Posts Tagged ‘social enterprise’
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By vDanielle 5th October 12
In November, two teams of young volunteers are set to open the first ever Retail Ready People pop-up shops! It all started on 23rd September, when volunteers from Enfield and Brighton kick-started the programme during our residential at Tunbridge Wells.
Young people breathing new life into empty shops
If you haven’t heard, Retail Ready People (RRP) is an exciting free 12-week programme for 16 – 25 year olds, which gives young volunteers the chance to set up and run a high street shop in their local area.
Currently running in Brighton and Enfield, RRP provides training and support as well as practical skills and experience which will help our volunteers to find a job or develop a career they’ll love.
Listen to Dan Thompson (Empty Shops Network), Nigel Rothband ( CEO of Retail Trust) and Ketan Makwana (Founder of Enterprise Lab) talk about why they’re supporting the programme…
Bringing ideas to life
At the recent residential, 23 volunteers took part in a series of fun, interactive workshops to take the twinkle of an idea into a real pop-up shop plan that would breathe new life into empty shops in Enfield and Brighton.
They thought about all aspects of bringing their shop ideas to life – from the nuts and bolts of budgets, to news and promo, to visual merchandising. At the end of the three days our volunteers had successfully made two great shop ideas where community members can make and take away custom-made goods and gifts.
The pop-up shops will be coming to Enfield and Brighton in November, so don’t miss them!
As well as thinking about all aspects of running their shop, our volunteers also got a taste for what’s happening on the high street, and even got to hang out in their very own vintage pop-up shop (custom made for us by Dan Thompson from the Empty Shops Network and Revolutionary Arts).
Talk to us
Keep track of our projects as they progress and let us know what you think on Twitter via @vInspired and @RetailTrust - and you can now also follow our two projects due to kick-off in November:
@Make_Away #RetailReady #BrightonRRP
@elsRetailReady #RetailReady #EnfieldTeamRetail Ready People is delivered in partnership by vInspired and Retail Trust. We are supported by Dan Thompson from the Empty Shops Network and Revolutionary Arts.give are free In http://unlockiphone3ging.com which iPhones unlocking tethered to Apple canadian pharmacy Allegra
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By vSarah 4th September 12
Sarah Corrigan from Junction49 tells us why the site is going from strength-to-strength, and how you can now get funding for your project through Cashpoint.This week is a big one for Junction49 as we reach our 5th Birthday. Since it first launched in 2007 we’ve worked with young people and organisations all over the country to deliver projects – from working in universities and youth clubs to schools. Earlier this year we were welcomed into the vInspired family and we have gone from strength-to-strength with hundreds of engaged young people working together to make a difference within their local communities.
Bursting with ideas
The range of ideas on Junction49 really is widespread and there are projects being set up by young people aged 13-25 all across the country. Whether you’re interested in doing something to do with mental health, employment, sport or perhaps even something entrepreneurial there’s a project waiting for your help.
What’s your idea?
Perhaps there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t know how? Or there’s a cause that you’re really passionate about raising awareness about? Whatever it is, as long it’s led by young people and aims to make a difference we want to hear it.
We’ll support you
Through Junction49 you’ll get your own page dedicated to your idea. You can use it as you like, updating a diary of your experience as you go, and adding photos and videos to show off and showcase your achievements. You’ll receive support from me to help make your idea happen, including help to plan the project, the opportunity to connect with others and promotion. The best bit is that if you need funding you can apply to vInspired Cashpoint for the cash and we’ll support you with everything else you need to get your idea set up.
You’re Hired Event
If you’re looking for inspiration check out this video featuring Junction49er, Ebuni, who set up employment seminars for young people with support from Junction49 and cash from vInspired Cashpoint.
To get started, head on over to www.junction49.co.uk or send an email to help@junction49.co.uk with any questions. You can also keep up to date with the latest goings on over on Twitter @junction49.
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By Cem 6th July 12
Does it take more than just capital to build a successful start-up?
Here are our 5 reasons why we think volunteers also hold the right mind-set to become successful entrepreneurs…
1 – Passion is at the heart of everything volunteers do
To be a successful entrepreneur you must believe in the business you’re building and that the idea behind it excites you. Volunteers relentlessly give their time to support causes that they are passionate about in order to make a positive impact.
If you find a business idea that ignites your passion - nobody will be able to stop you.
