Ecosystem Restoration Communities offers a profound solution to land degradation, ecosystem destruction and the disconnect between humankind and nature. We do this by building naturally constructed communities on land that is highly degraded, and welcoming people to stay at the camp and learn how to restore land back to fertility. The communities also focus on teaching people skills in how to be radically sustainable, such as how to grow their own food, how to live zero waste, and how to … Read more
Social Franchising Social franchising is a method for scaling up social enterprises by replicating existing wellfunctioning good examples.
The European Social Franchising Network (ESFN) has found some 65 social franchises in Europe. The largest of these, the Kringwinkel secondhand shops in Flanders, employs nearly 5,000 people, of whom 80% are disabled. Social franchising comprises three phases: 1. Pilot: identification of a business model which works well in at least one instance, and is transferable to other contexts 2. Development: codification of business processes to create tools such as a franchise agreement, … Read more
Project Management Making things happen on time, on budget and with ease
Planning and managing projects are core to your work as a social entrepreneur. Within any project, you will have to manage your resources people, time, money, materials, tools and combine them to get things done. And you need to do all this in a way that ensure you do not run out of money, lose your team, or become despondent. Ultimately, you are doing what you are doing because you love it! So, if you are not loving it, it is a good sign that something is wrong. Setting up a project … Read more
Finances Money & Resources The Blood of your Business
Money and how we use it is currently an essential element within the social fabric of our world.. So, the first step to accessing it is to think about money and research some theories about what it is. The second step is to know how much money you need to set up your business and then to make it flow. The third step is to know where to get money from...where are the various sources? The fourth step is to know how to attract it and keep it flowing. Core idea : One core idea that is at the … Read more
Crowdfunding The practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people.
The crowdfunding model is fueled by three types of actors: the project initiator who proposes the idea and/or project to be funded; individuals or groups who support the idea; and a moderating organization (the "platform") that brings the parties together to launch the idea. These sites allow businesses to pool small investments from a number of investors instead of forcing companies to look for a single investment. It's a good way to involve your network in your project. It goes beyond … Read more
Coworking Space Creating fertile Working space together
To “start doing” what you want it is much easier when it is done together. Get a room, some chairs and a diverse group of people and you can create a coworking space. This means creating settings where there is no “new input” or “stuff to be done”, but a creative space where people can do what they need or want to do for their own project. This is what we call “Coworking Space. It can be a fixed space with table, chairs, meeting rooms and all that is required in an office structure. You … Read more
The Art of Pitching Presenting in an essential way to make people curious for more
Practice the “art of pitching” craft a short pitch and try it out. Learn through the feedback of peers or members of your audience. Film it and look at the videos together. Learn from the pitches of others, learn from online ressources. When crafting your elevator pitch, you first need to think about who is the audience you're trying to reach. Lead with the information that the recipient / the audience will care most about. It is always good to start with a “hook” a statement or … Read more
Negotiation Skills Win Win Win for Everyone
This is a metaskill and used in nearly every human situation where people have to share resources. Some people treat human relations as a war and so negotiation is a war. For others, where ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone is at the heart of the negotiation process, a very different approach is used. You need to listen attentively to what the other person wants. In some negotiation approaches, teachers or trainers suggest you learn as much about the other person before you … Read more
Creating a Business Plan How to create a business plan
Create a Business Plan that is as simple or as complicated as desired. The main aim of a business plan is to create a clear view of the objectives of the business and how to attain them. This will ensure that everyone who is collaborating with its implementation has a clear view of the direction. There are many examples and templates of Business Plans online. Pick the one you feel is most appropriate for your organization. Social enterprises tend to be resourceconstrained organizations, … Read more
Using a Canvas for Business and Project Modelling Business Model Canvas (BMC) Social Business Model Canvas (SBMC) Project Model Canvas (PMC) The BMC emerged as a strategic management and entrepreneurial tool
● The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a strategic management and entrepreneurial tool. It allows people to describe, design, challenge, invent, and pivot their business model. ● The Social Business Model Canvas (SBMC) builds on the BMC by adding the layers of social and environmental impact and costs. The is currently a multitude of available versions of the SBMC online suitable to different context and working styles. ● The Project Modal Canvas (PMC) is a derivate of the BMC that … Read more
