Social Enterprises in Shanghai, in China, are still a very new concept. Translated as “social business” the term itself is actually one that creates a logical conflict in the minds of many, and that is only the first hurdle. However, there is hope, and there are some business that have succeeded in developing their model and through my interview of Carol Chyau I learn about one successful case, Ventures in Development. Founded in 2004, Ventures in Development is an umbrella organization that was founded by Carol and several others while studying at the Harvard Kennedy school.

One of the first social enterprises I became aware of in China,Ventures in Development have two programs that are operating (at a profit) in the southwest of China.

Working primarily with the Tibetan communities in and around Tibet, the two organizations under this model are quite innovative in their practice as they have taken new products to market through a process that will ultimately involve thousands of yak herders in area. To date, her portfolio of Shokay (Yak fiber clothing) and the Mei Xiang Yak Cheese Group have done very well, and they recently opened up their first store on Shanghai’s Taikang Road.

Through part 1 of this interview, Carol talks about the current state of SE in China, some of the hurdles faced, and some of the steps she took through Ventures in Development to build her platform. In Part 2 she talks more about her programs, the community she works with, the products, and the future of her programs.

Part 1

Part 2

If you would like to learn more about Ventures in Development or Shokay, simply click through.