Ambitious:   Social entrepreneurs tackle major social issues, from increasing the college enrollment rate of low-income students to fighting poverty in developing countries. These entrepreneurial leaders operate in all kinds of organizations: innovative non-profits, social purpose ventures such as for-profit community development banks, and hybrid organizations that mix elements of non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Mission driven: Generating social value - not wealth - is the central criterion of a successful social entrepreneur. While wealth creation may be part of the process, it is not an end in itself. Promoting systemic social change is the real objective.

Strategic:  Like business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs see and act upon what others miss: opportunities a to improve systems, create solutions  nd invent new approaches that create social value. And like the best business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs are intensely focused and hard-driving - even relentless - in their pursuit of a social vision.

Resourceful:  Because social entrepreneurs operate within a social context  rather than the business world, they have limited access to capital and  traditional market support systems. As a result, social entrepreneurs must be exceptionally skilled at mustering and mobilizing human, financial and political resources.

Results oriented:  Ultimately, social entrepreneurs are driven to produce  measurable returns. These results transform existing realities, open up new pathways for the marginalised and disadvantaged, and unlock society's potential to effect social change.