Social Enterprise workshop
May 23rd 2008, 10am–4pm Information Combining Profit with Social Impact: Holy Grail or Viable Business Model? From the provision of school meals and waste management in urban areas to the installation of low-cost solar energy systems, social entrepreneurs have been behind many of the most innovative developments in contemporary business. Social enterprise is generally associated with not-for-profit organisations, but increasingly it is the explicit aim of some profit-making companies. What marks these out from other companies is that the business has primarily a social purpose, and the profits are reinvested in the business or the community. Products and services are usually aimed at poorer members of society. This workshop will focus on two important questions. First, the viability of social enterprise as a business model. Can it raise the finance and deliver the profits necessary to make it sustainable? Most investors are – understandably hungry for financial returns, while some want their money used to build a better society. Is this a climate in which social enterprise can flourish? If so, is there any prospect of it becoming the dominant business model? Second, the contribution of the Christian church. It is striking how many individuals involved in social enterprise are Christians. But could the church be doing more to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in order to achieve social and spiritual goals? Often the church’s attitude to business is one of indifference, suspicion or hostility. Does the model of social enterprise have a better chance of eliciting the church’s blessing and support for enterprise in general? The workshop will consist of several short 15-20 minute contributions, followed by discussion. It will be highly participative. In order to aid the quality of discussion attendance will be restricted to 20 people, most of whom will be actively involved in social enterprise. The workshop will be held at Ridley Hall from 10am to 4pm on Friday May 23.