TWISE: This Week In Social Entrepreneurship: Events, Opportunities, News, Insights & More

Cameron Price
StartSomeGood
Published in
21 min readJul 31, 2023

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Welcome to TWISE (This Week In Social Entrepreneurship), your trusted source for the latest news and insights from the global social enterprise community. 🌍✨

Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss a TWISE.

We bring you a curated selection of the most exciting happenings in the world of social entrepreneurship, from inspiring events and learning opportunities to thought-provoking news and insights. Whether you’re a seasoned social entrepreneur, an aspiring changemaker, or simply interested in the intersection of business and social impact, TWISE has something for you.

In our Events section, you’ll find a diverse range of gatherings, from local meet-ups and networking events to online workshops and masterclasses. These events are designed to inspire, educate, and connect individuals and organizations committed to creating positive social and environmental impact.

Our Opportunities section highlights funding and support opportunities for social enterprises, while our News section keeps you updated on the latest developments in the social enterprise sector across the globe.

Finally, our Insights section offers thought-provoking articles and resources to deepen your understanding of social entrepreneurship and inspire you in your own journey.

Don’t forget to subscribe to TWISE to stay updated on the latest in social entrepreneurship. If you have an event, opportunity, or insight you’d like us to feature, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at hello@startsomegood.com.

Events

Photo by Jaime Lopes on Unsplash

Online

StartSomeGood Fireside Chat: Ronni Kahn AO, CEO and Founder of OzHarvest

StartSomeGood Fireside Chats share the inspiring and insightful stories of social entrepreneurs who have paved their paths and hustled for good. The upcoming chat features Ronni Kahn AO, CEO and Founder of OzHarvest. Ronni is a social entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s leading food rescue charity, OzHarvest. She is a passionate advocate and activist renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She appears regularly in national media, serves in an advisory capacity to the government and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Some of the world’s finest chefs support her mission to fight food waste and feed hungry people. Ronni is also an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year. Her journey is the subject of the feature film, Food Fighter, directed by Dan Goldberg. In 2020, she co-authored her biography: A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.

Date and Time: Mon 7th Aug 2023, 11:00 am — 12:00 pm AEST

Location: Online

Cost: AU$10 (free for StartSomeGood Network members)

StartSomeGood Fireside Chat: Prathap B and Sourabh Kumar, Co-Founders of PotHoleRaja

This StartSomeGood Fireside Chat features Prathap B and Sourabh Kumar, the co-founders of PotHoleRaja. The session aims to share the inspiring and insightful stories of these social entrepreneurs who have disrupted the traditional approach to road maintenance with innovative solutions. PotHoleRaja is a social movement focused on spreading awareness about road safety and enhancing road infrastructure in India. The chat will provide a window into their journey, their relentless drive, and how they are making a significant impact on road safety and transportation infrastructure.

Date and Time: Tue 8th Aug 2023, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm AEST

Location: Online

Cost: AU$10 (free for StartSomeGood Network members)

Thrivability Matters Webinar Series

The ‘Thrivability Matters’ webinar series is an online gathering where invited guests present science-based sustainability learnings and share their expertise and knowledge. Join this event to discuss SDGs 6, 9, 14 & 15, on clean water and sanitation, innovations in industry and infrastructure, and how life below water and on land contributes to a thriving planet for future generations. Featured speakers are Tom Dawkins (CEO StartSomeGood), Mylène Turban (Senior Consultant at Pangolin Associates Pty Ltd and Workshop Facilitator at Climate Fresk Australia), and Fabio Cortesi (Lecturer and Research Fellow at UQ Queensland Brain Institute).

Date and Time: Tuesday, 15th of August, 6 pm AEST (UTC+10)

Location: Online

Cost: Free

StartSomeGood Fireside Chat: Tom Greenwood, Co-Founder of Wholegrain Digital

This StartSomeGood Fireside Chat features Tom Greenwood, the co-founder of Wholegrain Digital, a London-based web design agency that is committed to sustainability. Greenwood will share his journey of building a successful business that is not only profitable but also environmentally conscious. The conversation will delve into Wholegrain Digital’s mission to create a positive impact through digital technology, their commitment to sustainability, and how they balance business growth with environmental responsibility. This event will provide valuable insights for social entrepreneurs looking to integrate sustainability into their business models.

Date and Time: Tue 15th Aug 2023, 8:00 pm — 9:00 pm AEST

Location: Online

Cost: AU$10 (free for StartSomeGood Network members)

StartSomeGood Fireside Chat: Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Thankyou

This StartSomeGood Fireside Chat features Daniel Flynn, Co-founder and Managing Director at Thankyou, a social enterprise that commits 100% of its profits to help end global poverty. In this interactive session, Flynn shares his experiences and insights from his journey with Thankyou, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in running a successful social enterprise. The event provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with Flynn, gaining valuable insights into social entrepreneurship and the fight against global poverty. This event is ideal for those interested in social entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of global development and poverty alleviation.

Date and Time: Wed 30th Aug 2023, 11:00 am — 12:00 pm AEST

Location: Online

Cost: AU$10 (free for StartSomeGood Network members)

The Social Entrepreneurs’ Support Club — Inspire, Learn and Connect

The Social Entrepreneurs’ Support Club is a monthly gathering designed to foster a supportive community for social entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Hosted by social impact leader Jasper Vallance, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from others, and form meaningful connections. Each session is enriched with inspiring success stories, valuable lessons from past mistakes, and interactive workshops to address current challenges. The ultimate goal is to create a stimulating environment where social entrepreneurs can inspire and assist each other in making a positive impact in the world.

Date and Time: Thu 31st Aug 2023, 12:30 pm — 2:30 pm AEST

Location: Online

Cost: AU$3 (free for StartSomeGood Network members)

WEXPO Blacktown

“The original WEXPO event held in the centre of Western Sydney, Blacktown with a full day of workshops, forums, entertainment and special guest speakers. WEXPO Blacktown features two unique round table sessions where hand-picked guests experience presentations on Workplace Health and Community Infrastructure.’WEXPO is an opportunity for the Workers Lifestyle Group to proudly host and gateway access for people to participate in a large-scale event that showcases the diverse powerhouse Western Sydney economy,’ said Worker’s Club CEO, Stewart said.”

Date and Time: Tue 5th September 2023

Location: Redwood Bar, Campbell St, Blacktown NSW

Cost: Free General Entry, free workshops, AU$33 with lunch

StartSomeGood Fireside Chat: Vahid Fotuhi, Founder & CEO of Blue Forest

This Fireside Chat with Vahid Fotuhi, Founder and CEO of Blue Forest, is an interactive session that offers a deep dive into the world of social entrepreneurship. Vahid Fotuhi, a leader in the field of environmental sustainability, shares his journey of establishing Blue Forest, a social enterprise dedicated to combating desertification and climate change through afforestation. Participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a social enterprise, as well as the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Fotuhi. This event is a must-attend for those interested in environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Date and Time: Wed 20th Sep 2023, 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm AEST

Location: Online

Cost: AU$10 (free for StartSomeGood Network members)

SEVENTEENx 2023 Australia Tour

“SEVENTEENx 2023 exists to Educate, Engage and Enable businesses around the world with the SDGs. To inspire us all to take action and imbed the Global Goals and impact into the very core of everything we do. Each speaker has a 17 minute keynote to share with us how they are using their business to make an impact in the world, and how they align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our Panel discussion QnA session to close the event.”

Date and Time: August 24, September 6, and October 26

Location: Hybrid (Online, Perth, Gold Coast, and Adelaide)

Cost: AU$35 for an early bird ticket

Opportunities

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Asia

Call for creative minds to tackle entrepreneurial challenges!

City New Service (CNS) and The Expatriate Center (TEC) are organizing the 2023 INTL 3E FAIR Social Entrepreneurship Competition (SEC) in China, inviting innovative social entrepreneurs to participate. The competition encourages resilient and innovative projects that support the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will have access to vital resources, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to interact with others who share a passion for positive change. The competition also offers a start-up grant to help turn social visions into reality. The competition is specifically designed for pre-revenue start-up enterprises that are still in the early stage and have not yet fully developed their product or service. Participants must have a clear company concept or idea, as well as a strong commitment to the social impact of their business and clear alignment with one or more SDG goals.

Europe

UK Gov Pledges ÂŁ76M Support to Aid Vulnerable via Charities

The UK government has launched a £76 million support package aimed at charities and community organisations that are providing essential services to the most vulnerable people in society. The fund is designed to assist these organisations in coping with increased demand and rising costs. Grants ranging from £10,000 to £75,000 are available to cover project and core costs, including rent, utilities, and staff expenses. The initiative is part of the government’s commitment to support low-income households and help them manage the cost of living. The funding is available to small to medium-sized voluntary, community, or social enterprise organisations based in England. The remaining £25.5 million of the total £101.5 million fund will be used over the next two years to enhance the long-term energy and financial resilience of these organisations, aligning with the government’s net-zero target by 2050. Submission deadline: Applications are open until October 16, 2023.

