As Catalyst 2030 acknowledges, its approach is not a one-size fits all. We will use their principles and suggestions in a way that fits the work we do while continuing to reflect upon the assessment results, learning, and receiving ongoing feedback from the community we serve.
Happy New Year! The start of 2023 gives us the opportunity to reflect and learn from 2022. Although 2022 came with its challenges, the past twelve months were busy, historic, and made great progress in advancing both social entrepreneurship and Calgary’s role as a hub for social entrepreneurship.
This year’s NU national awards competition featured six finalists for the awards. The NU Community Board offered two primary prizes: The Board Award ($25,000) and the Audience Vote Award ($25,000). In a surprise turn of events, we also decided to award each finalist who did not receive a primary prize an award of $5,000.
Namada was created through the collective wisdom of a Social Impact Working Group consisting of the Government of Alberta, AB Seed, and several key community partners, including the Social Enterprise Fund, Trico Foundation, and United Way Calgary. The group committed to lengthy, ongoing conversations over the course of a year to really dig deep into how they might better support and understand the social enterprise ecosystem in Alberta.
Founded in 1992, Women in Need Society (WINS) is Calgary’s homegrown thrift charity, providing basic needs resources and support to women and their families. WINS has been supporting women and children in our community for over 30 years and has grown from one thrift store location to six across Calgary, in addition to their Donation Centre. In 2020 they launched a bulk thrift store, MORE Store! along with an online thrift box service, TwiceNEW.
Are you curious about social enterprise? Trying to figure out how to solve a social problem using a business model? What burning questions do you have?
At these Ask Me Anything about Social Entrepreneurship sessions, a team of experienced professionals will be available to answer your questions (or help you find the resource you are looking for).