Abstract

The Mapuche Economic Confederation (CEM) is a Chilean non-profit organization whose main objective is the economic development of the Mapuche community, Chile’s largest indigenous group. Drawing from CEM’s current president, who is a long-time Mapuche entrepreneur, a case study of an accomplished entrepreneur from a highly marginalized and disadvantaged group is offered. Ideas on how compelling societal and market-based goals can be combined in individual enterprises are explored. This case study draws on social identity theory, as an appropriate approach, to examine the influence of identities on social entrepreneurship. Specifically, it addresses the tensions between entrepreneurs’ identities as social activists and entrepreneurs. It thus provides contributions to social identity and social entrepreneurship literature and several practical implications for social entrepreneurs.