Social Business Week Bahrain Follow Up by GrameenCL

SOCIAL BUSINESS WEEK BAHRAIN 2012 FOLLOW UP REPORT

// OVERVIEW //

The idea of social business as defined by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus is a growing movement globally. More and more social businesses are created with the clear focus on solving social problems in a financially self-sustainable way, addressing social problems within healthcare, environment, education, and many other areas. Under the Patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa (Deputy Prime Minister), Family Bank organized the First Social Business Week from 16th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19th September 2012 in association with The Grameen Creative Lab. As an integral part of this week, two Social Business Labs took place with different stakeholders from Bahrain. Representatives of civil society, students, young leaders, businesses and the government came together in order to explore the idea of social business, share perspectives and best practices, and develop concrete social business ideas addressing a variety of social problems.

This report will provide a summary of this inspiring week. We will share with you the great social business ideas, which have been developed during the workshops and will give more impressions from the Social Business Labs for all who have not been able to participate this time. We are looking forward to welcoming you to one of the upcoming Social Business Labs, which will take place in many different countries all around the world. Read it with joy! Your GCL Team

// AGENDA //

Sunday 16-09-2012

Public Speech and Panel Discussion BCCI Tower (Bait Al Tijjar) // Keynote speech by Prof. Muhammad Yunus and welcome address by Dr. Fatima al Balooshi (Minister of Social Development) //

Monday 17-09-2012

Open Social Business Lab National NGO Support Center // The Open Social Business Lab brought together representatives from businesses, NGOs, the government and civil society //

Tuesday 18-09-2012

Social Business Lab for Youth Part I University of Bahrain

Wednesday 19-09-2012

Social Business Lab for Youth Part II BCCI Tower (Bait Al Tijjar) // This 1.5 day Social Business Lab was specifically focusing on Youth and some of the challenges they face in Bahrain //

// WHAT IS YOUR WISH // // Every journey starts with a wish. At the beginning of the Open Social Business Lab and the Social Business Lab Youth, participants had time to think about their wishes and to share them with the group //

// YOUR WISH // “I wish that my small ideas will see the light one day”

” Make a difference in society and do a great impact for the youth"

” I wish everyone has a decent life with sustainable jobs and a secured monthly income” ” To help people to be unique” ” To make a difference" ” I wish that we reach an end of poverty" ” To develop the educational system"

” I wish for all to have free access to hospital of any kind for any remedy" ” I wish my dreams come true "

” To be an entrepreneur” ” No starvation & corruption" ” Social cohesion and harmony” ” I wish that I can achieve something in the future that people will remember for a long time"

// YOUR WISH // “We want everyone in Bahrain to have the opportunity to get a suitable job” ” Youths can create their own business and they have the suitable environment and system to do this." ” I wish Peace & Love for everyone around the world" ” Women empowerment” ” I wish for everyone to have free access to education" ” I wish to live in a world where people are taught empathy and no one is selfish."

”Make the world a better place to live in"

” Entrepreneurship as an unemployment solution" ”Empower our youth at a global scale by providing education, global skills, health, services" ” Stability and security” ” Better future for our children" ” To prepare Bahrainis for the global challenges ” “To be a more positive person” ” That the world lives in peace& harmony"

// SOCIAL PROBLEMS // // During this brainstorming session, participants identified and prioritized the most prevalent social problems and the strengths in Bahrain //

// SOCIAL PROBLEMS //

// STRENGHTS OF BAHRAIN //

Friendly Business Environment

Public Creative Community

Open Minded

Financial Hub

Friendly People & Committed People

A Strong Family Unit

Team Work Environment

High Education

Variety of Businesses

Good Infrastructure

Ethical People & Peaceful Community

Helpful Charity Organizations

Free Education & Hospitals

Respecting Diversity

Island with Strategic Location

Good Networks with other Countries

// BREAKOUT SESSIONS // // During the breakout sessions, participants had time to develop and refine concrete social business ideas addressing various social problems //

// BREAKOUT SESSIONS // // During the breakout sessions, participants had time to develop and refine concrete social business ideas //

// BREAKOUT SESSIONS //

1) Education 2) Open Topic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Obesity and lack of nutritional awareness 3) Open Topic - Agriculture 4) Youth Employment 5) Education for Youth 6) Youth Activities