Oceania

Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2024

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships, offered by The Myer Foundation, provide a unique opportunity for Australian social entrepreneurs to focus on breakthrough solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. The fellowship aligns with themes of inclusion & equality, sustainability & environment including climate change, or human, civil & legal rights. Fellows receive a combination of time, resources, and a program of support to progress their work and scale their impact. The fellowship offers up to $180,000 for a 12-month period, comprising a stipend of $140,000 and up to $40,000 for approved project expenses. The fellowship seeks experienced and entrepreneurial individuals with a proven track record, a genuine commitment to their cause, and the ability to work well with others.

Finder Innovation Awards 2023 open for submissions

Since 2016, the Finder Awards program has been utilizing specialized knowledge to honor the finest brands, products, and innovations in Australia. Among these awards is the Finder Innovation Awards, which is currently in its eighth year. These awards celebrate excellence and creativity while acknowledging the significant impact of innovation across various industries.

News

Photo by Filip Mishevski on Unsplash

Africa

Why social entrepreneurs need to stop relying on grants

Jeremiah Ajayi, in an article published on Benjamindada.com, interviews Karl Nchite, the Impact Lead & Investment Associate at Goodwell Investment, who shares valuable insights on social entrepreneurship and impact investing in Africa. Nchite underscores the potential for social enterprises to strike a balance between impact and profit by clearly defining and quantifying their impact, and setting a fair price that aligns with their target market. He highlights the transformative role of impact investment in fostering green growth and financial inclusion across the continent. However, he acknowledges the challenges posed by systemic issues and funding gaps. Nchite’s personal journey from co-running a startup to joining Goodwell Investments offers lessons for aspiring social entrepreneurs. He also introduces his new initiative, Young African Catalysts (YAC), aimed at empowering young investors and supporting first-time founders in the African venture ecosystem.

I introduced social entrepreneurship to my trainee teachers — why it’ll make them better at their jobs

In this article by Zayd Waghid, the importance of introducing social entrepreneurship to trainee teachers is highlighted. Waghid uses the documentary “Who Cares?” to expose his students to the concept of social entrepreneurship, which involves identifying social problems and using entrepreneurial principles to develop, fund, and implement solutions. He emphasizes that this approach can instill tenacity and encourage critical and imaginative thinking. Waghid believes that social entrepreneurship can create real change in disadvantaged communities and provide students with a potential career path. He also stresses the importance of listening to communities and collaborating with them to address existing problems, rather than making assumptions about what solutions might be needed.

Americas

Lessons From 22 Ashoka Social Entrepreneurs About Systems Change

In their book “America’s Path Forward”, Konstanze Frischen and Michael Zakaras from Ashoka North America share insights from 22 Ashoka social entrepreneurs. They highlight the importance of empathy in shaping social entrepreneurial ventures, stating that understanding a problem deeply, often from the perspective of those who have lived it, leads to smarter solutions. The authors emphasize the need for a systems-changing approach, focusing less on treating symptoms and more on changing conditions through policy change, creating new markets, and seeding work elsewhere. They also discuss the role of social entrepreneurs in areas where markets have failed, tapping into local resources and creating systemic incentives to build something new. The book features the work of Brandon Dennison and Coalfield Development in Appalachia, who are reinventing the economy by incubating local businesses, often green enterprises, and building an ecosystem that involves the community.

Businesses doing good: 4 Ohio social enterprises to know

The Columbus Dispatch highlights four social enterprises in Ohio that are making a difference in their communities. Blue Bow Tie Catering, a catering business that provides transitional employment for those with barriers to employment, supports the Godman Guild Association’s programs aimed at improving the social and economic development of families and individuals in central Ohio. The Compost Exchange is on a mission to recycle the 90,000 tons of food scraps that Columbus residents send to landfills each year and educate residents about the benefits of composting. Dirty Girl Coffee, a craft coffee roasting operation, is working to improve women’s economic progress in Appalachian Ohio. Lastly, Double Comfort Foods donates 100% of its profits to hunger relief charities, supporting different nonprofits each year. These enterprises demonstrate the diverse ways in which businesses can create positive social impact.

