The Social Entrepreneurship Center

Embracing entrepreneurship as a tool for social transformation

In the face of major economic, environmental, and societal transitions, HEC Paris believes that entrepreneurship can be a powerful driver of inclusion. In this context, the Social Entrepreneurship Center is committed to contributing to a more inclusive and fairer world.

About the center

The vision of HEC Paris is to create a positive impact on society, the economy, and citizens through an approach that combines research, teaching, and concrete action in the field.

In this context, the Social Entrepreneurship Center at HEC Paris develops impact-driven programs that put the school’s excellence at the service of society. Through its programs for individuals and organizations, and its strong local presence, the Center aims to make entrepreneurship a lever for social transformation and inclusion.

For over ten years, we have been developing and running programs for individuals and organizations committed to impact, such as social and solidarity economy enterprises, non-profits, and more.

These programs offer robust strategic and operational support to help change mindsets, expand inclusive businesses, and create a lasting value chain for society.

As part of the HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, we are committed to fostering the inclusion of all talents.

Our programs

Accélérateur ESS

Format: Hybrid

Duration: 2 years

Language(s): French

Next start(s): Oct 01, 2024

Place(s): Paris

HEC Stand Up

Format: Hybrid

Duration: 10 weeks

Language(s): French

Next start(s): Oct 02, 2024

Cost: 0

Place(s): France

HEC Up

Format: Hybrid

Duration: 6 months

Language(s): French

Next start(s): Feb 06, 2025

Cost: 0 €

Place(s): France

The HOPES Initiative, Supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation

The HEC Paris Social Entrepreneurship Centre and the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation – France’s leading private philanthropic foundation – have joined forces to create a bold new partnership: HOPES.

This strategic five-year partnership aims to accelerate the development of social entrepreneurship across France by combining HEC’s entrepreneurial expertise with the Foundation’s commitment to the common good.

HOPES focuses its efforts on three key pillars:

Empowering individuals: by expanding the reach of HEC Stand Up and HEC UP programs, which support women from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds through entrepreneurship. HOPES will now also target young adults aged 18–25, who are not in employment, education, or training, particularly those from underprivileged neighborhoods. The goal: support over 10,000 people nationwide within five years.
Supporting organizations: by strengthening the HEC Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Accelerator, operated on behalf of the Île-de-France Region, to scale up the impact of mission-driven enterprises.
Academic innovation and dissemination: by rigorously evaluating and modeling what works within these programs, HOPES aims to share proven methods and scale effective solutions.