7) Open Topic - Youth

// 1 // EDUCATION //

Social Problem With the lowest illiteracy rate in the whole Gulf Region, and with 52% of the Bahraini population above the age of 15 having a secondary or higher degree, people in Bahrain have good starting conditions on the labor market. However, 39% of the total number of unemployed that are receiving unemployment benefits are university graduates, implying that even with a secondary and above degree, it is not easy for Bahrainis to find a job in Bahrain. Additionally, youth labor force participation is comparatively low in Bahrain, with youth constituting around 48% of the total number of unemployed. Currently, around 4,000 Bahrainis with at least a college degree are entering the job market every year. This number is increasing steadily and about 70,000 new jobs need to be created for Bahrainis in total by 2020. That is around 8,750 jobs annually. One reason for this lack of job offerings, according to the Economic Vision 2030, is a mismatch between labor market needs and current available qualifications. Graduates from education facilities in Bahrain are lagging behind in certain skills compared to their peers from around the world competing for jobs with them. While the problem of highly qualified, yet unemployed Bahrainis is multidimensional the discussion during the breakout session centered around certain skills and knowledge that students are only occasionally getting in contact with during their studies. As the discussion showed, the possibility of finding a job hinges often on soft skills that were not picked up in school. Another problem graduates are faced with when looking for jobs is the challenge of getting an overview about the options that exist on the job market after receiving a degree.

// 1 // EDUCATION //

Social Business Idea I like a challenge 100 Days, 100 People, 100 Jobs The social business idea is to create a TV show that revolves around one hundred people taking up the challenge of getting a job within one hundred days. The concept is borrowed from shows like “The Dragon’s Den” or “The Apprentice” and aims at not only bringing 100 people into new jobs but also to bring education into the living rooms of Bahrainis and serve as a role model. In cooperation with companies that seek suitable employees, the show will follow the efforts of the candidates in finding jobs. During the show candidates receive counseling with regards to matching their skills to open jobs on the labor market. Additional training in soft skills will be offered to the contestants, as well as CV mentoring and interview coaching. Through its operation the show will generate examples educating the public about best practices and possibilities on the job market. Additional products like workshops and mentoring will be offered to the unemployed that have not been chosen for the TV-Show at a service charge. Companies that are looking for suitable employees are given the opportunity to offer or sponsor workshops relevant to their field of work, building relations with job seekers. Also, to the alumni of the show, a club membership will be offered to create a network of supporters. Through the club membership, alumni get the chance to showcase the sustainability of their employment and get access to follow up services. Best practices and long term examples collected on this occasion can also be included into the current season of the show. Vision:

To educate a broad public about the job market and necessary soft skills and to support people in finding jobs

Goal:

Help 180 people find a long term engagement in a new job during the first two seasons, reach an audience share of 10%.

// 1 // EDUCATION // 1

Customer Segments

Value Proposition / Products

Channels

1. Companies 2. General public 3. Unemployed

1. TV show and YouTube channel 2. Website, newsletter and blog 3. Mentoring services 4. Best practice examples 5. Additional products like workshops and a club for alumni

1.Television broadcaster 2. Website, You Tube and blog

Customer Relationships

Revenue Streams

Key Resources

1.Companies: find suitable employees, place company prominently 2.Unemployed: find a job, get training in relevant fields 3.General public: get information about job market requirements, possibility to get training and mentoring

1. Advertising during TV show 2. Phone “rake off” from show (audience calling to vote) 3. Workshop fees 4. “CSR in action foundation”

1. Connection to broadcaster 2. Collaboration with companies 3. Unemployed participants 4. Experts for training and mentoring

Key Activities

Key Partnerships

Cost Structures

1. Drafting of program and build of partnerships with companies 2. Application process and selection of suitable candidates 3. Awareness workshops 4. Follow up with “alumni” of the show

1. Media, banks, and companies 2. Government institutions like Tamkeen as patron 3. Ashoka

1. Broadcasting 2. HR 3. Equipment 4. Marketing

// 2 // OBESITY //

Social Problem Within this “Open Topic” breakout session, the participants had to identify the social problem which they would like to work on. The group decided to focus on health related issues, specifically on obesity and the lack of nutritional awareness. Obesity is more and more becoming a problem on a global scale, not only in developed countries, but also in developing countries.

