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Tag: Social Entrepreneurs

  • Why Lewis Hamilton Is Racing Into the $1.3+ Trillion Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I’ve written several articles about the rise of non-alcoholic (NA) beverages, from Dry January to the “sober curious” movement that’s gone from niche to mainstream. While I still enjoy a craft cocktail with my husband once in a while, alcohol rarely fits into my routine.

    I enjoy alternatives that feel intentional, functional and are crafted with purpose. What I don’t enjoy is paying $15 for a mocktail that turns out to be little more than lemonade in a fancy glass.

    That’s why brands like Almave stand out to me. The NA space isn’t just about abstaining anymore; it’s about reimagining the social ritual of drinking with authenticity, culture and innovation. Almave, a premium non-alcoholic agave spirit co-founded by seven-time Formula 1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, is a fascinating new product in this market.

    As the most decorated Formula One driver in history, Lewis Hamilton stopped drinking alcohol in 2023 to better align his health with the demands of his rigorous training schedule. The 40-year-old racer said that alcohol distracted him from operating at his full athletic and mental potential, often leaving him to “suffer for several days” after a big night out.

    That decision was not about missing out — it was about showing up stronger. It’s also exactly what paved the way for Almave: a spirit that honors the ritual without compromising performance.

    Related: Embrace a Healthier Summer With These Non-Alcoholic Beverages

    Hamilton had long enjoyed tequila in social settings, but once alcohol was off the table, he felt limited by the lack of premium, authentic NA alternatives.

    “Ordering a ginger beer felt underwhelming,” he said. He envisioned a non-alcoholic tequila that respected the craft of Mexico’s agave tradition, and that idea eventually led him to Casa Lumbre, a Mexico-based spirits house known for its innovation.

    He flew to Mexico City to meet Master Distiller Iván Saldaña, a biochemist and agave expert. Hamilton immersed himself in the fields and distilleries of Jalisco, learning the cultivation and distillation process firsthand.

    Together, they created Almave: a line of spirits made from blue agave, distilled with tradition and expertise, but free of alcohol. Hamilton explained to me during an interview that he admired the commitment and authenticity of Saldaña. “I knew I wanted to be a part of this and I wanted to learn from Iván and really be a part of the process.”

    Image Credit: Almave

    Today, Almave offers Ambar, Blanco and its latest release, Almave Humo, a smoky, mezcal-inspired NA spirit that brings complexity and depth to cocktails. I recently tried Humo and while I wouldn’t tell my friends that it tastes like mezcal, I would use it for a refreshing mocktail.

    Hamilton insists that Almave isn’t a celebrity vanity project. “We respect the craft and traditions of Mexico, using time-honored methods perfected over generations,” he said. That authenticity has resonated.

    • Almave has grown 35,000 Instagram followers since June 2024.
    • It sees an 8.3% engagement rate on TikTok – double the industry average.
    • Its launch reels have topped 10 million organic views.
    • Returning customers, though just 17% of the base, generate more than a third of total revenue.

    In a crowded NA space, those numbers speak to both curiosity and loyalty.

    Almave is only one part of Hamilton’s expanding entrepreneurial portfolio. His ventures consistently reflect purpose, lifestyle and innovation. Hamilton had been linked to Neat Burger, a global vegan burger chain (backed by Leonardo DiCaprio) that focused on sustainability but recently voluntarily liquidated.

    He also joined the ownership group of the Denver Broncos in 2022, and has a production company, Dawn Apollo Films, with Brad Pitt, under which they recently co-produced the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. Hamilton also recently became a global Lululemon ambassador. Authenticity, innovation and values that align with his personal brand are woven throughout these ventures and Almave was the natural next step.

    Related: I Work Nearly 50+ Hours a Week and Rarely Feel Tired

    I relate to Hamilton’s pivot. I live and breathe health and wellness, but not in an extreme way. For me, the fundamentals — nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement and community — are what matter most. Everything else, from supplements to wearables to biohacks, are simply tools to help optimize and refine wellbeing.

    From a growth and economic viewpoint, Hamilton isn’t the only celebrity leaning into this trend. Bella Hadid co-founded Kin Euphorics, Katy Perry launched De Soi and Blake Lively created Betty Buzz and Betty Booze. Each brings its own twist, but what unites them is a recognition that consumers want sophisticated, intentional options when they’re not drinking. The global NA beverage market is projected to surpass $30 billion by 2030, fueled by younger consumers, health-conscious professionals and savvier audiences who desire both performance and pleasure.

