Canadian Social EntrepreneursCanadian Social Entrepreneurs
The Canadian Social Entrepreneurship Network is made up of more than 50 chapters across Canada. Some organizations focus on specific industries, and others are more general. For example, the Institute B supports businesses that put societal value above profit. The Institute also offers consulting services to entrepreneurs who are interested in creating a sustainable business model. In 2013, RBC sponsored a panel discussion on the concept of conscious capitalism and a financing workshop for social entrepreneurs in the Vancouver area.
Fast-Track Your Canadian Social Entrepreneurs
The SDGs are often used to define social enterprises, and the Social Enterprise Alliance defines a social enterprise as “an organization that uses profits to meet a social purpose.” Similarly, social entrepreneurs are largely non-profit organizations, but they still have a social mission. In the United States, for example, some companies are for-profit businesses, while others are nonprofits. A Canadian business can make money by combining a passion for a cause and a mission to serve the general public.
The Accelerating Social Cause Entrepreneurs Marc Kielburger program is a great place to start if you are thinking of starting a social enterprise in Canada. The Ashoka Fellowship program helps budding Canadians build a viable product and make key connections. It is co-sponsored by the RBC, which also funds the Big Ideas Challenge pitch competition. The HUB Ottawa, an incubator for social enterprises, provides a platform for collaboration and accelerated learning. In addition to this, the community helps entrepreneurs establish long-term professional relationships.
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