Asia

30 Under 30 Asia 2023: Meet The Social Entrepreneurs Working Towards A More Inclusive Future

In an article by Christy Gren for Forbes, she highlights the work of several young social entrepreneurs featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia: Social Impact category. These individuals are addressing societal issues in innovative ways. For instance, Emma Clegg and Molly Rogers, Australian occupational therapists, co-founded JAM the label, a fashion brand for people with disabilities. Jihun Kim from South Korea developed an inflatable smart vest called HUGgy Vest that helps alleviate anxiety for people with autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities. Summia Tora, the first Rhodes scholar from Afghanistan, founded Dosti Network to assist Afghans in resettling abroad or living safely within their country. These stories underscore the power of social entrepreneurship in addressing diverse societal challenges and creating a more inclusive future.

From profit to purpose-driven: Why social entrepreneurship is the future of business

In his article, Amrut Patil discusses the growing trend of social entrepreneurship and its potential to shape the future of business. He notes that traditional profit-driven models are being challenged by a new breed of business leaders who aim to create positive social and environmental impact while generating sustainable financial returns. Patil highlights the broader definition of success in social entrepreneurship, which includes financial viability and positive societal impact. He also emphasizes the role of social entrepreneurs in addressing pressing issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change through innovative solutions. Furthermore, Patil points out that social entrepreneurship fosters community empowerment, attracts and retains talent, encourages collaboration for collective impact, and appeals to socially responsible consumers. He concludes that embracing social entrepreneurship is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business strategy for sustainable growth and positive societal impact.

Europe

From ‘heropreneurship’ to activating changemakers: What is the future of social entrepreneurship in Europe?

Kenny Clewett and Claire Davenport from Ashoka highlight a shift in social entrepreneurship in Europe, moving from top-down decision-making to empowering those most affected by an issue to create their own solutions. They emphasize the role of social entrepreneurs as “social architects”, designing new spaces for changemakers to connect, learn from each other, and co-create solutions. This approach fosters a more inclusive and effective model of social entrepreneurship, where solutions are rooted in the lived experiences of those directly impacted by the issues being addressed.

Oceania

Social impact boost for female founders

Female founders in regional Queensland have a unique opportunity to enhance their businesses’ social impact through CQUniversity’s iActivate: Regional Female Founder Accelerator. This 14-week program, designed by women, addresses the specific challenges of business and social impact in regional Queensland. The program features experienced social impact leaders, including Tanya O’Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services. The accelerator offers weekly business development and coaching sessions, with a generous subsidy reducing the cost for each participant. The program aims to help local women build practical, creative, business-based solutions to address significant issues in their communities. Applications are open until August 1st.

Square One’s first cafe will bring dishes from Australia’s hottest chefs to Melbourne’s CBD

Square One, a coffee roastery based in Cremorne, is set to open its first café in Melbourne’s Rialto building. The café will feature an ever-changing menu with dishes from some of Australia’s most renowned chefs. Each season, ten dishes from ten different chefs will be introduced, with the opening menu including contributions from Victor Liong, Jemma Whiteman, Tom Sarafian, Ali Currey-Voumard, and Nagesh Seethiah, among others. The guest chefs will be encouraged to create dishes using produce from the Common Ground Project, a social enterprise farm run by The Mulberry Group. Ten percent of all profits from Square One Rialto will be donated to the Common Ground Project, further supporting its mission of providing training, education, and employment opportunities.

MENA

Expo Live picks 36 entrepreneurs to receive grant, guidance at climate summit

Expo Live, an initiative under Expo City Dubai, has selected 36 grassroots social entrepreneurs from 34 countries to join its Innovation Program. These entrepreneurs bring innovative climate-related solutions spanning areas such as biodiversity and ocean restoration, air quality, transport and carbon, food security, waste, energy, water, finance, and the protection of vulnerable communities. The selected projects, known as Global Innovators, will receive funding, technical guidance, and the opportunity to showcase their ideas at the COP28 summit to be held at Expo City Dubai later this year. The solutions range from a UAE-based organization producing water to irrigate floating farms, to a Finnish carbon capture solution that generates energy from waste. This initiative demonstrates Expo City Dubai’s commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs in creating a sustainable future.

Global

Social entrepreneurs have different reasons for creating their ventures: policymakers should take these into account

Farsan Madjdi and Badri Zolfaghari from the University of Cape Town shed light on the diverse motivations and approaches of social entrepreneurs in their article on The Conversation. They underscore that social entrepreneurs are not a homogeneous group and their motivations and approaches are shaped by a variety of factors including government policies, financial support, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Madjdi and Zolfaghari suggest that understanding these nuances is crucial for fostering social entrepreneurship. They reference a study that revealed significant differences in venture idea judgements between social and for-profit entrepreneurs, with social entrepreneurs placing a strong emphasis on their social goals. The authors conclude by advocating for governmental institutions, incubators, accelerators, and university-linked centres to tailor their policies and support structures to align with the motivations of social entrepreneurs, and to facilitate their access to funding and support networks.

