About Motivate to InnovateFAQ's
What is a social entrepreneur? And what’s the difference between a social entrepreneur and a social enterprise?
A social entrepreneur is someone who works in an entrepreneurial manner,
but for public or social benefit, rather than to make money. Social entrepreneurs
may work in ethical businesses, governmental or public bodies, quangos, or
the voluntary and community sector.
While entrepreneurs in the business sector identify untapped commercial markets,
and gather together the resources to break into those markets for profit,
social entrepreneurs use the same skills to different effect. For social
entrepreneurs, untapped markets are people or communities in need, who haven't
been reached by other initiatives. Social entrepreneurs never say "it
can't be done."
In other words -
“A social
entrepreneur is someone with a business
brain and a social
conscience”
The Department of Trade and Industry’s definition of a social enterprise is “A business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.” (Social Enterprise - a strategy for success DTI, 2004 )
How do I access a Motivate to Innovate Programme?
First and foremost contact Motivate to Innovate staff to determine when the next Motivate to Innovate Programme commences. Over the next three years, 5 new M2I programmes will be in operation in four locations throughout Scotland; 2 programmes in Fife and additional programmes in Clackmannan, East Ayrshire and West Lothian.
Do I require any qualifications to access the Programme?
Certainly not – just the passion and motivation to succeed. Participants on a Motivate to Innovate Programme come from all walks of life, Our philosophy is simple. We create a structured programme which is developmental and practical rather than academic.
LINKS & resources
www.sse.org.uk – School
for Social Entrepreneurs
www.senscot.net – Social
Entrepreneurs Network Scotland
www.brag.co.uk – BRAG
Enterprises Ltd
www.ssec.org.uk – Scottish
Social Enterprise Co-alition
www.firstport.org.uk -
Firstport
www.scotland.gov.uk – Scottish
Govt
www.esep.co.uk – East
of Scotland European Partnership
