Title: Entrepreneurship and sustainability: Can business really alleviate poverty?

Authors: Daphne Halkias; Paul W. Thurman

Addresses: Center for Family and Young Enterprise, University of Bergamo, Italy ' School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, USA

Abstract: An alarming percentage of the world's population lives below the poverty line of less than USD 2 per day. Various approaches to poverty alleviation have been implemented through governmental policy reforms as well as the work of non-governmental organisations. Many approaches have focused on disparities evident in gender, employment, education and decision making, seeking to address limitations in these areas. However, mostly unabated poverty levels and a growing global population require a new approach to improving the living standards of those in Less Developed Countries. This can be achieved by boosting local economies with the support of entrepreneurial activities operating on the small and micro-scale.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; sustainability; poverty alleviation; living standards; sustainability entrepreneurship; private sector; inclusive business; human capital; sustainable development; less developed countries; local economies; small firms; micro firms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEI.2012.051469

International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2012 Vol.1 No.4, pp.419 - 427

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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