Obesity is a medical condition usually defined as a condition of abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, which may have severe negative effects on health, increasing the likelihood of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis, amongst others. In many cases, obesity is related to significant food energy intake, but also a lack of physical activity and to some extent also due to genetic susceptibility. According to a report in the Bahrain Medical Bulletin, it was concluded that the “prevalence rates for obesity in Bahrain are higher than predicted and are increasing at a higher rate than the global average. This mirrors the alarming increase in the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bahrain”* The group discussion revealed many local specifications and aspects which might contribute to the incidence of obesity in Bahrain. Improper eating habits combined with relatively big portion sizes might contribute to obesity as well as a general lack of nutritional awareness, which is supported by a lack of understanding about the ingredients and nutritional facts of food products. * Source: http://www.bahrainmedicalbulletin.com/march_2012/Current_Prospectus_Obesity.pdf

// 2 // OBESITY //

Social Business Idea Health Oasis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Your health is our concern The group developed the idea of Health Oasis, a unique place, where people are not only able to eat healthy and nutritious food, but where they are also able to learn more about a healthy nutrition and healthy lifestyle through cooking courses and personal counseling. Therefore, Health Oasis is far more than a typical restaurant. Instead, it aims at becoming a place providing customers with an environment for more nutritional awareness and moreover tools and food products for a better nutrition. The Health Oasis will basically target a broad customer base of every age from Bahrain with a special focus on families, but also focusing on tourists from all around the world. Customers can eat healthy dishes on site and they can also purchase healthy snacks and specifically selected food baskets, which are a compilation of healthy ingredients, which can be cooked at home. Next to healthy and good quality food prepared by a top chef, the quality of the counseling through personal trainers, as well as a nice and welcoming location are key resources for the success of this social business. Customers will be able to receive a free one time counseling service, which could be extended into a long term counseling and coaching. A good customer relationship management is important to build up a faithful customer base. The social impact of this social business obviously comes into effect, if customers visit the Health Oasis on a regular basis, since changing specific eating habits will require some time. Furthermore, only a good customer base will enable the financial sustainability of this social business.

// 2 // OBESITY // 1

Customer Segments

Value Proposition / Products

Channels

1. Families 2. Tourists

1. Healthy meals 2. Healthy snacks 3. Food baskets 4. Cooking courses 5. Counseling

1. Direct sales on site 2. Through partners

Customer Relationships

Revenue Streams

Key Resources

1. Database 2. Free one time services 3. Loyalty card 4. Online platform 5. Promotional movie

1. Food sales 2. Course fees 3. Counseling fees

1. Natural & healthy food 2. Good counseling 3. Good chef 4. Affordability 5. Branding

Key Activities

Key Partnerships

Cost Structures

1. Developing meals, menu & theme 2. Finding venue 3. Finding staff / trainers 4. Establish partnerships 5. Get funding

1. Farmer 2. Doctors 3. Nutritionists 4. Personal trainer 5. Ministry of Health 6. Oversize shops

1. Venue / Equipment 2. Staff & Training 3. Raw material 4. Operating costs 5. Marketing

// 3 // AGRICULTURE //

Social Problem Around 50 years ago, Bahrain enjoyed a thriving agricultural industry, on which the economy was heavily dependent, and Bahrain was known as the 'Land of a Thousand Palm Trees'. Today, agriculture forms only 0.5% of Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current GDP. Its contribution to employment has significantly diminished and arable land is becoming very scarce. The agricultural sector accounted for only 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1998 and employed 2 percent of the workforce. The development of agriculture is hindered by lack of water and the strong saltiness (salinity) of the soil. From 1971 until the beginning of the 21 st century, Bahrain's cultivated area has been reduced from around 6,000 hectares to less than 1,500 hectares. Moreover, in the event of a global pandemic, Bahrain would not be able to provide sustenance for its population. The group has decided to tackle this issue in light of global food security threats; and the opportunity for the agriculture industry to simultaneously provide employment, contribute to economic growth, and secure food for Bahrain and the MENA region.

