Social Impact Blog

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 […]

SocialVentures is proud to announce the appointment of five new members to the SocialVentures Board of Directors for 2021.   Joining the board, effective earlier this  month, are Katie Cramer, Tina Fisher, Doug Kelly, Demetrius Robinson and Matthew Orr. The new members will serve under Board Chair Andrea Applegate.  Katie Cramer  As the Philanthropy and Events Specialist […]

What first began as an effort to sneak more vegetables into her son’s diet has become a social enterprise that helps provide nutrition resources and education for the community. In 2017, Anique Russell started Too Good Eats with husband, Ali, by creating popsicles and juices made from diverse fruits and vegetables for her children.  Anique […]

An organization created for educators, by educators. That’s how Lauren Greenspan describes Youth Yoga Project, a social enterprise created by herself and co-founder Julia Handelman.   After years of working in academia and public school settings, both Greenspan and Handelman stumbled upon a missing piece of the mental health aspect in K-12 education, for both students […]

Growing up, Amanda Caldwell had no idea that her love and talent for baking would lead to immense impact in her community.  In 2018, Caldwell founded Fourteen Twenty Nine, a bakery with a social mission, in the kitchen of her home. But her support and deep desire to help started years prior, when she learned […]

The street is packed with thousands of people. Music is playing from two stages. Food trucks line the curb and vendors are eagerly selling their products to interested customers. And all money goes to support the community. Sound too good to be true? Enter: The Festival for Good.  Originally called the SEA Change Festival, The […]