TWISE: This Week In Social Entrepreneurship: Events, Opportunities, News, Insights & More
Welcome to TWISE (This Week In Social Entrepreneurship), your trusted source for the latest news and insights from the global social enterprise community. đâ¨
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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 youâre 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, youâll 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.
Donât forget to subscribe to TWISE to stay updated on the latest in social entrepreneurship. If you have an event, opportunity, or insight youâd like us to feature, weâd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at hello@startsomegood.com.
Events
The Festival of Change offers five creative days on sustainable social and organisational change, based on the concept of Social Threefolding. This concept recognises that three distinct social spheres operate in all human social organisations: cultural-spiritual life, social life, and economic life. The festival aims to build systems that reflect what it is to be truly human, using engaging presentations, deep conversations, storytelling, creative engagement, and board games. The event is designed to stimulate great conversations and promote the integration of knowledge gained through intuition, perception, and reason.
Date and Time: Thu 6th Jul 2023, 9:00 am â Mon 10th Jul 2023, 1:00 pm AEST
Location: Samford Valley Steiner School, 5 Narrawa Rd, Wights Mountain QLD 4520, Australia
Cost: AU$300 â $2000
2. Good Mornings: breakfast talk series for the purpose-driven community
Good Mornings is a free breakfast talk series for the purpose-driven community organised by Young Folks and hosted by the Frankston Social Enterprise Hub. Held on the first Friday of each month, the event brings together individuals passionate about creating positive social and environmental impact. Each month, Young Folks founder Erin Morris invites a purpose-driven leader to share their story, spark ideas, and answer questions. The vibe is more fireside chat than keynote presentation. The July guest speaker will be confirmed shortly.
Date and Time: Fri 7th Jul 2023, 8:00 am â 9:30 am AEST
Location: Frankston Social Enterprise Hub, Building B, 127 Fletcher Rd, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia
Cost: Free
3. Social Procurement Practitioner Masterclass
The Social Procurement Practitioner Masterclass is designed for those practising social procurement within their organisations. The course aims to transition aspiring social procurement practitioners into business for good champions. Participants will deepen their social procurement knowledge and learn why social procurement is fundamental to sustainable business growth. The masterclass addresses the toughest challenges in social procurement, improving strategy, culture, and influencing others. It is delivered by Social Traders procurement practitionersâ Monique Ward & Rebecca Green, with guest appearances from industry procurement professionals.
Date and Time: Thu 20th Jul 2023, 9:00 am â 5:00 pm AEST
Location: 150 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Cost: AU$1,650
4. Social Impact Business Meet-Up 2023
The Social Impact Business Meet-Up 2023 is a gathering of mindful entrepreneurs at Into Coffee, a zero waste coffee shop in Collingwood. The event is designed for both current and aspiring B Corps and socially-minded businesses for âbusiness networking with heartâ and discussions on social impact, ESG, and purpose-driven business. The meetings, held on the first Tuesday of each month, invite all attendees to share a short explanation of what they do and their âaskâ (so that others in the room might be able to help them and their business). The guest speaker for this month is Kirrily Graham, a Social Change Maker from Dovetail Social Enterprises, who is on a mission to transform the way that the charity sector works for small grass-root charities.
Date and Time: Tue 1st Aug 2023, 7:30 am â 8:30 am AEST
Location: Into Coffee, 2A Robert St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Cost: Free
This free information session is designed for those ready to make a difference with their purpose-driven business or impact project but are feeling overwhelmed with the next steps. The session provides an overview of the Good Hustle Course, an online program delivered over 10 weeks that aims to demystify the path forward for social entrepreneurs. The course, starting on the 3rd of August, 2023, is led by Tom Dawkins, co-founder and CEO of StartSomeGood, a globally recognized expert in social enterprise and innovation. The session will help participants understand how the course works before they make a commitment.
Date and Time: Wed 12th Jul 2023, 10:00 am â 11:00 am and 8:30 pm â 9:30 pm AEST
Location: Online
Cost: Free
6. StartSomeGood FIRESIDE CHAT: Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Thankyou
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 Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Thankyou. The session will cover topics such as Danielâs journey of starting Thankyou, social entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities of balancing purpose and profit in business. Daniel Flynn is an inspiring storyteller and the Co-founder and Managing Director of Thankyou, a ground-breaking social enterprise dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty worldwide. During this enlightening session, Daniel will share valuable insights into his approach to social entrepreneurship, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise when creating a business that harmoniously blends purpose and profit.