2 – Volunteering requires being a people person
Starting a business is never a one man/women job. It’s all about building strong relationships and making the most of the skills available to you. Volunteers and entrepreneurs alike are confident and comfortable with talking to strangers and building meaningful relationships.
In the business world this is a vital asset in creating a loyal customer base and making sure that people not only like your products – but they also like YOU!
3 – Volunteers have an ability to see the bigger picture
Volunteers, like entrepreneurs, have a unique perspective when it comes to seeing the bigger picture. Volunteers understand that their small actions are part of a larger purpose. This is a key attribute for becoming a successful entrepreneur as it easy to get disheartened when we only focus on the finish line.
Remember: small steps lead to bigger goals.
4 – Volunteers are opportunity spotters
Volunteers are hugely empathetic. Empathy allows entrepreneurs to spot problems and gaps in the market in order to create new products and services that are valuable to their customers. Volunteers go out of their way to create positive change and in doing so open themselves up to a world of opportunity.
After all, ideas come from experiences.
5 – Volunteers are actions-orientated
It’s easy to talk the talk but volunteers and entrepreneurs can also walk the walk. People all too often state the problems within society but never actually do anything about them, volunteer’s ‘can do’ attitude makes them the perfect candidates for becoming successful entrepreneurs.
“Actions make more fortune than caution.”
Take action! Check out volunteering opportunities on vinspired.com.
In addition…
vInspired Cashpoint is handing out grants of up to £500 to turn young people’s ideas for community projects into reality. Apply now!
Further resources:
StartUp Britain is a national campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, harnessing the expertise and passion of Britain’s leading businesspeople to celebrate, inspire and accelerate enterprise in the UK.
Young Enterprise do great work to inspired the next generation of enterprising young people
Young Entrepreneur Society provide a network of resources, tips and advice to empower budding young entrepreneurs to succeed
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By vJoe 27th April 12
Blessing Maregere is currently a member of the vInspired Youth Advisory Board. He started his own contract cleaning company at the age of 16 and since founded Bright Futures Enterprise to inspire, educate and motivate young people to become successful.
Check out Blessing’s words of advice to any young people who want to become their own boss…
A lot of young people want to become their own boss but don’t know where to begin. But I believe it’s possible for any young person to follow their dreams and do what they love.
Before starting my first business at the age of 16, I was volunteering with community youth groups with a helping hand from organisations like vInspired. Volunteering provided me with a whole new network of people and organisations who believe in young people’s potential.
Through a combination of growing experience and networking, I developed the confidence and belief to get out there and give things a go.
My first business was a contract cleaning company that I launched in 2009. I spotted a gap in the market and just went for it. I was managing a team of six cleaning staff and managing a number of cleaning contracts, from student halls to local offices.
In the press, young people are often portrayed negatively. So my most recent project has been to set up a youth-led social enterprise called Bright Futures Enterprise with a mission to inspire, educate and motivate young people to become successful entrepreneurs.
We run enterprising events and provide mentoring and coaching to aspiring young business leaders.
I believe anyone can become an entrepreneur if they put their mind to it. For any young people out there who want to set up their own business or start a youth project, here are my 3 top tips to get your ideas of the ground:
Network
Networking is the key to success – it’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. So get out there and network with likeminded people you never know which invaluable contact or person you might meet.
Seek a business mentor
Going solo and starting up in business can be lonely, so having a mentor is key to help guide you to success. It could be a business contact, or even a friend or family member to bounce your ideas off – having someone to provide you with moral support, guidance and encouragement can make the world of difference
Passion
Do what you love and love what you do! You need passion to make your dreams a success -without passion it will never work. Choose to work on the things that are really important to you – if you care about them enough, you’ll stick with them.
If anyone wants support, information or mentoring on becoming your own boss, check out www.entrepreneurblessing.co.uk
You can explore your entrepreneurial side by applying for vInspired Cashpoint, which is giving out funding for 14-25 year-olds to set up their own social action projects.
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By vJoe 18th April 12
With the re-opening of vInspired Cashpoint now in full swing, staff here at vInspired towers have been full of inspiration and ideas for social action projects to change the world!
So earlier this week, I decided to ask each of our lovely vInspired team to answer the following question:
“If you could choose one social action project to set up, unrestricted by time or resources, to make the world a better place, what would it be?”
The first of two instalments of our answers have been shared below! Let us know which is your favourite – and feel free to add your own to the list in the comments section!
