WATCH: Social Entrepreneur Index 2022 - Inspiration Sessions
Events & Learning
In a nutshell...
- The Social Entrepreneur Index was launched on 7 April 2022 to celebrate those running purpose-led businesses.
- 55 Entrepreneurs across the UK were recognised in the index alongside 23 promising ones to watch.
- Social enterprise leaders and experts were invited to share their insights at the launch event including Anj Handa, Sara Osterholzer and Rhea Fofana.
The Social Entrepreneur Index 2022 launched at an online event with inspiring talks, networking, and lively Q&A sessions. We've rounded up the day’s sessions from those involved in the index as they share invaluable tips and personal journeys into social entrepreneurship including Anj Handu who talked about how to start a social enterprise, Rhea Fotana who discussed attracting investment for your purpose led business and Sara Osterholzer who give hints and tips about managing your mental health.
The thriving social enterprise sector is growing steadily, and as more people turn to this model, skills and experiences are being shared by in a truly collaborative and supportive sector. The Social Entrepreneur Index has the support of ambassadors and industry experts who kindly shared their expertise to show how social entrepreneurs can make an impact on a local and international level.
The 2022 Index campaign is the third of its kind and is led by UMi and supported by Social Enterprise Mark, The School for Social Entrepreneurs, Inspiring Women Changemakers, Social Enterprise Scotland, The Good Business Club, Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, and Social Enterprise Acumen.
A panel of judges selected 55 social entrepreneurs for this year's index alongside 23 promising ones to watch who were well on their way to achieving great things in the sector.
The index was announced at a special event on 7 April 2022, which also saw the launch of the Social Entrepreneur Index digital publication.
Watch the presentations here:
1
Anj Handa - Inspiring women changemakers
Anj’s mission is to give other changemakers the communications skills, connections and launchpad to campaign effectively, with the help that they need. That’s where Inspiring Women Changemakers comes in. They support each other in making the world become a safer, fairer place for women, tackling deep, serious issues yet while still having fun.
Key points:
- Anj talks about her journey, the challenges, and lessons along the way.
- Advice about applying for funding and considerations to make before applying.
- The tips and advice Anj wished she knew when she first started.
“Sometimes challenges in life can be a real blessing”
2
Sara Osterholzer - Dealing with Mental Health and Anxiety
Sara is an impact entrepreneur and a good business optimist, she talked about facing challenges and the benefits of not finding shortcuts. She shared what mental health means and described how the term encompasses cognitive, behavioural and emotional wellbeing she explained how it is all about how people think feel and behave, as an important definition.
Key Points
- Don’t neglect self-care, you can’t pour from an empty cup
- Breaking the taboo around mental health
- Talking about your experience and your needs with others will build, not break connection
“Fearlessness isn’t living life without fear, it is living life in spite of fear”
3
Rhea Fofana - Raising Investement
Rhea is a Portfolio Manager in the investment team at UnLtd, a charity that works with hundreds of social entrepreneurs across the UK each year, supporting current portfolio organisations and building pipelines.
An alumnus of the 'Year Here' social entrepreneurship fellowship, Rhea is working on equitable opportunities for social impact driven organisations in the UK. Here she reveals how social enterprises can raise investment.
Next steps...
- Apply or nominate someone for the Inspiring women Changemakers Igniting Inspiration awards here.
- Understand what might be triggering your mental health, you are much more capable than you think.
- Suggested reading: Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now. - Useful Resources: goodfinance.org.uk, beauhurst.com, seedlegals.com, adventurefinance.