// 3 // AGRICULTURE //

Social Business Idea Bahrain Urban Farming (BUF) Social Business Coop We will introduce new methods of urban farming, which will be available to any type of user. Our social business will be called: Bahrain Urban Farming Social Business Co-op; also known as BUF. Since food is the sustenance of life, BUF will literally target everyone, including ordinary households, local farmers, supermarkets, restaurants and luxury hotels. The BUF brand will remain family-oriented, providing a sense of community for those who go BUF. BUF will access the most cutting-edge urban farming methods and technologies; linking to major research and development centers around the world. Our objective is to simplify urban farming solutions for the benefit of all. Therefore, all of our products will be user-friendly, and you will be trained by our urban farm specialists so anyone can manage his or her own farm without any assistance. We will be targeting all income levels whereby the client can purchase the equipment, lease it, and even establish a payback contract through food production. BUF will also collect waste or rotten produce, which will be composted and sold as fertilizer. In addition to selling the highest quality products, BUF will also provide product installation, servicing, maintenance, and after-sales service, as well as a buy-back program for used products. Some examples of urban farming technologies include: The Plant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMBxJTQqnRI Vertical Farms: http://www.verticalfarm.com Vertical greenhouses: http://bit.ly/Q8mAmh Aquaponics: http://aquaponics.com

// 3 // AGRICULTURE //

Social Business Idea Bahrain Urban Farming (BUF) Social Business Coop BUF will offer a double-brand distribution strategy, catering to both high-end consumers—offering luxury urban farming methods; as well as providing affordable products and services through its mass distribution channels—making home-grown organic food available to all. To ensure BUF is self-sustainable, three main revenue streams were identified:Supply cutting-edge high-quality urban farming technology solutions across all price ranges. Provide the full spectrum of tested supplies needed to cultivate urban farms, including the highest quality seeds and fertilizers. Offer after-sale services including the re-sale of customers’ excess produce to high-end grocers, collecting rotten food to create fertilizer, consultancy on urban farming methods, and individual and group training for farm labour.

// 3 // AGRICULTURE // 1

Customer Segments

Value Proposition / Products

Channels

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1. Simplify urban farming solutions for the benefit of all 2. We will provide urban farming technology and services

1. Double-brand distribution strategy, catering to high-end consumers offering luxury urban farming methods; as well as providing affordable products and services through its mass distribution channels

Ordinary households Local farmers Supermarkets Restaurants Luxury hotels 5

6 Revenue Streams 1. Sales from urban farming technology solutions across all price ranges. 2. Full spectrum of supplies incl. highest quality seeds & fertilizers 3. Re-sale of customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; excess produce to high-end grocers 4. Rotten food to create fertilizer, consultancy on urban farming methods, individual & group training for farm labour

Customer Relationships 1. Good after-sale services to ensure a loyal customer base

Key Activities 1. Providing urban farming solutions 2. Hire staff 3. Build sales and after-sale channels

Key Resources 1. Cutting-edge high-quality urban farming technology solutions 2. Good after-sale infrastructure & services

Key Partnerships 1. Chamber of Commerce 2. Ministry of Agriculture & Municipalities 3. Tamkeen 4. BDB 5. Local Farmers 6. Major Food importers & distributors

Cost Structures 1. Costs of goods (technology, supplies, etc.) 2. HR costs 3. Operating expenses

// 4 // YOUTH EMPLOYMENT //

Social Problem Not only in the context of the global Economic and Financial Crises, employment is always a predominant concern, especially for the most vulnerable groups in the labor market, such as marginalized people, the elderly and especially young people, who are lacking adequate skills and / or work experience. Youth labor force participation is very low in Bahrain; however it is not clear if this is due to high unemployment or high enrollment rates. The enrollment rate among the 15-19 age group is much higher than that of the 20-24 age group, 95% compared to 43%. The share of the unemployed among the 20-24 age group is also higher at 6%. Even though that number is much lower than the global level (the OECD rate for 2010 was 16.7% and 2011 was 16.2%) Unemployment among youth is relatively low at 3% for 15-24 and at 6% for 20-24 year olds. Nonetheless, youth constitutes 48% of the unemployment figure in Bahrain. Between 4,000 and 5,000 Bahrainis with at least a college degree have entered the job market annually in the past years. Between 2010 and 2011, the private sector only created 1,321 jobs with an annual salary higher than BHD 6,000. Bahrainis have a disadvantage on the labor market in Bahrain compared to foreign workers, as the education system does not yet provide young people with the skills needed for the job market. This can also be seen by the share of recipients of unemployment benefits holding a university degree of 39%. The overall workforce of Bahrainis is growing; about 40% of the additional workforce by 2020 will be in the age bracket of 15-24. Compared to the average increase in labor productivity of 21% worldwide over the past 25 years, Bahrain improved this number by only 17% in the same time.

