Social Enterprise 101

Can a business make money and change the world at the same time? Social enterprises think so.

As part of the UCL Entrepreneurship Summit, step into the Social Enterprise programme for a hands-on, one-hour crash course in the world of purpose-driven business. Whether you've got a world-changing idea brewing or you're just curious about what "social enterprise" actually means, this workshop is your starting point.

🕓 Duration: 1 hour
📍 Location: Base KX
💡 Suitable for: Beginner friendly, no prior knowledge needed
💬 Led by: SU Social Impact Team aka experts in connecting you with causes you care about 

In one hour, we'll cover:

• What a social enterprise really is, and how it differs from a charity or a traditional business
• The tension between profit and purpose, and where real companies sit on the spectrum, from Patagonia and The Big Issue to Who Gives A Crap
• How social enterprises work in practice, exploring the different business and impact models that make them tick
• Rapid prototyping, where you'll turn everyday waste into a business idea in a fast, messy, and genuinely fun group challenge
• How to measure impact, and why good intentions aren't enough without it
• How to get involved with social enterprise at UCL and beyond

Expect discussion, a bit of friendly competition, and plenty of real-world examples. No prior experience needed, just bring your curiosity and your creativity.

FAQs

I know basically nothing about social enterprise. Can I still come?

Please do! This workshop was made for you.

We’ll start from the beginning, so there’s no expectation that you know the terminology, have volunteered before, or can produce a ten-year plan for your social enterprise. 

I already know what I care about and have some experience contributing to social causes. Would this still be useful for me?

Absolutely! While our workshop is beginner friendly, we'll also dive into some specific examples of the challenges faced by purpose driven businesses to help you deepen your focus and understanding. Plus, it's an opportunity to grow your social impact community and make new friends and allies in your work.

I'm a bit nervous. What if I don't know anyone?

You definitely aren't the only one! 

Our super-fun team (zero bias) will be there throughout, and they’ve designed the session to make getting to know people considerably easier. There’s also zero pressure to speak if you don’t want to. You can listen, join in when you feel like it, and participate as much or as little as feels comfortable.

I have an access need that's not covered by your event description. What should I do?

Please email us at [email protected] and we'll do whatever we can to accommodate your needs. Here's some examples of how we've supported students in the past:

• Guide person to collect you from public transport or other point of arrival
• Large-text or dyslexia friendly printed materials provided 
• BSL interpreter on-site