Overview
Research suggests that, relative to commercial entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs stand at a disadvantage in acquiring resources through traditional financial institutions. Yet interest in social entrepreneurship appears to be at an all-time high as social innovations have potential economic and social impacts. Consequently, we see social innovations developing across the public, private and third sectors, presenting investment opportunities in each. The challenge is to apply these innovations inclusively inclusively. The NESTA paper, “In and out of sync” describes the different ways in which social ventures can increase their impact for instance, via campaigns, franchise models and networks, ‘good incubation’ and organisational growth.
In this session, we focus on the latter, and how ‘good incubation’ and organisational growth occurs through a social venture. Views will be presented on ways to target specific social objectives alongside financial return. This event is being held in conjunction with Mustard Seed.
Places are limited, please register your place here.
About the panel
Henry Wigan, Co-founder, Mustard Seed
Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder & CEO, what3words
Marc Zornes, Founder, Winnow Solutions
Social enterprise competition
This event will also involve a competition, open to student entrepreneurs in the start-up or early-growth phases, who can clearly identify their social and / or environmental mission, who their target market is, and how they are solving a social and / or environmental problem whilst also empowering others.
- Do you run a start-up or early-growth stage company?
- Can you demonstrate your commitment to delivering lasting social impact?
- Would you like the opportunity to attend a business plan workshop with Mustard Seed, and be connected with a global network of investors and professionals?
Finalist teams will be invited to present a two minute pitch to panel of judges and the audience. Following their pitch, there will be two minutes for questions from the audience and the panel members below.
The winning team will be invited for a business plan workshop with Mustard Seed, as well as connecting with the Mustard Seed network. The goal is to further the winner’s chances of becoming an investable enterprise. While the award does not include prize money, all ventures will be considered for potential investment by the Mustard Seed team.
See how to apply here.