Inspired by the work of the Subsistence Marketplaces Initiative pioneered in Gies College of Business, Entrepreneurs Without Borders is a program focused on entrepreneurship education, microenterprise development, and social innovation in global subsistence marketplaces.
Illinois students learn about subsistence marketplaces through service-learning engagements that support entrepreneurship education and build capacity with micro-enterprises and social enterprises in international host communities. Recent engagements have involved working in communities in Argentina, Tanzania, and South Africa.
The Social Innovation Global Scholars Program provides an opportunity for students to develop global perspective and understanding of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, gain inspiration from social innovators tackling complex problems in a global context, and build practical skills while implementing a self-directed social innovation project.
Students scholars develop intercultural insights through participation in a short-term study abroad program focused on social innovation, such as learning about social enterprises, social finance, and impact labs in Israel or participating in a social impact boot camp to address a local social or environmental problem in South Africa.
Upon re-entry, students receive a scholarship, mentorship, resources, and peer support to implement a social innovation project (e.g., launch a social venture, create a value-added project within a social sector organization, organize a grassroots social action initiative, create a philanthropic campaign, etc.).
