Are you a social entrepreneur looking for workspace or financial support? Or do you want to network better or further your education? Then this article on social entrepreneurship might be helpful.
The theory: Social Entrepreneurship Akademie
“Education for Societal Change” – under this motto the Social Entrepreneurship Akademie (SEA) has been supporting social entrepreneurs and those who want to become one since 2010. different qualification programs. Founders also receive funding tailored specifically to their needs: From SEA: Act for Impact, a funding award for social enterprises, about the start-up support SEA:incubate up to the six-week scaling program SEA:accelerate for female founders.
The founding of the SEA as a network organization was initiated by the Entrepreneurship Centers of the four Munich universities. When asked what the SEA particularly values in its collaboration with startups, Kristina Notz:
"We're open-minded about the topics and usually support startups for between three and nine months. It's important to us that they work as a team and have a clear focus on the impact of their work. Furthermore, they shouldn't forget that they also need to be financially viable in order to be able to expand their impact in the long term."
The association: Social Entrepreneurship Network Germany eV
The Social Entrepreneurship Network Germany (SEND) was founded in 2017. The association's mission is to improve the framework conditions for social enterprises in Germany. It also offers social entrepreneurs the opportunity to network nationwide. Founding and board member Markus Sauerhammer on the reasons for creating SEND:
"The core objectives of SEND are to connect the social entrepreneurship sector, work toward further professionalization, and provide greater visibility for stakeholders. We are also working with politicians and ministries to further develop the framework."
As an instrument to measure the status quo of social enterprises in Germany and to provide an outlook for further developments, SEND, together with the Otto von Guericke University, developed the German Social Entrepreneurship Monitor (DSEM), which is published annually. The study examines the structures, processes, and concrete goals of social enterprises in Germany.
Further information about SEND
The Space: Impact Hub Munich
A hotspot for Munich's social entrepreneurs is located in Sendling. Impact Hub Munich is the place where community-oriented entrepreneurs and businesspeople from the Bavarian capital come together to work. The Impact Hub is far more than a coworking space in the traditional sense. The hub is characterized not only by lively community exchange, but also offers its members support and consulting services. The Impact Hub founders Joscha Lautner and Johann Schorr say:
"A traditional startup needs paying customers, must acquire growth capital, and generate revenue. For startups focused on the common good, things are somewhat different. They also need a clear definition of what community-oriented business means to them and how they intend to reflect this in their business practices. In this sense, social startups face a double challenge, so to speak, because they not only need to know how they will raise money, but also how they intend to reconcile their project with their non-profit status. This is certainly somewhat more difficult than in other sectors. Nevertheless, it is important that startups in social entrepreneurship can be self-sustaining in the long term, i.e., they do not have to rely permanently on donations."
The network: Ashoka
Ashoka supports social entrepreneurs worldwide in spreading their ideas. The organization's goal is to work with fellows and partners to improve the framework conditions for social entrepreneurs and social ideas in Germany and around the world—from recognition and funding opportunities to systematic cooperation with the public sector. Katharina Hinze, Coordinator of the Ashoka selection process, explains:
"We are looking for ideas that tackle a social problem at its root. For people who change our perspective on the issue. The central criterion for selection as an Ashoka Fellow is the "new idea." We want to support those who have found an effective solution that no one else has turned before. We want to enable them, with support and professional guidance, to continue to turn this solution and spread their solution throughout Germany. At the same time, we also want to demonstrate role models of how to work intelligently for the common good."
Ashoka Fellows receive mentoring, access to a global network, and need-based living stipends.
