We are extremely delighted to have a number of amazing organizations join us at SVI Alberta to share their own learnings with the ecosystem. We were able to connect with a few of these attendees who shared with us their involvement in social enterprise and what experiences they would like to share, the challenges they are facing and what they hope to discover at SVI Alberta.
When one hears “entrepreneur”, I’m sure the descriptions of trailblazer, problem-solver, innovator or risk-taker pop into the listener’s head. It becomes a description for someone who is brave and ready slay the dragon but also prepared to be imprisoned by the belly of the beast and make their way out to try again. It means never giving up, fail forward, solve the problem, and make a difference—create real change.
With these admirable traits, who wouldn’t want to be considered an entrepreneur?
Well, here we are again at the close of another summer. I always feel like these months slip right through my hands – which is probably why I’m writing this blog about time management. Over the past few months, I’ve found myself learning my way into innovation and entrepreneurship in a way that is sufficiently self-directed.
As part of the completion of my minor in Indigenous Studies at Mount Royal University, I had the opportunity to study on the island of Hawai’i for three weeks with over 20 other students. We were there to study aloha àina and activism – as it pertains to the Kanaka Maoli communities. In the same vein, I was also there to start building relationships for my business. I had just started my time as a Trico Foundation summer student, and felt that this opportunity would be a great way to delve into some of the specifics around my venture, Sarjesa Inc., and its future growth.
Happy New Year! The start of 2018 gives us the opportunity to reflect and learn from 2017. The past twelve months brought the Trico Charitable Foundation amazing insights such as the evolution of social impact and a rethinking of social entrepreneurship, the first Canadian team to win the Global Challenge Finals in Oxford, England, the 2017 Social EnterPrize Awards, the publishing of 5 case studies, social entrepreneur’s journeys and learnings, and the announcement of the Trico Changemakers Studio.
The Cleaning Solution case study demonstrates a social enterprise that has balanced growth with organizational capacity and competes in a hyper competitive market while staying true to their mandate.