// 4 // YOUTH EMPLOYMENT //

Social Business Idea Micro Bahrain Generating employment opportunities as a startup in Bahrain might face a key challenge to find suitable employees, since employees usually prefer to work for large corporations or for the Government, which might provide a higher job security, a more stable income and higher reputation.

Micro Bahrain addresses these challenges and specifically focuses on employment generation for hardto-employ young people by offering attractive employment opportunities through a unique concept. Micro Bahrain is best described as a unique, traditional space with 10-20 small villas offering accommodation for tourists, but also shops with local food and products, as well as a gallery space with local art. Therefore, Micro Bahrain will not only generate youth employment, but also provide a platform for local farmers and food produces, but also local artists to present and sell their products. The compound and the villas will be designed in partnership with universities from Bahrain, whose students are in charge of the traditional design elements. The offerings are not only aimed at tourists who can experience a more traditional stay in Bahrain, but also aim at locals, who will come to the compound in their leisure time to experience good food and have a nice and pleasant stay. Purpose: 1) 2) 3)

To provide unique employment opportunities for hard-to-employ young people To preserve traditional & authentic cultural goods & products from Bahrain To provide visitors with a unique micro view of Bahraini tradition

// 4 // YOUTH EMPLOYMENT // 1

Customer Segments

Value Proposition / Products

Channels

1. Tourists 2. Bahrainis

1. Compound with 10-20 villas for accommodation 2. Shop with local products 3. Local food 4. Gallery with local art

1. Direct Sales on location

Customer Relationships

Revenue Streams

Key Resources

1. Personal relationships 2. Website

1. Accommodation fee per night 2. Sales of local products & food 3. Renting gallery space

1. Venue 2. HR 3. Brand

Key Activities

Key Partnerships

Cost Structures

1. Business plan 2. Market research 3. Find investors 4. Clarify legal issues 5. Vision & Mission 6. Find location 7. Find HR resources

1. Tamkeen, EDB and other local organizations 2. Universities 3. Government 4. Schools

1. Venue (Rent or Buy) 2. HR Costs 3. Equipment / Furniture 4. Operating expenses 5. Setup costs

// 5 // EDUCATION FOR YOUTH //

Social Problem One of the reasons for unemployment among youth in Bahrain relates to the lack of adequate skills and education. 17% of the Bahraini population above the age of 15 has a below primary education, i.e. is illiterate or can only read and write, resulting in lower employment possibilities for them. Bahrainis with an above secondary degree that receive unemployment benefits make up around 39% of the total number of unemployed. This problem is also addressed in the Economic Vision 2030, stating that there is a major mismatch between labor market needs and current available qualifications of Bahrainis. While a multitude of possibilities to improve the quality of education were discussed in this breakout session, participants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially the students among them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; agreed that on of the most pressing needs is to create an enabling environment to study effectively, including possibilities for students to learn outside classes, teaching methods and a lack of possibilities to pick up certain skills necessary for the labor market. Especially the lack of public spaces like libraries as a place to study was stated as a major impairment for students to study after classes. With a lack of suitable space at home, many students resort to studying at cafĂŠs in malls with a less than optimal environment for studies. Additionally, classes to pick up soft skills and job specific training for e.g. specialized software and other skills are scarce at universities. To prepare for the job market, students need to pick up these skills outside the university to increase their chances to find a job. Often this means a search for private tutors or mentors that are in a convenient location. In summary, a place which offers all of the above, providing a suitable place for studies after class with an adequate infrastructure and the possibility to pick up skills was found to be missing in Bahrain so far.

