Social Impact Blog

After seven years of leading SocialVentures, Chief Executive Officer, Allen Proctor, will be retiring on August 1, 2021, entrusting his position to community leader, Vicki Bowen Hewes. The search for a new CEO started in the fall of 2020 with a search committee led by Teressa Trost of Community Shares Mid-Ohio. The committee reviewed 90 […]

Whether it’s a plastic cup from your local coffee shop, a plastic bag from the market, or the packaging of personal hygiene products, we all encounter plastic daily. While plastic goods provide convenience, it presents dangers to animals, natural resources, and the climate. Plastic can take anywhere from 20-500 years to decompose entirely into the […]

Do you need help finding a last minute Father’s Day gift? There are many social enterprises in central Ohio that have perfect gifts to celebrate your father while also supporting important causes. Food, Coffee, & Desserts Global Gallery is Fairtrade and focuses on developing cultural enrichment through educational workshops and social events. Thirdway Café was […]

Are you looking to give your summer closet a makeover with some new pieces that will keep you cool while also staying in style? Rather than shopping at the mall, support some of Columbus’ clothing social enterprises. Columbus has many clothing and jewelry social enterprises that allow you to spice up your closet while also […]

Support great causes this Mother’s Day by grabbing your gifts from or treating your mom to one of the many social enterprises in central Ohio. Coffee, Cafés, & Desserts Scattered all across Columbus, we’ve got coffee shops, cafes, and sweet treats to spoil mom with! Global Gallery is Fairtrade and focuses on developing cultural enrichment […]

When Jonathan Youngman first moved to Columbus in 2008, he quickly noticed something unique about the transportation habits of his neighbors.  Bike commuters were more prevalent than he had experienced before, from both an accessibility and affordability standpoint.  Despite the surplus of commuters, however, Youngman realized the lack of accessible bike maintenance shops in the […]

The Board of Directors of SocialVentures is both saddened and delighted to announce the retirement of our founder Allen Proctor. While Allen has been an enthusiastic promoter of social enterprise in Columbus and has grown SocialVentures from a sprout of an idea to well-known authority on virtually all aspects of social enterprise, he has expressed […]

Amanda Greenwood never thought her experience in and joy for event planning and floral design would become a socially-driven business bringing resources and education to homeless youth. “I’ve always had a passion for floral and event design, and also a passion for creating impact in the community,” the social entrepreneur says.  She recalls founding Petals That […]

The Opportunity SocialVentures seeks a seasoned, mission-driven Executive Director to help lead the organization and its partners to even higher levels of impact in transforming lives and making a positive difference in our community. Widely respected, SocialVentures is the organizational backbone that supports, advocates for, and helps advance the 100+ enterprises across Central Ohio who […]

Here are some women in the midst of making history through positive social change and entrepreneurship in Columbus, OH.  Claire Coder of Go Aunt Flow is committed to ensuring everyone has access to menstrual products. Amber Hammond of Ciela Handmade collaborates with diverse communities to deliver unique women’s accessories that improve the lives of women […]