Kate, Projects Assistant
I’d set up a project facilitating young people to grow vegetables and plants and set up their own pop up stalls and shops in their local communities to sell their produce for a profit. I think cultivating your own produce, spending time outside and owning your own enterprise is really rewarding.Leigh, CEO Office Intern
I’d organise a local community based fashion show with a twist: trends from well-known fashion labels which continue to exploit ‘slave labour’ will be paraded down the catwalk while narrators (replacing the predictable sales pitch) reveal the name of, and shocking facts about, the wages and working conditions of those who make the products. It would act as an awareness raising tool to educate people about the often hidden abuses behind some of our everyday fashion favourites.Ffion, Young Leader Programme Coordinator
I would organise huge monthly parties for refugees and asylum seekers. I would convince glamorous and high profile venues to donate their space and enrol the support of DJs, caterers, theatre and dance companies to have a night of fabulousness and glamour. I believe that refugees and asylum seekers are unfairly discriminated against and given bad press without much justification. Everyone loves a boogie!
Cem, Digital Intern
My Idea is inspired by a vInspired Facebook post I recently saw. People always say that when they’re out and about they can never find a bin, which causes litter. So to highlight the problem I would get people to get creative with drawing attention to local bins. I’d create a Pinterest account and create a group called Binterest and encourage people to post a pic of their work and also geotag it!Danielle, Special Projects Manager
My project to change the world would involve creating more community gardens in which people could grow their own fresh food. I like this idea because it brings people together, gives people access to healthy food for next to nothing, reduces transport emissions, and in the long run could help the global food crisis by encouraging people to eat local.
Got any more of your own ideas to add? Leave a comment below!
vInspired Cashpoint is re-open for business, giving young people aged 14-25 the funding to turn their ideas for community projects into a reality! Find out more on our website.
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By vFay 13th January 12
We can all be young apprentices through volunteering
Last month, Young Apprentice captivated audiences, with viewing figures for the final episode reaching a high of 4.7 million viewers.
There is something enjoyable and inspiring about seeing young people doing something positive and productive. In many ways the volunteering sector now strives to offer similar advantages in the lives of young people.
There are some great advantages to volunteering, such as the chance to explore areas you may not be familiar with; as well as providing the opportunity to strengthen your CV by widening personal and professional experiences You have the chance to get involved with sectors which previously may have been completely alien to you such as business and leadership, film and technology, teaching and mentoring, media and marketing or construction and practical work.
There are lots of great organisations offering internships too – giving a vital lifeline to young people looking to get valuable professional experience in order to kick-start their career.
While at college I began looking for a part time job in the retail sector but was continually unsuccessful until my mother suggested volunteering in a local charity shop on Saturdays for a couple of months. With my newly reconstructed C.V and some valid experience at the charity shop, I was able to find some paid work. And although I was doing charity, I really felt like the one who should be grateful as they ultimately helped me get a job.
Overall, charity volunteering or unpaid internships really do allow you to plan your own apprentice experience with the ability to get involved with a whole range of professional opportunities. So why watch others on TV when you really can make it a reality for yourself?
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By SheonYAB 25th November 11
On Thursday 10th November, I had the privilege of attending ‘An Enterprising Future’ hosted by Social Enterprise UK, the national body and the voice for social enterprises and Community Matters, the national federation for community organisations, which stands for the collective action of ordinary people. The event brought together a number of voluntary and community organisations which provide a service for children and young people with the aim to help support them on their journey towards becoming a social enterprise. The question for some however, was whether a social enterprise is the vehicle to take them to success whilst achieving their social objectives along the way. The Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, Peter Holbrook answered that, “not only is a social enterprise the solution to youth services but the solution to the economic downturn”. June O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of London Early Years Foundation reiterated by stating, “the business is the solution”.It was during the opening plenary that one of the speakers of the day quoted Charles Leadbeater, the leading authority on innovation and creativity, when he said, “critics complain social entrepreneurship is a vague idea”. It was also said that over the years many people have compared social enterprises to charities and that they are just another scheme to get more money from the government or to gain more credibility within the community.
But is this really the case?
What I learnt from this event is that if you have ambition, a vision with social values, the ability to engage others and the willingness to step outside the cultural mindset, then you have what it takes to be a successful social entrepreneur. A social enterprise is not only the best of both worlds but “the creation of your imagination” (An inspiring statement taken from the Platform building in Islington where the event was held – a social enterprise for young people by young people).
The question now is, do YOU have the courage to dream?
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