Date and Time: Wed 26th Jul 2023, 11:00 am â 12:00 pm AEST
Location: Online
Cost: AU$10
7. 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 Australiaâs 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 worldâs 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 â 12:00 pm AEST
Location: Online
Cost: AU$10
Opportunity
The Social Enterprise Just Transition Fund, backed by the Scottish Government, offers between ÂŁ20,000 and ÂŁ400,000 in grant and loan funding to third sector organisations that pledge to contribute to a more sustainable economy. This initiative managed by Social Investment Scotland (SIS) was extended following a successful pilot year, during which seven social enterprises were granted funds for sustainable projects. The fund aims to inspire green economic diversification, encourage the creation of sustainable jobs, and ensure that all communities can participate in and benefit from this eco-friendly shift.
News
Africa
Beekeeping Simplified for Kenyan Women Groups
Nyuki Hubs Kenya Limited, a social enterprise based in Nairobi, is making it easier for small-scale farmers, particularly womenâs groups, to start their own beekeeping ventures. The company provides equipment and starter bees on loan, which is then slowly deducted from the proceeds. The initiative is currently benefiting womenâs groups from Narok, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Taita Taveta, and Makueni counties. The farmers are responsible for the entire management of the venture, but the company maintains close contact to offer help in case of any challenges. The company buys entire honeycombs from farmers at Sh300 per kilo and offers free transport.
Americas
Critical Investment in Social Purpose Organizations Needed to Build Back Better
A new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) argues that social purpose organizations (SPOs), including non-profits, charities, and social enterprises, need more investment to help society âbuild back betterâ after the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights the crucial role of SPOs in providing essential services and contributing to economic recovery. However, it warns that these organizations are facing significant financial challenges, with many at risk of closure without additional support.
Asia
Swinburne Alum Transforms from Streets to Social Entrepreneur
Huong Dang, a Swinburne University alumna who grew up in extreme poverty in rural Vietnam, has founded HopeBox, the first social enterprise in Vietnam to help women experiencing violence. The enterprise provides a six-month training course in baking, trauma healing, and life skills programs, along with a stipend and safe accommodation. It was born out of Huongâs experiences helping her sister, a victim of domestic violence.
Cambodian social enterprise tackles challenges faced by women owned micro and small enterprises
SHE Investments, a social enterprise in Cambodia, is addressing the challenges faced by women-owned micro and small enterprises. The company offers business incubators, accelerators, and investment-readiness programs designed specifically for women micro-entrepreneurs. In 2021, with a grant from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), SHE developed KOTRA-Riel, a free book-keeping app that enables women to track their income, expenses, and cash-flow.
Social enterprise empowers indigenous women through products in Sabah
The social enterprise Tonibung has been empowering indigenous women in Sabah, Malaysia, by providing them with the skills and resources to produce and sell their own products. Tonibung, which stands for Friends of Village Development, was established in 1998 and has been working to provide renewable energy solutions to remote communities in Sabah. In addition to their work in renewable energy, Tonibung also supports local women to create and sell products such as traditional handicrafts and food items. This not only provides the women with a source of income, but also helps to preserve and promote their traditional skills and knowledge.
Europe
Cumbrian mental health leader hands over the reins of Happy Mums
Katherine Dalgliesh, the founder of the award-winning Cumbrian social enterprise Happy Mums Foundation, is stepping down as managing director. The foundation, which was established in 2015 in response to Katherineâs own experiences with post-natal depression and anxiety, has since supported hundreds of mothers and mothers-to-be through peer support groups in north and west Cumbria and online. The foundation has won several awards, including Best New Cumbrian Social Enterprise in 2018 and a national Marsh award from Mind in 2021.
How local strategies can help tackle poverty in the UK
In response to rising poverty levels in the UK and the governmentâs lack of a coherent national strategy, local authorities are developing their own plans to tackle poverty. A recent report, âLocal anti-poverty strategies: Good practice and effective approachesâ, explores how local authorities and their partners can most effectively address poverty. The report highlights the importance of clear objectives, coordinated efforts, and measurable targets in local anti-poverty strategies.
The grants are intended to support Hong Kong BN(O) status holders and their family members who have relocated to the UK. The funded projects will provide a range of services, including advice and support, English language training, and employment and integration support.
