Social Enterprise Goes to the Mall on Nov. 28-30
It’s been proven before: a business can earn and prosper even when it exists primarily to alleviate a social problem. Just look at microfinance and its impact on poverty, for example. Similarly, products infused with social, ecological and ethical appeal can also enjoy a distinct market advantage. Think Body Shop, Starbucks or even local brands Mang Inasal, Binalot, Mountain Maid and EchoStore.
So what makes a social enterprise viable in the long run?
Sustainable social enterprise—already one of the year’s hot topics in civic, academic and business circles—will be further demystified when the social development sector holds a year-end Social Enterprise Exhibit and Forum Series from Nov. 28-30, 2011 at SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City.
Over 30 participating social enterprise booths will be selling wares produced by Filipino rural communities. Talks and consultations will also be held at the exhibition floor on topics like market matching, product design, packaging, financing and linking up with reputable suppliers and buyers.
Attendance to all social enterprise forums is free.
The event coincides with the 10th annual Social Development Week celebration. It aims to provide a venue for the general public to see the various facets of civil society organizations (CSOs)—as advocates, implementers of development programs, and social entrepreneurs working to achieve sustainable impact particularly in reducing poverty. Also on tap are a youth talent competition and photo contest-exhibit.
On Day 1 (Nov. 28), “Seeing Eye to Eye With the Marketplace” will assert the importance of responding to real demand or a market gap, conforming to industry standards, and satisfying the foremost needs of consumers. In the afternoon, “Meet the New Middleman” will showcase enlightened traders and bulk buyers who consolidate products while fostering fair and transparent trade.
On Day 2 (Nov. 29), technology experts with a heart for social enterprise will show how “Online Marketing” is neither expensive nor complicated—especially when it is done right. The afternoon session on “Product Design and Packaging for Social Enterprises” will inform social entrepreneurs how they can delight customers with their innovations by fulfilling some design fundamentals, understanding seasonal demand, and adapting user-friendly packaging styles.
“Financing the Social Entrepreneur” on Day 3 (Nov. 30) will discuss what benchmarks would be required for social enterprises to secure capital. This topic will try to shed light on the current financing modes available to social enterprises and how they can qualify for such funding—whether technical grants, "soft" loans, debt, quasi-equity and equity investments.
Finally, “Is There Space for The Youth In Social Enterprise?” on the afternoon of National Heroes Day will explore the possibilities of mainstreaming social enterprise, especially as young people choose this risky career path over upwardly mobile employment in established industries. The session will find out what it will take to drive a critical mass to start a youth-led social enterprise revolution and discuss the barriers to creating innovative start-ups that address social problems.
Social Development Week 2011 is a project of the Caucus of Development NGO Networks, the Peace and Equity Foundation, Foundation for A Sustainable Society Inc., and the Association of Foundations.
