What advice would you give to someone starting a social enterprise? by STAND

Be passionate about what you do

STANDSuas — 2025-05-26 15:15:46 UTC

Know the root causes of the problem more than you know the solution.

STANDSuas — 2025-05-26 15:24:23 UTC

Know the root causes inside out. The why the problem exists in the first place needs to be greater than the solution the solution will develop

2025-05-26 15:25:04 UTC

2025-05-26 15:25:32 UTC

Treat it like a business from the start so that it doesn’t become an expensive hobby

2025-05-26 15:29:49 UTC

Is the problem solvable? And are you the best person to do it? If you can't answer "yes" to both of these, will you be content with "merely" making things better?

Be gentle with yourself, small wins are as important as big wins

2025-05-26 15:37:32 UTC

Be clear on your own worth and what the role of your Board will be. Get the governance right at the start. Then lean into your passion.

2025-05-26 16:46:07 UTC

Mixing Social and Enterprise

2025-05-26 17:20:33 UTC

Keep both parts of your "social" "enterprise" focused and balanced. One will not survive without the other but with good balance, informed and focus management, both can thrive, delivering beneficial impact

FALL IN LOVE with the problem you want to solve

2025-05-26 17:23:42 UTC

Understand the root causes inside out

2025-05-26 17:24:14 UTC

2025-05-26 18:06:29 UTC

If a wage for the operators isn’t possible don’t do it unless you want work for free

Remember its a business

2025-06-03 15:47:15 UTC

You need to hone a range of skills. Seek advice from everybody on what supports are out there for you and whilst profit may not be a key motive, without it you can't impact your mission. Read, research and keep talking to people to make sure you know what you need to learn. There is a lot of free business training out there, go find it.