Pathways to Transforming Education: Proven solutions from social entrepreneurs

The “Pathways to Transforming Education” report, created by Catalyst 2030, emphasizes the role of social entrepreneurs in transforming education globally. The report, which is a product of collaboration among 60+ members from 20 countries, presents evidence-based principles and methods that have been tried and tested by social entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs, being close to the problems and part of the audience they seek to impact, have innovated and iterated their strategies and solutions. The report covers education’s intersection with gender parity, social justice, active and empathetic citizenship, climate change, and conflict. It underscores the importance of quality education as a cornerstone of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and calls for urgent action to redress the imbalance caused by the global pandemic. The report encourages political leaders and funders to collaborate with social entrepreneurs to implement the ideas presented and catalyse systemic, lasting changes in education.

Drashta Impact Helps Reduce Risk in Impact Investing to Catalyze More Capital to Social Entrepreneurs

In Episode 54 of the Investing in Impact podcast, Milti Chryssavgis, CEO & Founder of Drashta Impact, shares his insights on reducing risk in Impact Investing to catalyze more capital into impact ventures. Chryssavgis, who started his career in investment management, believes in harnessing the power of investment to accelerate breakthrough technologies and business models for creating positive impact in the world. Drashta Impact, his brainchild, provides investors with tools and solutions to allocate to specific impact opportunities of their choice with tailored risk mitigation and additional liquidity. The firm aims to solve key pain points impact investors face, such as risk reduction, access to liquidity, retained upside participation, and increased impact, thereby empowering them to amplify their impact securely.

Insights

Photo by Anthony Indraus on Unsplash

Are You Accidentally Building Your Startup Like a 4-Year-Old?

Aaron Dinin, PhD warns social entrepreneurs against a common mistake: treating results as problems. Using the example of a founder who aimed to address food waste and food insecurity, Dinin highlights that these issues are results, not root problems. The founder’s non-profit, which collected expiring food from restaurants to distribute to food kitchens, struggled because it didn’t address the underlying issues causing food waste and food insecurity. Dinin’s insight is a reminder to social entrepreneurs to delve deeper into the systemic causes of the issues they aim to solve. By understanding and addressing the root problems, they can create more effective and sustainable solutions.

Leveraging ChatGPT to Discover Opportunity for Social Enterprises

Barry J Barresi OD PhD explores the potential of OpenAI’s language model, ChatGPT, in accelerating social impact within the rapidly evolving landscape of social enterprises. The piece delves into the application of ChatGPT in the context of the Discover Opportunity process, a four-step model detailed in the Accelerate Impact Playbook. The steps involve defining purpose, mapping actors & forces, finding a focus zone, and organizing lean data. By integrating ChatGPT into this process, social enterprises can gain valuable insights, streamline operations, and make more informed decisions, thereby accelerating their impact. The article also emphasizes the importance of adhering to the principles of Responsible AI to ensure that the use of AI aligns with the core values of ethical conduct, transparency, and social accountability.

Problem Framing Canvas

The Problem Framing Canvas is a tool designed to help teams better understand and respond to complex problems. It encourages a ‘zoom out’ approach, focusing on effective problem framing and recognition of different types of problems. This approach is particularly useful in the context of social and systems innovation, where responses to complex, wicked problems are sought. The canvas promotes the development of skills to analyse problems and reflect, test, and learn about possible responses more effectively. The creators of the canvas have made their workshop materials open source through a companion workbook, aiming to reduce wasted effort and resources on incorrectly identified problems.

Moving systems capital from concept to practice

This article published by Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation provides insights into the application of systems capital in social enterprises, particularly in the context of Regen Melbourne’s ‘Swimmable Birrarung’ challenge. The authors discuss the disconnect between the interconnectedness of societal challenges and the siloed nature of conventional investment practices. They argue for a shift from investing in individual projects to orchestrating financing arrangements that foster system transitions, requiring multiple forms of capital and interventions. The authors also highlight the practical implications of this shift, such as challenging conventional ‘good investment practice’, requiring cooperation among stakeholders, and necessitating adaptive investment strategies. The article concludes with a discussion on the potential evolution of systems financing approaches, from narrative to coordinated to comprehensive levels of intermediation.

