School for Social

Entrepreneurs
A way forward for Ontario?
 Agenda

• Social Entrepreneurship - concept and definitions

• Overview of SSE UK
• The SSE Approach
• The SSE Model
• Considerations for an Ontario-made SSE
 Social Entrepreneurship -
concepts and definitions
Private/
Business

Social Entrepreneurs

Public/ Volunteer/
Gov’t NFP

• A social entrepreneur is someone who works in an entrepreneurial

manner, but for public or social benefit, rather than to make money.
(School for Social Entrepreneurs)

• Social entrepreneurs are individuals with innovative solutions to

society’s most pressing social problems. They are ambitious and
persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for
wide-scale change. (Ashoka)

• Social entrepreneurs are innovative problem-solvers who (typically)

take a sustainable and business-minded approach to solving
persistent social issues. (Return on good)
 Social Entrepreneurship
Education

Third Sector Support Business Support Academic Programs

* Seminars * Consultants * MBA / Executive
* Training Sessions * One-to-One Advice * Theoretical
* Infrastructure * Business Oriented * Long-term
 About the SSE
History & Growth
• Established in 1997 by Michael Young
• 10 schools across the UK and 1 in Australia.
• 8 to 25 students, per location, <400 Fellows or graduates

Students
• Diverse, driven and committed
• Range in age from 19-75
• Involved in or launching a community-based project or organization

Tuition and Funding

• £ 6,000 to 8,500 GBP or $22,500 AUD
• Grants and bursaries
• 3rd party funding: individuals, businesses, foundations, government
 The SSE Approach
Year-long “Action Learning” Program

Peer Learning Sessions

Practical Learning
Expert Witness Sessions
Practitioner-Led
Project Visits & Residential Blocks
Peer Support
Personal Tutors & Mentors
Personalization
Fellowship Network & Staff
 Action Learning

Act Recall & Insights Next Next

Reflect Steps? Action

• Small group meetings in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

• Students can be open and honest.
• Learn from each others' experiences. Action and reflection.

• Underpinned by training in essential skills (fundraising, marketing, business).

 Case Study
SSE Australia
Curriculum: 1 year over 34 days
• 16 study sessions including a 3-day residential stay
• 6 Action learning sets
• 6 one-to-one tutorials
• 4 mentoring sessions
• 6 project visits

Cost: $22,500 AUD ($20,500 CAD)

Funding: Private foundations, charitable trusts, NFPs, donated space

Enrollment: 18 students

Staff: 6 staff + Founding Partner Working Group

CEO, Program Director, Communications Manager, Operations Officer, Program Officer (x2)
 Benefits
Confidence & credibility
Supportive & collaborative environment
Build network of meaningful contacts
Personal & organizational growth
Job & volunteer creation
Skill / knowledge transfer
Sustainability / financial success

•85% of all organizations established whilst at the SSE are still in existence
• For every 10 Fellows, 30 jobs and 69 volunteering positions are created
• 88% of individuals experience a growth in confidence & leadership skills
• 75% said they made at least 10 meaningful contacts
• 24,000 direct beneficiaries from programs
 Feedback
“It has left me with a support
network that I call on when it gets
65 % felt more tough.”
able to influence
decision-makers

“...it instilled in funders that I am a 52% are still

professional person and leader/director
understand my business...” of their
organization

“I also pass on my skills to groups

I work with so they can apply for
funding...
88% experienced
a growth in
confidence “I gained new ideas and different
perspectives - I no longer tried to
be a manager, having realised I am
not one.”
 The SSE Model
Operates as a “social franchise”
Local independent, community-led agencies
Annual licensing fee of £10,000 & annual operating cost £ 200,000
Brand, fundraising, curriculum, training, networking, quality control and reputation

CORE SERVICES

• Quality System & Best Practice Guide

• Strategic Planning & Budgeting
• Branding (literature + materials + templates)
• Electronic resources / networking
• Curriculum / Program outlines
• Media and PR
• Staff training & support
• Reputation
An Ontario-made SSE?
Who might it attract?
What impact might it have?
Where might it be located?
How might it operate?

Most of all, why do we need one?