Running a startup business is a challenge. There are ideas to prioritise, investors to meet, technologies to implement and yes, even work to do. But what about budgets? What about planning? What about marketing? And is there somewhere that you can go to meet up with like-minded entrepreneurs? Yes, entrepreneurship can be an isolating experience.
But what happens if your efforts are not designed around a profit motive? What happens if the outcomes that you seek have a social or a change-oriented focus instead? This is the world of the social entrepreneur – a business that is “for more-than-profit”.
Here in Sydney, Vibewire provides residencies for young social entrepreneurs and creatives. Their sQuareOne space in Ultimo is an incubator where social entrepreneurs can come together, learn from each other and receive support from a small, but flourishing community. sQuare One offer scholarships and host workshops designed to kick-start your social business.
At the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Opportunity even held at Vibewire, we heard speeches from Annie Le Cavalier, Janine Cahill, Jackie Ruddock and Anna Rose. Annie spoke about the changes underway with Vibewire, Janine discussed the role of vision and futures, Anna explained how she is working to have climate change recognised as a youth issue, and Jackie talked about the School for Social Entrepreneurs which is launching in March 2009.
If any of these activities sound interesting to you, contact the folks at Vibewire, or leave comments below and I will put you in touch.
Sound like a really good idea. I’d be more than happy to help these guys if I can.
Thanks, Steve. Will let them know!
Hi Gavin. I’m on the management committee at Vibewire (and have volunteered there in various capacities for five years) and just wanted to say thanks for coming along to last Wednesday’s event. Glad you enjoyed it!
The pleasure was all mine, Rachel. Thanks!
It’s always been helpful for entrepreneurs, even competitors, to meet and discuss. Being around like-minded people can spark ideas, find solution to problems, and come up with different strategies.