David Linton from Madlug who brought his idea of ‘Make a Difference’ luggage to fruition through adopting a ‘buy one give one’ approach to his products.
The ‘Start Your Social Enterprise – Make a Difference’ workshop takes place on Tuesday March 5th, and will explore how businesses across a range of sectors are making a big impact through this growing industry.
Contributing £60 billion to the economy and employing two million people in the UK, Social enterprises are now creating jobs and transforming communities.
Businesses share their success by channelling some of their profits towards creating positive social change through a variety of creative and innovative ideas.
The workshop will offer the opportunity to hear from established social entrepreneurs and innovators, including David Linton from Madlug.
David brought his idea of ‘Make a Difference’ luggage to fruition through adopting a ‘buy one give one’ approach to his products.
This provides children moving within the foster care system with special hold-alls to transport their belongings with dignity.
The workshop is followed in the afternoon by the Social Enterprise Innovation Seed Fund Competition event.
Budding social entrepreneurs will be pitching their ideas to a panel of judges in a bid to win the Derry City and Strabane District Council Social Enterprise Innovation Seed Fund.
£2,000 is up for grabs to support any local individual or group with a creative social enterprise idea they want to get off the ground.
There is still time to apply for the competition before the deadline of 25th February, go to www.derrystrabane.com/socialenterprise
Business Development Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Louise Breslin, said the events offer a real opportunity for social entrepreneurs to access advice and support.
“I think people are becoming more conscious that a certain level of social responsibility should accompany success, and that simple but innovative ideas can have a major impact with little cost to growing businesses,” she explained.
“These enterprises are thriving in all sectors, from consumer goods to healthcare, community energy to creative agencies, so the potential is there for any company hoping to take a socially responsible approach to developing their business.
“We will have people on hand to share their own experiences and ideas and can provide some support and advice for anyone with an idea they want to bring to fruition.”
The Social Enterprise Workshop will take place on March 5, from 10am -12noon, at Strabane District Caring, 32-36 Bridge St, Strabane, followed by the Social Enterprise Seed Fund competition at 1pm.
To find out more about these events, and the whole host of workshops, talks and networking opportunities taking place during Enterprise Week go to www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek
