This Week in Social Entrepreneurship

New to social entrepreneurship? Social entrepreneurship veteran but looking to fill in some holes? Then this Social Traders workshop, Introduction to Social Enterprise, may be right for you! This workshop aims to give participants a deeper understanding of social enterprise. Experts will explain the challenges and rewards of working with social enterprises, explore examples of social enterprises and social impact, and outline the social entrepreneurship sector in Australia. You can sign up by sending the registration form to nicci.hutchinson@socialtraders.com.
Here’s your chance to gain support for your solutions to health, social, and environmental challenges facing British Columbian communities. Changemakers, you have until September 12th to enter your idea or nominate an individual or organization that you believe will impact and strengthen BC communities. Visit the Ashoka Changemakers competition page for more information.
Defying conventional wisdom that you must choose between making money and making positive change, student Suzi Sosa of University of Texas at Austin and Deb Bauer of Dell want to share their experience leading the Dell Social Innovation Challenge with you. Their session will feature a dual presentation and a Q&A with the audience. If you’re keen on seeing this panel at SXSW, vote for these young changemakers!
Points of Light is partnering with Village Capital to offer a civic acceleration program focusing on civic ventures. Teams will receive initial investment, mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, access to education, peer support, and brand awareness. Apply here—applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Project Exponential is your chance to connect with people in a new and inspiring way. On Monday, September 17th, step out of your normal routine, reach beyond your comfort zone, and attend this unique event. This atypical networking experience will allow you the meaningful opportunity to connect with strangers, friends, colleagues, and maybe even the girl that held the door open for you at your favorite coffee shop. Project Exponential is unique in that, instead of the typical networking type of event, participants come ready to learn from others and borrow skills from different industries, and leave with some truly meaningful contacts.

Rachael Casagrande

I am currently working towards a BS in Information Design and Corporate Communication at Bentley University. Before college, I hadn’t any idea where I wanted life to take me so I decided to just let the wind blow me around a bit. The following summer, I shipped myself off to Romania through Learning Enterprises where I volunteered running English camps. The children I met there made me realize how much just one hello, one meal, or one hug can really grow change in someone’s life. After coming back to the US I’ve been keeping myself busy working odd jobs, studying and taking every opportunity I can to mesh my business degree with my love for positive change.