    Related: Dry January? His Non-Alcoholic Side Hustle Made $50 Million+

    From integrating adaptogens to promoting healthier habits, I appreciate when brands in the NA space deliver more than just sugar in a sleek bottle. Almave feels elevated, authentic and celebratory. It acknowledges that rituals matter, but more important, that wellness matters. With Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, Almave is proving to be a brand with speed, authenticity and staying power.

    Almave Blanco shines in a spicy mezcal margarita. Here’s my go-to recipe:

    Almave Spicy Mezcal Margarita

    • 2 oz Almave Humo
    • 1 oz fresh lime juice
    • 0.5 oz agave syrup (or less to taste)
    • 2 slices jalapeño
    • Tajín for rim

    I’ve written several articles about the rise of non-alcoholic (NA) beverages, from Dry January to the “sober curious” movement that’s gone from niche to mainstream. While I still enjoy a craft cocktail with my husband once in a while, alcohol rarely fits into my routine.

    I enjoy alternatives that feel intentional, functional and are crafted with purpose. What I don’t enjoy is paying $15 for a mocktail that turns out to be little more than lemonade in a fancy glass.

    That’s why brands like Almave stand out to me. The NA space isn’t just about abstaining anymore; it’s about reimagining the social ritual of drinking with authenticity, culture and innovation. Almave, a premium non-alcoholic agave spirit co-founded by seven-time Formula 1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, is a fascinating new product in this market.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

    Elisette Carlson

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  • How Social Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World | Entrepreneur

    How Social Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a rapidly evolving world facing an array of pressing challenges, the rise of purpose-driven entrepreneurship has emerged as a beacon of hope.

    Social entrepreneurs are individuals who use entrepreneurial principles, innovative thinking and business acumen to create positive and sustainable social or environmental impact. They are driven by a strong sense of purpose to address pressing societal challenges and improve the well-being of communities and the planet.

    Social entrepreneurs apply the same entrepreneurial mindset used in traditional business ventures to develop innovative solutions to complex social problems. Their primary goal is to generate positive outcomes rather than solely seeking financial profit. They often work to empower marginalized groups, improve access to essential services, address environmental issues and promote social justice.

    This article delves into the transformative force of purpose-driven ventures, exploring their sustainable impact and the supportive ecosystem propelling their success.

    Related: 3 Steps to Forge Your Company’s Purpose-Driven Path

    The emergence of purpose-driven ventures

    Traditionally, entrepreneurship has been associated with profit-driven motives, but a paradigm shift is underway. Social entrepreneurs have recognized that addressing societal and environmental challenges requires more than just good intentions; it demands a sustainable approach that integrates purpose into business strategies. These visionary leaders view challenges as opportunities and harness the power of innovation and empathy to create lasting impact.

    For example, Patagonia, founded by Yvon Chouinard, is a renowned outdoor apparel company that embraces sustainability and environmental responsibility as part of its core mission. They prioritize eco-friendly materials, minimize waste and actively support environmental causes through campaigns like “1% for the Planet,” where they donate a portion of their revenue to environmental initiatives.

    The power of profit and purpose alignment

    Contrary to the notion that profit and purpose are conflicting concepts, social entrepreneurs have unlocked the potential of aligning the two forces for the greater good. By imbuing their ventures with a meaningful mission, they attract a loyal customer base and engage employees who are deeply committed to the cause. This alignment fuels passion, creativity and dedication, propelling these purpose-driven ventures towards remarkable success.

    A good example is Warby Parker, an eyewear company co-founded by four friends (Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andrew Hunt and Jeffrey Raider), which has a “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” business model. For every pair of glasses sold, they provide a pair to someone in need through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This alignment of profit and purpose has resulted in both business success and significant social impact.

    Related: How to Build a Business that Makes a Positive Impact

    Driving sustainable impact

    One defining characteristic of purpose-driven entrepreneurship is its commitment to sustainable impact. Social entrepreneurs look beyond short-term gains, focusing on solutions that create lasting change. Whether it’s tackling environmental issues, empowering marginalized communities or improving healthcare access, these ventures invest in projects with far-reaching and enduring effects, leaving behind a positive legacy for generations to come.

