networks
'Zencare' Connects Patients with Vetted Therapists Without Hassle
Eco-Friendly Indian Fashion
Latin Quarters Debuts a Stylish Capsule Using Sustainable Practices
Educational Affordable Housing Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington is Uniting Youth
Visionary Youth Platforms
The Collab by Claire's Celebrates and Activates Gen Zalpha Creators
Entrepreneur-Focused Online Marketplaces
Agora Exchange Caters to the Need of Creatives and More
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Savings-Focused Youth Accounts
Absa Bank Tanzania Unveils a New Youth Savings Account
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Gen Z Streetwear Brands
'HOS Wear' Prioritizes Individuality and Self-Expression with its Clothing
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Digital Literacy Programs
Two Parkland Students Launch CLEO to Empower Seniors with Technology
Inspiring Entreprenurial Dolls
The American Girl 2025 Girl of the Year Speaks to Gen Alpha
Resilience-Focused Children's Books
Savvy Suzanna Inspires Young Entrepreneurs with Creativity
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Gen Z Basketball Campaigns
Rivalry Unites with Basketball Forever for a Gen Z-Focused NBA Campaign
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Sustainable Future Contests
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest Empowers Young Minds
Senior Technology Tutors
Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning Helps Seniors Improve Digital Literacy
Student-Specific Real-World Freelance Projects
Upwork Partners with Podium Education
Youth-Focused Financial Literacy Guides
Lakefront Finance Targets Gen Alpha, Gen Z & Millennials
College-Targeted Awareness Campaigns
PepsiCo Launched its 'Taste of Tomorrow' STEM Initiative
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Startup Networking Platforms
Connect with Startups, Jobs, and Collaborators with Next Play
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Youth Education Partnerships
FP Markets and Cricket Brasil Debuted a Youth Development Initiative
Youth Intern Social Stunts
Louis Vuitton Hires a 13 Year Old Intern After Sketches Went Viral
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Gen Z Whitepapers
Wondershare Filmora Has Published Its First Whitepaper Titled 'Gen Z in Action'
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
Senior Rental Services
Rent Elderly People Connects You with Seniors to Unlock Age-Based Perks
Sustainable Kids Cartoon Capsules
Primark & Disney Unveil a Collection Inspired by The Lion King
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
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
Festive Eco-Friendly Apparel
EarthyTweens Offers Up a New Clothing Capsule for the Holidays
Creator-Focused Sales Platforms
The Leap by Thinkific Helps Sell Digital Products on Social
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Advertising Demand-Side Platforms
Yahoo Launched Yahoo Creative to Help Advertisers
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
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Activism-Focused Apparel Capsules
Aéropostale and Global Citizen Launch a New Apparel Collection
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
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Genuine Connection Platforms
Youmetalks Prioritizes Authentic Connection in a Digital Age
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Post-Launch Entrepreneurial Newsletters
One Year Wiser Interviews People One Year After Launch
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Gaming-Inspired Headphone Campaigns
Nazarian Films Aims to Engage a Younger Generations
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Inclusivity-Centric Back-To-School Campaigns
Sistema Launched a Back-To-School Survey
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Enriching Senior Initiatives
Ogilvy Shanghai Debuts a Seniors Initiative Called 'Morning Shanghai'
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Bite-Sized Gen Z News
Mata.Today Offers Quick Insights for Gen Z to Easily Digest
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Youth-Focused Mentorship Programs
Career Accelerator Empowers Queer Youth in Career Advancement
Empowering Home Improvement Initiatives
Resurfacing Solutions Offers Mentorship & Ownership
Children-Focused Literacy Campaigns
Scholastic Focuses on Expanding Access to Books
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Youth-Oriented Arts Camps
QNB is Set to Unveil an Eco-Friendly Arts Camp for Kids 4-14
Empowering Nonprofit Organizations
NTI is Committed to Supporting the Disability Community
Social Media Lead Generation
IgLeadGen Helps People Find and Target Leads for Business
Senior Enrichment Programs
Art Windsor-Essex Aims to Combat Social Isolation and More
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
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