Social Entrepreneurship In Cambodia

Overview

A group of young Buddhist monks in orange robes laughing and reading books together outside during sunset.

There are over 148 social entrepreneurships in Cambodia focusing in the areas of food and agriculture (16), travel and responsible tourism (16), education and leadership training (13), beauty and well-being (8), ICT and media (4), handicraft and fashion (48), restaurants & cafes (23), arts and culture (5), energy and environment (20), and, finally, impact investment and microfinance (10).

Social Enterprise Guide

Spoons Restaurant

It was founded in 2009 by Ben Justus, a Cornell University alumnus. In 2012 he launched a full-time training and internship program. The cost of the one-year program is covered by EBOK and is $2800. The only requirement is that the student be fluent in Khmer. The mission is to enable underserved young adults in Cambodia to be self supporting by providing education, training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry and utilizing a comprehensive approach with an emphasis on life skills development.

Social Entrepreneur Interview

In the end of the 1990’s Artisans Angkor was a Cambodian company formed to help rural young people find work near their home village. Artisans Angkor demonstrated its commitment to education by developing its own training program and offering good working conditions. The craftsmen demonstrated Khmer handicrafts from silk fabrics, stones, wood carving, lacquerware, gilding, ceramic, silver plating, silk painting and jewelry. Artisans Angkor created a new social policy guaranteeing a fair income as well as social and medical welfare. The artisans formed an organization and 20% share in the company. Excess cash flows are reinvested in the opening of workshops in rural villages, new apprenticeships, lifelong training and healthcare.

Artisans Angkor- art

Craftsman carving a wooden statue of a mythological figure using a small carving tool on a workbench with a vice.

One of Cambodia most innovative social enterprise models is the Phare, Cambodian Circus. The circus generates income from tickets, merchandise, and refreshments. It is more than a circus, it is dance, theater, original live music and breathtaking circus arts. Their performances tell Cambodia stories from recent history, folklore and modern society.

Phare- performance art

A group of men and women are on stage, some are sitting, some standing, and some are engaging with each other. They are shirtless, wearing black pants, with tattoos visible on some. The stage is decorated with traditional objects and props, and there is a large blank screen behind them.