New site explores Minnesota businesses with a purpose

A new web site in the Twin Cities is looking at how businesses use social good for innovation in Minnesota. Called Porpoise, the site was launched by Adrienne Peirce, who has her MBA from the U of M and has worked in microfinancing and social-innovation consulting.

Peirce, who plans on bringing other writers and social-good minds into the fold as the site grows, has written a series of posts about a diverse range of subjects and innovations, including new arts business models, such as Mixed Blood’s new “Freemium” program, and what it says about creative new ways of doing business and increasing community outreach.

According to Peirce:

Porpoise was started to share stories and ideas related to using business for social good in Minnesota. We are interested in social innovation and new ideas that improve our world. That means we’ll cover everything from mission-based for-profits, earned income non-profits, hybrids, corporate social responsibility, and philanthropic innovations. We are fascinated with brand new business models, as well as applying old models to entirely new problems. Areas like renewable energy, microfinance, and youth employment keep us interested, and over-arching topics like cause marketing, business ethics, and technology allow us to explore ideas across sectors.

We’re looking forward to reading more from Peirce, and learning more about all of the great Minnesota businesses inspiring social change and business innovation.