// 5 // EDUCATION FOR YOUTH //

Social Business Idea Perfect Café The Perfect Café creates a central meeting point and space for studying, exchanging ideas, getting additional training and access to the necessary infrastructure. It also offers space for private tutoring and additional soft skills workshops providing students with an enabling environment for studying after classes. The café is set up as a regular coffee shop targeting walk-in customers as well as students at the usual market prices, offering snacks and drinks. The coffee shop activities are needed to then cross subsidize other services for students. Main activity of the café is to provide students with a suitable workspace for their studies, offering access to the necessary infrastructure including such services as copying, printing, binding, Wi-Fi and tutoring labs. Additional services could be offered in the field of soft skills mentoring, career counseling, internship programs etc. For services offered, students are charged affordable prices, subsidized through revenues from the coffee shop. Renting of work spaces to PhD students and private tutors is priced at market level. The business model also includes partnerships with private companies. Companies looking for suitable graduates get the opportunity to offer workshops for the skill set related to their field of work. This way the companies can build relations with students before graduation, increasing their visibility. Additionally retired professors and teachers can be employed to integrate them into society and profit from their lifelong experience. Vision:

To provide an enabling environment for students in Bahrain to study after classes and offer training in additional, much needed skills.

Goal:

Reach 2,000 students within the first year of operation and expand services to at leas three new locations in Bahrain in the second year.

// 5 // EDUCATION FOR YOUTH // 1

Customer Segments

Value Proposition

Channels

1. Students 2. CafĂŠ customers 3. Private tutors 4. Companies

1. Open space for students including an infrastructure including Wi-Fi, printing, copying, binding etc. 2. Private tutoring labs 3. Booking of working stations 4. Coffee business

1. Coffee shop with attached working spaces

Customer Relationships

Revenue Streams

Key Resources

1. Beginning with a promotional campaign for the relevant customers including initial discounts 2. Flyers distributed at universities 3. Word of mouth

1. Revenues from coffee shop activities and working space including sales of snacks and drinks, access to Wi-Fi, work stations, tutoring labs etc. 2. Revenues from additional services, like mentoring and career counseling

1. Coffee shop with sufficient space for activities 2. Connection to whole seller 3. Retired professors and teachers 4. Private tutors

Key Activities

Key Partnerships

Cost Structures

1. Find a suitable shop and skeleton crew 2. Initial promotion campaigns 3. Establish connections with companies and universities

1. Schools 2. Companies 3. Retailers & grocery stores 4. NGOs 5. Joint venture partners 6. Banks and investors

1. Rent 2. HR 3. Supplies (Foodstuff, printing etc.) 4. Equipment 5. Marketing

// 6 // YOUTH ACTIVITIES //

Social Problem There is a lack of youth-targeted community centers predominantly in the village areas. Most of the youth in these areas have the accessibility to join their local sports club. The centers within the areas have a limited capacity to accommodate all. This in turn results in a large number of inactive youth. Government-owned social centers are also located in areas including but not limited to Muharraq, Boori, Jedhafs, Hamad Town, Sitra, Riffa, Manama and Isa Town. However, there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t many youth-targeted initiatives as these centres offer initiatives for more marginalized groups including the blind, the disabled, widows, etc. Although there are different types of centres available in all areas of Bahrain, sufficient capacity for youth is missing. During the group discussion the participants have raised three main concerns relates to youths & their activities: 1) There is a lack of awareness about the existing Youth Societies, although there are around 26 societies related to Youth in Bahrain

2) Very Expensive Prices for Activities in Bahrain: for example carting in Formula One will be around BD. 14 3) Lack of motivating youth group activities

// 6 // YOUTH ACTIVITIES //

Social Business Idea Youth to You (YY) Youth to You (YY) is a website which will offer different services to the public by optimizing the resources of youth and benefit from the capabilities that they can provide for the community. Solutions for the Issues: • Raising awareness of Youth Societies • Launch Discounted activities Card • Promoting youths production & activities The group was divided into 3 sub groups, which each discussed different solutions related to the Social Business: 1st Group, Raising awareness of Youth Societies : Focal Point: The website will consist of link that will act as a focal point between all societies in Bahrain such as the database of the 26 societies and their ongoing activities and categorize them in which filed they are in such as sports, IT, Engineering etc. Calendar: This link will also include a calendar where any visitor can click on the date and find what are the recent activities undertaken by the youth societies. Facilities: On the other hand the team also decided that they can also benefit from using the facilities of the societies such as the know-how experience, Human Recourses, Equipments etc.

