This multiple case study of nine entrepreneurial ventures with social emphasis operating in Colombia, Peru, and Chile identifies vital elements that make these firms impactful in three dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. The results found that the founder's proximity to the social/ecological problem is a trigger to start up a business. The "purpose" is a motivational factor to both start up a business and keep the business during hard times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose is the fuel, but it does not guarantee the success of the company. The value proposition is the critical factor for success. These companies are continually re-inventing and changing their value proposition while keeping the purpose of the organization as a keystone. The authors shed light on a model for social entrepreneur-ship in South America.