    Green School, for example, founded by John and Cynthia Hardy, is an innovative, eco-focused school in Bali that integrates sustainability, environmental education and holistic learning into its curriculum. The school’s unique approach empowers students to become changemakers, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

    Inspiring stories of social entrepreneurs

    Tony Elumelu is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who has become a leading example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. As the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, he is empowering African entrepreneurs to drive sustainable economic growth and social development on the continent. Through his foundation’s flagship initiative, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), Tony Elumelu has provided mentorship and training to 1,500,000 and seed funding to 18,000 young African entrepreneurs.

    There’s also Kiva, an online micro-lending platform, co-founded by Jessica Jackley and Matt Flannery. It connects individuals looking to lend small amounts of money (as little as $25) to entrepreneurs in developing countries. This peer-to-peer lending model empowers entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses, with the goal of lifting them out of poverty.

    The support ecosystem

    Behind every successful social entrepreneur stands a supportive ecosystem that nourishes their vision. Impact investors, philanthropic organizations and government initiatives play a pivotal role in nurturing purpose-driven ventures. The collective effort of these stakeholders provides access to capital, mentorship and networks that amplify the ventures’ reach and potential.

    Related: 3 Steps for Making a Positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Impact

    Spreading the movement

    The rise of purpose-driven entrepreneurship is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a global movement towards a more sustainable and equitable world. As these social entrepreneurs blaze a trail, they inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that catalyzes positive change across industries and borders.

    B Corporations, also known as B Corps, are businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. These Save & Send for Review companies include Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Seventh Generation, among others. The B Corp movement is spreading globally, inspiring businesses to pursue not just profit but also purpose and positive impact.

    Taiwo Sotikare

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  • The Rise of Nano-Influencers: How the Smallest Voices are Making the Biggest Impact | Entrepreneur

    The Rise of Nano-Influencers: How the Smallest Voices are Making the Biggest Impact | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Social media influencers have become a powerful force that shapes consumer behavior and drives sales. With their large followings and engaging content, influencers are often seen as the go-to source for product recommendations and lifestyle inspiration. However, a new type of influencer is gaining increasing popularity — the nano-influencer.

    We’ve been following influencers for a decade, and in the beginning, it was a common belief that the bigger an influencer is, the more beneficial it is for a brand to collaborate with them. Eventually, though, it became obvious that mega- and macro-influencers can’t reach each and every audience there is. Also, they are inaccessible to smaller businesses with limited marketing budgets.

    One more reason behind the rising impact of nano-influencers is that social media users have started to trust big influencers less since people have become more aware of the ways influencer marketing works. Besides, there were some cases when mega- and macro-influencers jeopardized the trust of their audiences by false promotional promises, so their followers have turned more cautious towards the information that they spread.

    Related: 5 Things You Should Know Before Collaborating With An Influencer

    Who are nano-influencers?

    There are various definitions of a nano-influencer. However, the difference lies mainly in the number of followers a nano-influencer should have. The lower threshold usually starts with 100 to 1,000 followers with the maximum amount reaching 5,000 to 10,000 followers.

    Nano-influencers are everyday people who have built a small but dedicated following around a particular passion or interest. Unlike traditional influencers, nano-influencers are not celebrities or industry experts. Rather, they are relatable and authentic, with a strong sense of community and trust among their followers.

    Why they are so impactful?

    In 2017, Stackla surveyed 2,000 adults in the U.S., U.K., and Australia to find out that 86% of them found authenticity highly important for a brand. At the same time, it turned out that consumers can tell authentic user content from content created by a brand and 57% of them don’t see brands’ content as authentic.

    So, it seems that content created by consumers is going to be received better than content created by a brand. It is one of the reasons why nano-influencers are impactful.

    Nano-influencers are also seen as more authentic and genuine than other types of influencers. They are not seen as being motivated solely by money or fame, but rather by their passion for their niche and their desire to share their knowledge and experiences with others. This authenticity and genuineness are highly valued by their followers and make them more likely to trust their recommendations.

    Also, due to having fewer followers, nano-influencers are capable of building better and stronger connections with the community around them. They may even be friends, family members, or acquaintances with their followers who share a common interest or passion.