// 6 // YOUTH ACTIVITIES //

Social Business Idea Youth to You (YY) 2nd Group: Promoting Youths Production & Activities: The website will have a link that will create networking between buyers & sellers in the following fields where the client can sign up in the website and upload their talented work and the website will start finding a buyer to such activity hence that the website will take a percentage of the deal: Media: Movie Producing, Music, Lyrics, Photography etc. Inventions: any creative products/ services Arts: any designs, logos, paintings, drawings etc. Services: packaging, delivery, workshop etc. 3rd Group: Discount Cards:

These discounted cards will be given upon clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration in the website where they will benefit from many promotional products and services such as activities, travel tickets, stationary, cloths, food etc. The registration fee will be BD. 20 semiannual, and this fee will be used to cover the costs of initiating the website.

// 7 // OPEN TOPIC – YOUTH //

Social Problem Population in Bahrain went from an estimated 724,000 in 2003 to around 1,215,000 in 2011, which is already a significantly higher population than the 2003 UN estimate of 900.000 for 2015. The rapidly growing population creates several problems related to the limited availability of land and other resources. New cultural aspects are added constantly to life in Bahrain by the growing number of expats, adding to Bahrain’s cultural diversity. However, traditions that shaped Bahrain’s culture up to this point are more and more considered old fashioned by the rapidly growing young generation. Therefore interest in these traditions is low and this cultural heritage is in danger of being forgotten. Additionally, this generates a conflict between generations, as the young population of Bahrain has cultural values that differ from that of their parents generation drastically. Related to the limited availability of land and public spaces is the problem of availability of activities for Bahraini’s and to have places offering a variety of possibilities for a whole family, limiting the options for families to spent leisure time jointly.

// 7 // OPEN TOPIC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; YOUTH //

Social Business Idea Smile Bahrain, the Social Business Community Park The idea behind the community park is to create a space that offers activities and traditions, allowing families to be in one place while pursuing different activities and spend more time together. The community park offers services like traditional farming and weekly markets for traditional Bahraini foodstuff and goods as well as restaurants and the possibility to rent tents for the family or organize bigger family events on special occasions. Other activities offered include horse back riding, water sports, camping etc. The range of activities and services offered not only provides a place for the whole family, but also makes it possible to experience and live the culture of Bahrain, creating an interface to the cultural heritage, offering an oasis of deceleration in an otherwise increasingly hectic world. Access to the Social Business Community Park is for members only. Memberships are granted to female members of a family exclusively, however, the membership also includes access for relatives. To finance the activities of the community park, it relies on revenues from membership fees, renting restaurants, tents and income from the sports activities offered. Purpose: 1. Provide a common space for activities for families 2. Keep alive Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditions and teach them to the young generation 3. Offer a space to trade traditional foodstuff and goods

// IMPRESSIONS //

// QUESTIONS & ANSWERS //

Q: Is social business more fitting to certain types of social issues as a solution? A: Every social business starts with a social problem first. A social business is not limited to solving the problem of poverty. A social business could address many social problems such as malnutrition, lack of education, lack of health services, severe illnesses, etc. Nevertheless, some social problems might be easier to address through a social business than others. Once you have identified a relevant social problem which you would like to address, you then need to develop a good business model in order to make your social business financially self-sustainable. Q: What is the difference between NGO and social business? Is it possible to turn a NGO structure into a social business?

A: A social business is a new type of business. It is a non-loss, non-dividend company with a social goal. It is created because its founders identified a social problem that they wanted to address, and wanted a long-lasting, financially selfsustainable way to do so. Usually, a non-profit organization is not 100% financially sustainable, they do not cover all of their costs by selling products, but they have to rely on other sources of income (e.g. donations). Nevertheless, a non-profit organization could be transformed into a social business, if they become fully financially sustainable. The NGO needs to identify ways to generate revenues for their products and services, which will cover all of their costs. Q: Does Family Bank have social business funds available? A: As of now, the Family Bank does not have specific social business funds available. The Social Business Week Bahrain was a very good starting point in bringing various organizations from Bahrain together and in the future some of them might consider setting up a dedicated Social Business Funds or some other forms of financing for social businesses.

