Social Venture: 2015 Doing Good Through Business
The Centre hosted a fun day of learning at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC on May 8th. Over 60 attendees from across the region came to talk about social ventures, successful and inspiring case studies, business tools for creating impact, and our Social Venture Challenge.
The morning was focused on an introduction to social ventures, what they are, and some successful case studies.
- David Cameron, Manager of Innovation, The Next Big Thing + Co-Founder of SFU Radius Ventures.
- Shelley Bolton, Manager + Chocolate Maker at East Van Roasters
- Tracey Kliesch,Community Investment Portfolio Manager at Vancity
- Meg Reynolds, formerly with Howe Sound Women’s Centre
Our lunch presentation was by David van Seters, Founder of SPUD + President of Sustainability Ventures, who gave an engaging and humorous presentation on the collaborative economy and many examples of how it works.
The afternoon was focused on tools for creating community impact.
- Keith Ippel Co-founder of Spring Activator and Bonnie Foley-Wong Founder of Pique Ventures talked about rising capital – tips, the right mix (e.g. loans vs equity), the investor-entrepreneaur relationship, impact investing and creating financial inclusion.
- Bonnie Foley-Wong and Dave Cameron gave a brief overview of the programs and types of support that are provided by Spring Activator and SFU Radius Ventures, including accelerators and learning programs.
- Paulina Cameron, Business Development Manager at Futurepreneur, and Megan Lussier, Business Analyst at Community Futures Howe Sound, gave brief presentations on the types of resources )financial and mentorship) available through their organizations.
For more take a look at the Harvard Business Review – Creating Shared Value by Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer.
Take a look at this Bubble photo created with a BubblePod! Follow the link to view in full fun 360º
Resources:
- HubcapBC – BC’s online social innovation community
- Enterprising Non-Profits
- Futurpreneaur Canada
- Community Futures of Howe Sound
The Social Venture Challenge will encourage, support and grow social ventures in Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish and Lillooet. Supported by Squamish Savings Credit Union and Community Futures Howe Sound, the SVC will support non-profit organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs to launch a new – or expanded – social venture by providing capacity building, mentorship, and business development learning opportunities.
For more information please contact Cheeying Ho 604-935-8209.
Other Social Enterprise Month Events
Social Enterprise Workshop for Enterprising Non-Profit Organizations, May 20, 2015 (Vancouver) Sponsored by the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council, this workshop provides an introduction to social enterprise, offers solutions to become board- and management-ready, and shares examples of successful social enterprises operating in B.C. Be here to witness the Aboriginal Social Enterprise Day proclamation by the Honourable Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation.
seCatalyst Gala & Reception, May 20, 2015 (Vancouver Island) The seCatalyst Gala Event will combine inspiring speakers, social enterprise pitches in a Dragons’ Den style format, and expert judges for a high-energy, high-impact event that raises the profile of Vancouver Island social enterprises and the social enterprise sector as a whole. Buy your tickets.
seCatalyst Day of Learning, May 21, 2015 (Vancouver Island) A day-long skills-building conference focused on delivering practical and relevant learning to help social enterprises launch and expand. Brenda Kuecks from Ecotrust is the keynote speaker and will be talking about the economic power and potential of social enterprise. Learn more.
Good Business Forum, May 21, 2015 (Surrey) Meet-up of values based businesses including social enterprises, impact businesses, co-ops, and more! Learn more and register. Social Enterprise Heroes, May 27, 2015 (Vancouver) An annual pitch event with 3 BC social enterprises battling for $50K in cash and/or access to expertise. Buy your tickets.