The awards recognise the enterpriseâs commitment to training and apprenticeships, which provide opportunities for people who have been long-term unemployed to gain skills and experience in the construction industry.
The article highlights several social enterprises, including The Bevy, the UKâs first community-owned estate pub, which has been providing meals and support to vulnerable residents during the pandemic.
The app, developed by Ruthin-based social enterprise Book of You, along with tech companies Red Ninja Studios and Cobalt Techno, updates the features of Book of Youâs current âClassicâ app for more modern needs and expectations. The project, called âConnecting our Communities, Sharing our Memoriesâ, was funded by UKRIâs Small Business Research Initiative.
Bristol social enterprise celebrates decade of work
Babbasa, a Bristol-based social enterprise, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The organisation assists disadvantaged young people from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds, providing them with opportunities for work, education, and business. Since its inception in 2013, Babbasa has supported over 4,000 individuals across Bristol, offering mentoring, skills training, and recruitment support through its network of over 500 cross-industry organisations. The celebration coincides with the launch of Babbasaâs âOurCity2030â campaign, which aims to help young people from low-income households secure a median salary role by 2030.
Anglesey social enterprise shows off best Welsh produce at Senedd
A social enterprise from Anglesey has been showcasing the best of Welsh produce at an event in the Senedd. The enterprise, called Menter MĂ´n, was invited to the Senedd by Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, who wanted to highlight the importance of local produce. The event was a great success, with many attendees praising the quality of the food and drink on offer. Menter MĂ´n is a social enterprise that supports local businesses and promotes sustainable development in Anglesey.
Housing association partners with social enterprise to help prevent homelessness
UK housing association Sovereign has partnered with social enterprise Realise Futures to help prevent homelessness. The partnership will provide employment and training opportunities for Sovereign residents, helping them gain skills and experience that can lead to long-term employment. Realise Futures specialises in helping people who are disadvantaged due to disability, health condition, or social circumstance. Through the partnership, Sovereign residents will be able to access a range of opportunities, including work experience, apprenticeships, and full-time employment.
Oceania
Foodlab, a social enterprise in Sydney, is opening a commercial kitchen to provide affordable and accessible workspaces for marginalised food entrepreneurs, including refugees, migrants, Aboriginal people, and low-income individuals. The initiative, which started as a joint venture between the City of Sydney and the Sydney Environment Institute at the University of Sydney, has grown into a full-blown incubator, supporting 20 food businesses so far.
Selling water was an ironic statement: Disruptive social enterprise reveals whatâs next
Thankyou, a social enterprise in Melbourne, Australia, known for selling bottled water to fund water projects in developing countries, is planning to launch new products. The company, which stopped selling water in 2020 due to environmental concerns, is now focusing on products that align with its mission of ending global poverty.
Thankyou launches unconventional pop-up store
Social enterprise Thankyou has launched its first ever bricks and mortar store in the form of an experimental pop-up store and multipurpose space. The twelve-week Melbourne pop-up, named The Inside Store, combines creative architecture with interactive events for an unconventional retail experience. The store, located in Emporium in Melbourne CBD, will house Thankyouâs latest product ranges, including their new and relaunched personal care and home care lines, and play host to a series of events in its gallery style seating area ranging from educational keynotes from the Thankyou founders to live podcast recordings. Thankyou has also worked with Outland Denim to develop a limited edition apparel range, which currently comprises a series of Unisex tees labelled The Inside Collection available exclusively in store. The pop-up retail store will be open from June 30th until September 24th.
Social enterprise partnership is delivering for students, community
The Centre and Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) are continuing their partnership through the Wangaratta-based social enterprise, Whereâs My Coffee, to train and support people with cognitive disabilities. The social enterprise opened in December 2021 and is being used for a program that is delivering for both students and the community.
The report also highlights the role of social enterprises in addressing this issue. For instance, the social enterprise SecondBite works with over 1,200 community food programs across Australia to redistribute rescued food to those in need.
The initiative is part of the councilâs Live Well Logan program, which aims to create healthier communities and cleaner environments.
EV uptake, future of AI among âbig ideasâ discussed at Gippsland festival
As the historic dairy farming and coal mining region of Gippsland transitions to a future of renewable energy, local industries and government agencies are searching for new ways of coping with immense industrial, social and environmental challenges ahead. Electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic harvesting were just some of the ideas circulating the modest crowd at Traralgonâs Festival of Big Ideas earlier this month. Also on the agenda was the emergence of community-lead social enterprise.
