Six opportunities for social enterprises
Online platform Social Shifters is just one of a range of opportunities for social enterprises in August and September.
There’s no doubt it’s been a tough year for businesses, and we’re not out of the woods yet! Whilst there’s lots of Government support available, there are plenty of other opportunities too – including several that we’re really proud to be offering at Ākina.
To make it easy to work out what’s on offer through Ākina in August and September we’ve pulled together six opportunities for social enterprises and other impact-driven businesses into one article. Have a read, one of these opportunities might lead to something game-changing!
Find some funding
1. Apply for the Impact Investment Readiness Programme
This is a great opportunity for impact-driven businesses that could use some funding to help them get ready to take on investment. This year, thanks to our programme partners Kiwibank, The Tindall Foundation and WEL Energy Trust there is $250,000 worth of funding to give out.
Successful applicants can access up to $30,000 to spend on professional services to prepare for a capital raise. We’re running a rolling application window this year, which means that applications are being considered as they are submitted – so try to get your application in early! Applications close 1 November or when the funding runs out.
2. Apply for a Rotary Kickstart Grant
Ākina are proud to have joined forces with our two Rotary partners to offer the Rotary Kickstart Grants for the fifth year running! We’re working with Rotary Newmarket and Rotary Wellington to distribute three grants of $3,000, $7,000 and $10,000 to emerging social enterprises in the North Island.
Limited grant funding means this is a competitive process, with judging by Rotary and Ākina. To enter, record a three minute video and answer a few questions about your great idea! Applications close 13 September.
Business strategy and support
3. Access support to pivot, develop your strategy or impact model
Need to change things up to get ahead? Ākina is now offering three Covid-19 Capability Support services through the nationwide Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN) which are either free or heavily subsidised.
If the Covid-19 crisis has got you thinking about your business model , 100% funding is available to cover ‘pivot coaching’ with Ākina. This will provide support with business strategy to identify opportunities to pivot or create new revenue streams.
We’ve also developed two new coaching services for social and impact enterprises that want to improve their impact management through either a workshop with a group of 4-5 social enterprises or through one-on-one coaching for more established enterprises and other businesses. Both of these services are 50% funded by the RBPN.
To access the support you’ll need to register for the RBPN (which involves meeting certain criteria), followed by a conversation with an RBPN Growth Advisor in your region – asking them to refer you to Ākina.
4. Sign up for Social Shifters
Have you checked out Social Shifters yet? Our recently launched NZ version of the international online platform is free to join, and features tools and resources to help you along your impact journey. It’s aimed at social enterprises, but there’s helpful stuff on there for other businesses thinking about ways they can have a positive impact too.
Originally developed by our friends in Canada at the Social Enterprise Institute, an NZ version of Social Shifters is being trialed as part of The Impact Initiative. It includes a news feed on articles and opportunities that we’ll be updating regularly, so it’s worth checking back every so often to see what’s new.
Create connections
5. Take part in the Social Enterprise World Forum and Aotearoa Conversations
The Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) is being run online this year, which makes it more accessible than ever. Just like other years, there will be a huge range of inspiring business leaders and visionaries coming together to share challenges and ideas from 21 - 25 September. Ākina and The Impact Initiative are proud to be a sponsor of the event.
This year your ticket to SEWF Digital will also give you access to some New Zealand specific content and online events through the Aotearoa Conversations.
Need a bursary ticket to SEWF Digital? Tickets range from £29 - £78 (much cheaper than a flight halfway around the world!) However, if you’re 25 and under, or you’re from a business that’s been hit hard by Covid-19 you can apply to receive a free ticket from our SEWF sponsors bursary fund.
If you’d like to help us grow the bursary fund by booking a paid ticket use this link to book and a portion of your ticket fee will be directed to the bursary fund. Every five paid tickets booked creates one free ticket for someone who needs it!
Book your ticket
6. Get your enterprise Fwd certified
If you’re an impact-driven business and you sell your products and services directly to businesses, you could become a Fwd certified social enterprise supplier and part of the Fwd social procurement marketplace.
Once certified, you’ll be able to access social procurement capability support and networking events where we’ll connect you to potential buyers. Certification is free for a limited time, and a great way to keep your enterprise (and your impact) moving forward…