Should I quit my business or persevere?

Hana Ali shares her personal journey of building businesses and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of aligning a business with personal values, lifestyle, and the joy it brings. She also highlights the significance of financial stability in a social enterprise, a factor she admits to having overlooked in the past. Her current business is close to profitability, aligns with her values, and brings her joy, but it does not yet fit the lifestyle she desires. She concludes by encouraging other entrepreneurs to evaluate their businesses based on these factors and to remember that walking away from something that no longer serves you can be just as powerful as persevering to the end.

Unlocking Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Impact Investing

Jenna Nicholas provides a comprehensive guide for those interested in a career in impact investing. She underscores the necessity of understanding the landscape, including the various sectors it influences such as renewable energy, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Nicholas advises developing a diverse skill set, encompassing financial analysis, social and environmental impact assessment, project management, and stakeholder engagement. She also highlights the importance of networking and leveraging existing experiences and skills that align with impact investing. She encourages seeking internships or fellowships for practical experience, using job boards and platforms that cater specifically to impact investing, and tailoring application materials to highlight passion, skills, and experience in creating positive impact through finance. Nicholas concludes by reminding readers that while the path to a career in impact investing may require persistence and patience, it can lead to a rewarding career that aligns financial aspirations with meaningful impact.

Solving the Right Problem

Chester Davis emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying and understanding the problem before attempting to solve it, especially in the realm of social entrepreneurship. He highlights the need for a structured approach to problem-solving and creativity, which can help in generating, evaluating, and strengthening ideas. Davis also underscores the value of learning from business practices and adopting a marketing mindset, as well as leveraging online resources for innovation. He suggests that formal training or consulting could be beneficial when dealing with complex issues or high-stakes situations. Davis’s insights remind social entrepreneurs that a deep understanding of the problem at hand is crucial to developing effective and impactful solutions.

The 5P Framework for Understanding the Impact in Impact Investing

Tasha Seitz and Priya Parrish present the “5Ps of Impact” framework to help impact investors evaluate the potential for lasting social return from their investments. The 5Ps include People, Place, Product, Process, and Paradigm. People-based impact refers to businesses that create opportunities for underserved individuals, leading to lasting change in their communities. Place-based impact involves companies that drive economic development in areas with scarce job opportunities. Product-based impact refers to companies whose products or services directly create positive outcomes. Process-based impact pertains to a company’s management practices, including employee wellness and supply chain operations. Lastly, Paradigm-based impact involves disrupting existing business models to create systemic change. The authors emphasize that all 5Ps are valid strategies for generating positive impact, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.

5 must-read books for Social Entrepreneurs and Changemakers

Jaseelck, a social entrepreneur, shares his top five book recommendations for fellow social entrepreneurs and changemakers. These books provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for those interested in social entrepreneurship. “Getting Beyond Better” by Roger Martin and Sally Osberg serves as a fundamental guide to understanding the essence of social entrepreneurship. “Thinking in Systems: A Primer” by Donella Meadows helps develop a systemic mindset when approaching social challenges. “From What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want” by Rob Hopkins emphasizes the significance of imagination in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future. “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” by Peter Thiel explores the importance of technological advancements and exceptional leadership in driving transformative change. Lastly, “Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Needs” by Muhammad Yunus presents a vision for a new form of capitalism that prioritizes addressing humanity’s most pressing needs rather than solely focusing on maximizing profit.

Future Business — Narratives and Business Models in a change

Benjamin Talin’s article delves into the evolving narratives and business models in the face of changing societal expectations and globalisation. He argues that the traditional business narratives, built during the era of industrialisation, are becoming obsolete. The old narrative that businesses exist solely for profit maximisation is being challenged by emerging generations who seek purpose and ethical considerations in their work and consumption. Talin suggests that businesses need to recognise their broader societal responsibilities, integrate ethics into their operations, and understand that humans are not solely driven by monetary incentives. He also highlights the impact of globalisation, which has not only interconnected economies but also cultures, leading to a shift in perspectives. The article concludes by encouraging businesses to see themselves as integral parts of society and to act accordingly, thereby creating sustainable business models for the future.

Do you have an exciting event or opportunity you’d like us to feature in our blog? Or, perhaps, an interesting insight or article you’d like to share with our community? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at hello@startsomegood.com.

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Cameron's passion is to work with change-makers, social entrepreneurs, and impact actors to address the most pressing global challenges we face today.