// QUESTIONS & ANSWERS //

Q: How can a person that does not have any money start a social business? A: First of all you need to have a very good social business ideas, which is able to address a social problem in a financially self-sustainable way. But moreover, you really need to find a way to generate social impact. Once you have further developed your social business idea, you need to develop a comprehensive business plan including a detailed financial plan. If you have a great outstanding idea and if you can prove that you will generate social impact, you should be able to find funding from various sources (funds, investors, etc.) Q: Where can we find “Social Business People”? A: Being connected with other likeminded people to exchange ideas and to get support and feedback is of course important for each social business entrepreneur. You will find other “Social Business People” at conference like the Global Social Business Summit or the Social Business Week Bahrain, but also online on various platforms and through social media channels (e.g. The Grameen Creative Lab Facebook Page, see the Interact section for details) Q: From what I learned about social business so far is that it might basically be successful in rural areas, where there is no competition from economic businesses. Could it also be applicable in urban areas? A: This question implies that it is easier to establish a social business in rural areas, which might not be true. Especially in rural areas, general business conditions could be a lot more challenging due to a lack of infrastructure (lack of proper roads, etc), reliability of energy supply, market size and market access due to densely populated areas, etc. Generally, a social business will face lots of challenges in rural areas, but also in urban areas. The main difference might be the solution which the social business has to find in order to address these challenges.

// QUESTIONS & ANSWERS //

Q: Why is not possible to give back a fixed small percentage of dividend just for increasing investors? A: Social business as defined by Prof. Muhammad Yunus does not offer any dividends on its investments. This protects the social business from never losing sight of its over-arching goal; the service or solution to a social problem that it has been founded to address. A social business is also about a moral commitment to a clear focus on solving social problems. Q: Access to capital is one of the necessary enablers to social business in Bahrain. What are the other fundamental components â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be they policies, systems and infrastructure, etc. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that will allow social business to thrive / flourish? A: A better infrastructure is of course beneficial for any social business. Every social business benefits from better access to funding (e.g. through Social Business Funds), but also through business development services provided by social business incubator or experienced mentors. In terms of legal requirement, a social business typically operates under the most common legal forms for businesses (e.g. Ltd.), therefore it would not require any specific legal frameworks. Platforms for social businesses to exchange ideas and best practices are also important in order to constantly improve the business. Collaborations with universities can be very beneficial, since the university can support with research about the social impact, but also support with the overall promotion e.g. through specific case studies which will be worked on by students.

// SOCIAL BUSINESS //

With the idea of social business, Prof. Muhammad Yunus has introduced a new dimension for capitalism: a business model that does not strive to maximize profits but rather to serve humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most pressing needs. Thus, the first motive of a social business is not profit, and second, it does not pay its investors dividends. Instead, it aims at solving social problems with products and services at affordable prices, or giving the poor and marginalized people ownership in a business and therefore allows them to share in its profits.

A social business pays back only its original investment and reinvests its profits in innovations or further growth that advance its social goals. Although the social business is pioneering in its aims, it is traditional in its management. Its workforce is professional and paid according to market wages. This type of business may or may not earn profit, but like any other business it must not incur losses in order to be able to sustain itself. In every sense the social business is sustainable: in its direct environmental impact, its impact down the value chain, and critically, in its financial independence. This is a key difference between social business and charity. Once its initial investment is repaid, the social business aims to be financially selfsustaining, giving it the independence and security to focus its efforts on the long-term improvement of the lives of the disadvantaged.

Thus the social business is a new type of company and "social business entrepreneurs" (SBE) are a new type of entrepreneurs who are not interested in profit-maximisation. They are totally committed to making a difference in the world. They want to give a better chance in life to other people and they want to achieve this objective through creating and supporting sustainable business companies. Social business follows 7 principles, which serve as its defining elements. The seven principles of social business: 1. Business objective will be to overcome poverty, or one or more problems (such as education, health, technology access and environment) which threaten people and society; not profit maximization. 2. Financial and economic sustainability. 3. Investors get back their investment amount only. No dividend is given beyond investment money. 4. When investment amount is paid back, company profit stays with the company for expansion and improvement. 5. Environmentally conscious. 6. Workforce gets market wage with better working conditions. 7. â&#x20AC;Śdo it with joy.

// SOCIAL BUSINESS //

// INTERACT //

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// CONTACT // The Grameen Creative Lab Leonhard Nima Leonhard.nima @grameencl.com www.grameencreativelab.com