Program Components
Created to support nonprofits in understanding, developing and capitalizing on social ventures, the Social Enterprise Cohort offers a comprehensive capacity building program within a peer learning network. The curriculum is designed for Colorado nonprofits, with current information/resources, subject-matter experts, and site visits with existing social enterprises to create a truly comprehensive business development experience.
Thanks to the generous support of collaborators and funders of The Exchange, the program cost to area nonprofits is significantly reduced. Fees cover full participation in the 2018 cohort experience as well as the second year of business launch and implementation support services.
2018 Program Dates and Sessions
| February 1 & 2 | Orientation, Meet Your Mentor, Social Gathering, and Setting the Stage |
| March 1 & 2 | Assets, Competencies and Social Enterprise Ideas |
| April 5 & 6 | Narrowing Your Social Enterprise Ideas through Feasibility Scans |
| June 7 & 8 | Full Feasibility Study on Your Top Social Enterprise Concept |
| July 12 & 13 | Business Planning Part 1: The Marketing Mix |
| September 6 & 7 | Business Planning Part 2: The Company; Tax/Accounting, Financing/Funding and Legal Issues |
| October 4 & 5 | Business Plan Development and Pitch Practice |
| November 1 | Graduation and Pitch / Presentation Session |
| What You’ll Get | What This Means for Your Nonprofit |
|---|---|
| 10 month program with knowledge, tools and hands-on experience developing a social enterprise from the ground up. | Your nonprofit will see dramatically increased capacity to create, analyze and design new earned income and social enterprise strategies. |
| Engagement in a peer learning setting with other nonprofit social innovators, funders, guest speakers, advisors and business mentors. | You’ll develop a strong and lasting network of support; a true community of colleagues, trusted advisors and potential customers for your new venture. |
| A well-conceived, fully researched, strategically developed business concept and plan. | You can hit the ground running: funding the business, building your customer base and business launch. |
| Access to funders, impact investors and donors. | You’ll have a pipeline to the funding/financing you need to launch and capitalize your venture. |
| A social enterprise that leverages your assets in support of your social mission. | With a successful model and social venture, your nonprofit will realize a source of unrestricted revenue and a business that creates jobs for your clients or community. |