Abstract

By the time John Bird was 7 years old, he was homeless. By his twenties he had served several prison sentences for vandalism, arson and theft. In 1991, John founded the Big Issue, one of the first, and most prominent, examples of a social enterprise.

Social entrepreneurs provide business solutions to social problems, rather than looking to the state or charities for aid. In the case of the Big Issue, the magazine is written and edited by professional journalists. Homeless people then buy the magazine at cost, and sell it at a profit on the streets.

John has spoken at the United Nations in New York, at 10 Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. He’s presented to Prince Charles, Kofi Annan and Tony Blair.

On September 12th he’s coming to Cambridge. John will talk about his story, social enterprises, and what it takes to be a social entrepreneur.

The event takes place at 5:30pm at Robinson College, Cambridge, on Friday September 12th. It’s free, but you need to book a place.