1. Strategic Horizon Network
The Fundamentals of Social Enterprise Rebecca Arno Janney Carpenter David Miller
Describe format – Q&A at the very end
Strategic Horizon Network
June 3, 2019

2. Why Social Enterprise? Social problems: complex and interconnected
Traditional funding: inadequate
“Moving the needle” requires all sectors:
Private business
Government
Nonprofit organizations
Colleges and universities

3. Not a New Approach

4. What is Social Enterprise?
Entrepreneurship
Innovation
Enterprise
“Organizations with a social purpose that earn some or all or their revenue from commercial activities” - Unknown
“Innovative ways that organizations are using and adapting business strategies to advance social and environmental well-being” - Stanford Social Innovation Review
Broadly defined, still open to possibilities

5. Diverse structures/intentions
Nonprofit organizations:
Charitable purpose with hybrid strategy, business activity strengthens mission
Separate division or legal structure under NPO/NGO
Earns significant revenue from business activities that enhance impact
For-profit businesses with commitment:
Social impact is “baked in” (product, business model, ownership, geography)
Example: Public Benefit Corporation – Goals in addition to shareholder returns
Hybrid social enterprises:
Have integrated strategies for market-driven social change
Strive for social impact AND financial sustainability
Have legal commitment to social impact (vs. “socially conscious”)
Range from impact-driven for-profits to enterprising nonprofits

6. Across the Continuum

7. Key Elements of a Successful Social Enterprise
Fall in the love with problem, not solution
Strategic clarity/Theory of Change
Viable business model
Performance metrics to guide strategy
Right leadership at right time
Mission aligned capital & legal structure

8. Stages of Social Enterprise Growth

9. 12 University of Denver graduate students from 8 different graduate programs—highly competitive
Students spend the fall quarter in the classroom with Janney, learning about social enterprise
Students select 6 social enterprises through a “shark tank” process
Two students from different disciplines spend the winter and spring quarters working with each social enterprise
Students are paid $5,000 for the academic year and are expected to spend 10 hours per week

11. Project X-ITE connects all the resources of the University of Denver together to advance innovation, technology and entrepreneurship across our community, region and world. They support students who are launching ventures, and they work with faculty to design curricula that support innovation.
Incubator X – student entrepreneurs, mentors, funding, for-credit available
Pioneering Summer – 10-week accelerator for student ventures (usually these come through Incubator X
Global Innovation Fellowships – stipend to work with a global organization working on SDGs or Grand Challenges

12. Small Group Discussion
Is there an existing social enterprise at your college?
How might your college initiate a social enterprise?
What assets does your college have to build on in creating a social enterprise?
Divide up into groups of 2 – 4 with people from different colleges
We’ll have a brief report-out on your conversations afterwards

13. Questions? Or contact us...
David Miller, Executive Director
Rebecca Arno, Director
Janney Carpenter, Faculty Director, Social Enterprise Fellowship
Divide up into groups of 2 – 4 with people from different colleges
We’ll have a brief report-out on your conversations afterwards