    Nano-influencers get highly engaged with their followers and respond to comments and messages and ask for feedback. Because of this, they are viewed as relatable and trustworthy. They are not seen as celebrities or influencers who are paid to promote products. Research shows that even though nano-influencers’ posts have less reach than that of micro-influencers, their content has a higher engagement rate.

    Another reason nano-influencers are so influential is that they have a niche audience. They often focus on a specific topic or interest, and their followers are interested in that niche as well. This means that when a nano-influencer recommends a product or service, it is more likely to be relevant and useful to their followers.

    Related: The Unexpected Rise of Micro-Influencers and Their Impact on Marketing

    Why collaborate with them?

    Since nano-influencers have a more engaged following and are able to reach out to narrow niches and narrow audiences, they are a great asset for any business. Being seen as more authentic, their involvement with any product is going to be perceived in a more positive way by their followers.

    Moreover, they are more cost-effective since they are often ready to make a post in exchange for free products or charge less than macro-, mega- and mid-tier influencers while having higher engagement rate. So, nano-influencers are an awesome marketing opportunity for small businesses relying on moderate marketing budgets. Especially if they collaborate with local nano-influencers to save money on shipping of their products.

    Nano-influencers are a must for brands that work within a narrow niche or want to reach out to a narrow audience. They help to get branded content to people who are not interested in celebrity influencers or aren’t ready to trust these social media stars.

    Moreover, nano-influencers are highly efficient when mass advertising is needed because a group of nano-influencers is capable of delivering stronger results than a big influencer can produce for the same amount of money. Social media celebrities are better when the task is to boost a brand’s image but they don’t perform as well as nano-influencers when it comes to conversion.

    As a marketing opportunity, nano-influencers may become the new black among marketing professionals. Especially now, when the world is going through an economic recession mixed with people reevaluating many aspects of their lives and being more conscious towards what celebrities have to say. Brands can find a lot of advantages in working with nano-influencers since they are more cost-efficient and are seen as more trustworthy by users.

    Yauhen Razhko

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  • Free Webinar | June 20: How to Build an Instagram Following That Makes You Money | Entrepreneur

    Free Webinar | June 20: How to Build an Instagram Following That Makes You Money | Entrepreneur

    Want to learn how to harness the power of Instagram to skyrocket your business? Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Kim Walsh Phillips, founder and CEO of Power professionals, a business coaching company and author of The Ultimate Guide to Instagram, 2nd Edition.

    Kim’s social media journey began with a mere 352 followers, but through relentless experimentation with inventive tactics, she amassed 22,000 engaged followers, resulting in thousands of sales and an elevated profile. In this fun and informative webinar, Kim wants to share her hard-earned lessons that can propel your business forward.

    Prepare to be inspired as Kim reveals:

    • The secret strategies she employed when working with Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary that led to a mind-boggling 1000% increase in reach and engagement.

    • Her time-tested methods to leverage your time effectively and maximize your revenue streams.

    • Which Instagram tools she relies on the most to deliver the highest return on investment (ROI).

    • The power of leveraging Instagram ads.

    • Strategies to create powerful partnerships to take your Instagram presence to new heights.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field. Unlock the secrets to Instagram success and take your business to unprecedented levels of growth, reach, and engagement. Register now to secure your spot and pave the way for a profitable future on Instagram.

    About the Speaker:

    Kim Walsh Phillips is a self-made MBA free millionaire and the founder of Powerful Professionals, one of the fastest growing companies in America. In less than one year, she went from 32 clients to over 11,000 and has generated over a billion dollars online.

    Named “a must to read by those in business” she is the bestselling author of multiple books including “The Shift: How to Grow Your Business with Multiply Your Wealth Without Sacrificing You” and “The No B.S. Guide To Direct Response Social Media Marketing,” co-authored by Dan Kennedy.

    Entrepreneur Staff

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  • 9 Ways To Grow Your Small Business Through Social Media Marketing

    9 Ways To Grow Your Small Business Through Social Media Marketing

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Small businesses have increasingly relied on social media marketing to reach customers, create brand awareness and drive sales over the past decade. Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for years, social media marketing can help your small business reach its full potential. You don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in marketing to grow your customer base and succeed with social media marketing — you need to use it strategically and effectively. To help you grow your small business through social media marketing, we’ve put together this list of nine tips you can use in your next campaign.

