By Tracey Ford, JAGS Foundation
One year ago I sat nervously in the offices of School for Social Entrepreneurs – applying for a place on the first ‘Power Up’ course for social entrepreneurs. I had no idea what was meant by ‘social change makers’, I just knew that I wanted to be part of this exciting new programme.
In the unlikely event that you missed it, there was a budget this week. I’m still reeling from the news that the tonic in a gin and tonic will qualify for the sugar tax, which has displeased me so much that I have decided to draft my own budget. It makes no mention of things like inflation, fiscal targets or deficit forecasts because while I understand that those things are important they are actually quite boring and I’m not always sure what they actually mean.
Enjoy the news…
A key part of our programmes are ‘Witness sessions’ when students hear from inspirational speakers (witnesses) who have first-hand experience of the issues our students are facing. Like witnesses in a law court they give testimony about what it’s really like to start and grow social organisations. Our Witnesses are some of the most inspirational entrepreneurs around who take time out of their very busy lives to help our social entrepreneurs. We’d like you to meet them and be inspired!
Meet: Mary Murphy, Project Leader, The Human Touch
As the availability of grants has diminished over recent years an increasing number of charities (and social enterprises) are looking at trading as a model for generating income: selling products or services on the open market for profit.
Ahead of next month’s Transition to Trading course at SSE London here is a presentation that Ian Baker, our Head of Learning, delivered to a number of charities in Luton that were hoping to move away from grant dependence towards a more sustainable business model:
Sun is shining, the weather is sweet
Make you want to move your dancing feet
To the rescue, here I am
Want you to know ya, where I stand.
I’m actually not standing (I’m sitting at my desk), but the sun certainly is shining, the weather is indeed sweet and it’s Friday so I’m in a very good mood and I hope that you are too. I wouldn’t in any way claim to be rescuing you but I can deliver a decent lot of news this week, so enjoy and have a good weekend.