Economics Committee Takes On Aviation, Smaller Banks, and Social Procurement
Upcoming public hearings for the House Standing Committee on Economics will focus on competition in the banking sector, aviation, and social procurement as part of its inquiry into economic dynamism, competition and business formation. The hearings will explore the social enterprise sector and procurement, with a focus on how procurement processes can favour incumbent and larger firms. The Committee will hear from the Alliance of Social Enterprise Networks Australia, and the Victorian and Queensland Governments, as well as from several social enterprises.
The new cafĂŠ with a heartfelt mission to empower women
A new cafĂŠ in Melbourneâs Docklands, named âThe Goodness Bureauâ, is on a mission to empower women. The social enterprise cafĂŠ is a collaboration between the Salvation Army and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). It provides employment and training opportunities for women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. The cafĂŠ also aims to reduce food waste by using surplus food from MCEC in its menu.
Small organisations and artists win in first ArtsPay grant round
ArtsPay, a new social enterprise in Australia, has announced the winners of its first grant round. The initiative, which aims to support artists and small arts organisations, awarded a total of $50,000 to five recipients. The winners include a range of projects, from a theatre production exploring the experiences of refugees to a program teaching filmmaking skills to young people in regional areas.
Blak Powerhouse Celebrates the Power of Community
Powerhouse is proud to announce a major new partnership with First Nations social enterprise We Are Warriors. The partnership will support the ongoing community-led event Blak Powerhouse, which will be presented on January 26th each year for Blak generations to come. The partnership will also feature the documentation of each of the programs which will then become part of the Powerhouse First Nations Collection. The inaugural Blak Powerhouse was a free all-ages community-led program that incorporated art, photography, music, dance, panel discussions and the premiere of the documentary âThrough the Fire.â
Samoan sisters Olisana Mariner-Hughes and Okalani-Mariner are addressing the issue of inclusivity and support for both neurodivergence and mental health in the Pacific corporate world through their business Onelook Studio. The social enterprise helps companies with their digital transformation while also addressing inclusion on a more personal level. The sisters share their own lived experiences with a touch of island humour on Instagram and TikTok, to connect with the neurodiverse community and raise awareness.
Global
He highlights the work of Moodbeam, a social enterprise that has developed a wearable device allowing users to log their mood and monitor their emotional wellbeing over time. The data collected can be used to identify patterns and triggers, helping users manage their mental health more effectively.
Among them is Plastic Bank, a social enterprise that incentivises waste collection in developing countries by offering digital tokens in exchange for collected plastic. These tokens can be used to purchase goods and services. The collected plastic is then recycled and sold to companies for use in new products.
Impact Investing Newsflow: June 2023 edition
The global impact deals, reports and initiatives you need to know about this month â all in one place. Featuring Auticon, World Health Organization, Leapfrog, Fair4All Finance, NESsT, Charity Bank and many more. The report covers notable impact finance deals, impact funds to watch, initiatives and advocacy, research and publications on our radar, and investor impact reports.
Improved Stats to Bolster Global Cooperative Movement
Improved statistical guidelines that could reshape the future of cooperative development and lead to more inclusive and resilient economies worldwide have been discussed at an international conference. The International Conference on Statistics of Cooperatives: Measuring Cooperatives and Beyond, looked at ways to improve and harmonize statistical methods so that they can support better policies and decision-making related to cooperatives, while taking account of diversity in national practices and circumstances.
Insights
Facing uncertainty with resilience â leadership lessons from Mount Everest and beyond
Entrepreneur Marion Chaygneaud-Dupuy, who has lived in the Himalayas for 22 years and is the first European woman to have climbed Mount Everest three times, shares her insights on building resilience in the face of uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to our bodies and emotions, and shares her experiences of working on the Tibetan plateau, including her work with Global Nomad, a social enterprise that has worked on more than 50 humanitarian projects with a focus on education, social entrepreneurship, and the preservation of the environment and nomadic culture.
Do you have an exciting event or opportunity youâd like us to feature in our blog? Or, perhaps, an interesting insight or article youâd like to share with our community? Weâd love to hear from you! Send us an email at hello@startsomegood.com.
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