Social Enterprise Coaching Program

Background EPIC Founders

Social entrepreneurs play a critical role in community development and social betterment in local and global communities across the globe. In partnership with Libro Credit Union, our Social Enterprise Coaching Program aims to support new and upcoming social entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow a social enterprise through specialized coaching, network boosting, tailored workshops, and explorative opportunities to build their business model.

Successful applicants can expect to receive:

  • $2,000 participation award + the opportunity to pitch at the end of the program to win cash prizes totaling $6,000
  • Access to exclusive workshops, learning seminars, and speaker sessions with distinguished guest speakers
  • Access to EPICentre’s network of experts and community leaders focused on helping participants grow a robust and sustainable social enterprise
  • 1:1 tailored coaching and business support
  • Access to EPICentre co-working space
  • Opportunity to work alongside like-minded social entrepreneurs

This program is valued at over $5,000 and is 100% free of cost to all participants. Applications open December 1, 2022

We look for candidates who have:

  • A basic understanding of social entrepreneurship
  • An impactful vision and understanding of the social and/or environmental problem
  • Revenue (or potential revenue) from the sale of goods or services that funds a significant part of your business model
  • The social purpose organization is (or will be) based in Southwestern Ontario
  • Ability to dedicate 5-10 hours per month for program-related activities

While social enterprises are focused on social, environmental, and cultural returns, they also use business strategies to develop sustainable revenue models, typically through the sale of goods or services.

Non-profits and/or charities are eligible to apply, as long as they demonstrate a social enterprising revenue model. Please note, government funding, grants, donations, fundraisers, etc., are not considered as a social enterprise revenue model.

This program will also be delivered through a hybrid approach of virtual sessions as well as in-person activities. These activities will take place at the University of Windsor EPICentre. All applicants applying to this program must comply with the University of Windsor’s Return to Campus policies. More information can be found at www.uwindsor.ca/returntocampus

The Social Enterprise Coaching Program is specifically designed for aspiring social entrepreneurs looking to learn how to launch and grow a social enterprise.

Participants in this program can look forward to:

  • Inclusive scheduling. We will do our best to schedule meeting dates/times with consideration of all program members. We also appreciate flexibility when working with speakers, mentors, and other program members.
  • Hybrid activities. In addition to inclusive scheduling, this program will also offer activities virtually and in-person. These activities include workshops, group meetings, speaker highlight sessions, and more.
  • Coaching. Each participant will meet regularly 1:1 with an experienced and dynamic social enterprise coach. Your coach will give you targeted advice and recommendations, help guide you in some of the questions you might have, listen to your ideas, and give honest feedback.
  • Networking. In this program, you will have the opportunity to work alongside like-minded folks who are passionate about social and environmental change. We often have in-depth group discussions rooted in shared experiences, stories, triumphs, and challenges social entrepreneurs face.

Social enterprises selected for this program will receive:

  • $2,000 participation award upon successful completion of the program
  • Opportunity to pitch at the end of the program for the chance to win cash prizes totaling $6,000
  • Access to exclusive workshops, learning seminars, and speaker sessions with distinguished guest speakers
  • 1:1 tailored coaching, advisory services, and business support
  • Free access to our co-working space

Applications for this program are now closed, thank you for your interest in the Libro Social Enterprise Coaching Program

Application Dates

  • Application open: Thursday, December 1, 2022
  • Application close: Friday, January 20, 2023
  • Applicant interviews/pitch: Monday, January 23, and Tuesday, January 24, 2023 (virtually)
  • Final candidates selected on: Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Applicant interviews/pitch details

  • All applicants will be asked to meet with the screening committee as part of the application process. Applicants are not required (but you can if you’d like) to prepare a formal PowerPoint presentation. Scheduling information will be sent in advance.

 

Key Program Dates

  • Program start date & orientation: Monday, February 6, 2023 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm (in-person)
  • Program end date & final pitch competition: Friday, May 26, 2023
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QUESTIONS

Contact Sydney.Thompson@uwindsor.ca with any questions.