About Us

In December 2002, David L. Dey spearheaded the development of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship at Roberts Wesleyan College by securing a two-year research grant from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation. In 2006, the Institute became an independent venture that provides consulting, business development and training services for organizations and individuals.

The Institute has gained national recognition for its ground breaking social entrepreneurship research, training and consulting services. The cutting edge research led to several breakthroughs including:

• The creation of RISEGO, Inc., a not-for-profit dedicated to creating the next generation of social entrepreneurs in schools and communities.

• Community Entrepreneurship Development (CED), an interrelated framework and process that utilizes Social Entrepreneurship as a community-building strategy.

• The development of "The Arnett" a Social Entrepreneurship Center model that trains youth to create businesses that builds community. The center model is self sustaining and contains a blend of both youth social entrepreneurs and adult business partners.

• The development of the Journey curriculum, a Social Entrepreneurship curriculum. "The Journey" and training / classroom approach are designed for project based learning environments and can be replicated in schools and community-based settings.

• The Institute has helped to develop adult entrepreneurs through its training series targeting:

  • Women in Social Entrepreneurship

  • Organizations and Communities

The Institute's lead consultant is one of the nation's foremost experts in research and application of Social Entrepreneurship. Our desire is to take the many lessons learned and develop innovative and entrepreneurial programs and initiatives.