Maybe this resonates with you, but even if it doesn’t, the question of how you switch apathy into action probably does. Whether you’re tackling homelessness, food waste or any other kind of social issue, getting more people to care more and then to act is the biggest challenge.
Thinking about becoming a social entrepreneur? Here’s the top six obstacles you’re likely to face.
In the recent Finding Australia’s Social Enterprise Sector (FASES) 2016 report, social entrepreneurs face major external constraints in growing both their businesses and impacts. Regardless of the challenges that social entrepreneurs currently face, here are 4 reasons why it is an exciting time to be a social entrepreneur in Australia.
Good news for the social enterprise community! The Victorian Government’s Social Enterprise Strategy, the first-of-its-kind in Australia has been released! But what is it? And what does this mean for you?
Thriving impact business leaders share the clear (and sometimes surprising) benefits of investing in brand development and design.
For many social entrepreneurs, establishing a successful business with a social or environmental purpose is the ultimate dream. But it is a grind with numerous trials and tribulations. Luckily, social entrepreneurs do not have to struggle in isolation. Here’s why all social entrepreneurs need a mentor and how to find one the right one.
Throughout the year, we try our best to keep a running list of exceptional stories about Australian social enterprises. Here we attempt to wrap up 2016 with some of the year’s most worthy headlines. Skim them again or read for the first time for some social change inspiration.
Finding funding is one of the biggest challenges faced by social entrepreneurs. You can have what you think is the best idea in the world but without the moolah to make it happen it’ll be close to impossible to even get off the ground.
The Western Union Foundation is dedicated to creating a better world, where the ability to realise dreams through economic opportunity is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all. Since its inception, the Western Union Foundation has paid more than $106 million in grants and other giving. We sat down with the new face of the Western Union Foundation Elizabeth Roscoe to talk philanthropy, social impact and leadership.
Over the past few years, hackathons have taken Australia by storm. Social good hackathons are now springing up, breathing new life into what has traditionally been a commercial concept. Such hackathons present a unique opportunity to expedite potential solutions to a diverse range of social issues – from empowering persons with disabilities to addressing women’s rights and the refugee crisis.
The Social Good Summit brought together inspirational and committed activists, photographers, academics and business leaders on a single stage, to discuss solutions to the greatest challenges of our time and answer the question,“How Will We Create a Better World by 2030?”.
Did you know that every 6 seconds, a social good blog is launched somewhere in the world? We’ve done all the hard searching for you to bring you a definitive guide to the best-ever social entrepreneurship blogs. Sign up to a couple or all to get the most varied and complete picture of what’s happening in social entrepreneurship in Australia and around the world!
Australia is full of awesome people who are passionate about making the world a better place, and the increasing number of changemaker events are solid proof. From social innovation to sustainable living to impact investing, there is something for everyone.
Australia is one of the luckiest countries in the world, there’s no doubt about it. We’re blessed with a democratic government, a productive economy and a beautiful country. But our young people are currently being underserved.
To be in a position to harness the potential of social entrepreneurship and advocate on its behalf it is important to understand its context, impediments and scope.
Australia has traditionally been a highly successful and prosperous nation. However, we have ridden on our luck for too long, especially in relying on our natural resources to get us through. In this uncertain, disrupted and highly complex environment being lucky isn’t enough. To compete globally we must not only nurture our entrepreneurs, we must include and empower the many diverse voices of our citizens, migrants and the refugees who are seeking a haven here.
Based on the belief that digital technologies are one of the main drivers for the United Nations agenda towards the Sustainable Development Goals, The World Summit Award Social Innovation Congress brought together young social entrepreneurs and innovators, international thought-leaders, ICT experts and regional stakeholders to discuss and recognise digital innovation in creating sustainable social change and impact world-wide.
How do for-profit social enterprises with intelligent, sustainable solutions to social challenges access the funding they need to develop their ideas, test them and bring them to market?
What comes to mind when you think about kickstarting, mapping or developing your social enterprise idea? If it is sitting down and writing a 30-page business plan, think again.
Great social entrepreneurs are always learning, growing, and focusing on creating an environment in which their enterprise, teams, customers and beneficiaries can flourish. However the demanding world of social entrepreneurship makes it difficult to find the time to stay ahead of the learning game. Stop trying to read everything out there. There’s too much. And you’re too busy. Instead, here are the articles that you need to read.
If you’re in need of some guidance or inspiration as you try to change the world, plug in and stuff yourself with these excellent social change podcasts.
Adapted from the excellent book The Art of Social Enterprise: Business as if People Mattered by Carl Frankel & Allen Bromberger, the follow 10 commandments are indisputable principles about how to beat the odds and excel at social enterprise. They aren’t general guidelines to hazily consider embracing. In the words of Frankel and Bromberger, “they are commandments you ignore at your peril.”
Explore the latest insights on social enterprise, including funding, innovation, impact measurement, and more.
