The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) have launched an online resource platform for social entrepreneurs in South Africa.
According to the IDC and SEA, social enterprises are innovative, impact-focused businesses that exist to deliver a specific social or environmental mission. Their profits are reinvested in their mission, providing a dynamic, ethical and more sustainable way of doing business.
The Social Enterprise Connect Community of Practice (CoP) is a new community that seeks to build a strong social enterprise ecosystem, by creating platforms for sharing and learning through peer engagement. According to the IDC and SEA, the CoP is a safe space to discuss needs, problems and possible solutions within the social impact space in South Africa.
When the CoP was conceptualised, the idea was to have an online resource platform dedicated to addressing the needs of South African social entrepreneurs. This year, in support of this development, the British Council has come on board.
All social impact organisations, nonprofit organisations transitioning from donor funding to self-sufficiency, and social enterprises nationwide are invited to register for free on this platform and connect with others working for social change.
A registered CoP member will be able to access collaboration and networking opportunities; access practical tools and resources; access sector information guides; access sector case studies; gain exclusive access to a funder’s database with leads to funding opportunities; and learn and share ideas with like-minded change-makers.
- Compiled by Carin Smith