    Related: 5 Components Your Content Marketing Strategy Needs

    1. Decide which platform is best for your business

    Social media is a great place to start if you’re thinking about branching out and exploring new marketing avenues. Instagram is an excellent way for businesses with visual products (like clothing or jewelry) to showcase their work. Twitter can be a powerful tool for building relationships and customer service. Facebook is the most popular platform on the web, so it’s worth experimenting with. Not only can you create a Facebook page for your company and post updates, but you can also build a community around it by liking pages related to your work. This will bring in new followers who are interested in your industry.

    2. Develop a social media calendar

    Start by researching your competition on all the major social media platforms. Look for what they’re doing, how often they post and what their posts look like. By reviewing their work, you’ll be able to determine if you want to emulate them or branch out on your own. Once you’ve found a strategy that works for you, create an editorial calendar with specific day-to-day tasks and goals outlined. You should be updating your social channels throughout the week rather than just once per week. Posting more often keeps people interested and leads them back to your site.

    3. Recognize when it’s time to pivot

    You might have successfully used a certain method or strategy in the past, but there may come a time when it no longer works or becomes ineffective. If this happens, don’t be afraid to switch gears and try something new that might work better for your company today.

    Related: When to Pivot Your Business — and When You Should Just Quit

    4. Stay up-to-date on trends

    One of the best things you can do for your business is to stay in tune with what’s happening in the digital world. Read blogs, magazines, books and publications about new technologies and innovations that will be relevant to your industry. Join groups, attend events and network with others working in the field so that you can stay current on which consumers are using new channels.

    5. Take advantage of live video

    Live video is a great way to engage with customers, respond quickly and provide a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in your office. It’s also a great way to offer quick tutorials, or an inside peek at the day-to-day workings of your company. If you’re struggling with content ideas, try using live video as a time filler while you think of something else to say.

    Related: Why More Brands Are Going Live With Their Videos (and Why You Should, Too)

    6. Host a contest or giveaway

    Create a contest or giveaway that is centered around your product or service. Make it simple and easy for people to enter by using a form on your website. You can run this contest or giveaway on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. If you are giving away a physical prize like a t-shirt or mug, ensure the shipping is included in the item’s price. Consider setting up a timeline with milestones so customers can see how they’re progressing through the different levels of the competition. Let them know how many more entries they need to get before they reach their next milestone. For example, when a customer has five entries, tell them they need ten more to win a shirt!

    7. Collaborate with other businesses or influencers

    Collaborating with other companies or influencers can be a great way to leverage one another’s following and increase exposure for both parties. The key is finding a pairing that makes sense and is relevant to the industry. For example, if you have a beauty salon, partnering with a hairstylist would make more sense than partnering with an accountant. Not only are they in different industries, but they also don’t target the exact demographics of people. Other companies that may pair well with yours include those in similar fields, such as trade show vendors, suppliers and manufacturers.

    Related: 5 Steps to Creating a Content Marketing Strategy That Actually Works

    8. Take advantage of paid advertising

    Social media advertising is a cost-effective way to drive traffic and increase conversions on your website. Facebook ads, Twitter ads and Instagram ads are all great ways of reaching an audience that might not otherwise come across your content. Targeting based on location, interests, demographics and more allows you to reach the people most likely interested in your offer! If you’re using Facebook or Twitter ads, make sure you set up conversion tracking to see which campaigns are working best for your goals. You can use tools like Google Analytics or Universal Analytics if you’re using Instagram ads to track how many users visit your site after clicking on an ad.

    9. Make sure you include strong calls-to-action

    One of the best things about social media marketing is that it allows us to create one call-to-action per post, as opposed to one call-to-action per page (like we would do on our site). It’s essential that you put yourself in the shoes of someone scrolling through their feed — how does this post look from their perspective?

    In conclusion, the most important thing to remember about any business is that it’s a living, breathing entity. One of the best ways to keep your company alive is by using social media as a tool for marketing. Posting on Facebook and Twitter can help you stay visible and fresh in the minds of potential clients. You should also use other platforms such as YouTube, LinkedIn or Google+ if they fit your company’s needs.

    Murali Nethi

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