Photo Credit: United Way Southern Interior BC
Four organizations from across the Okanagan have been awarded funding though the Social Enterprise Accelerator Program.
The United Way Southern Interior BC (SIBC), in partnership with Interior Savings Credit Union and the Community Foundations of the North and South Okanagan announced the four recipients; BrainTrust Canada, Naramata Centre, IndigenEYEZ, and Operation Take Two.
As a result of winning the awards, all four organizations have secured funding designed to help them build long-term sustainable revenue for their social enterprise programs.
“This collaborative fund is about supporting the capacity and long term sustainability of charities in our region, a goal we all share,” said Jude Brunt, Community Investment Manager with United Way SIBC. “This is year two of a fund that is ground breaking in our region. It’s something we hope to repeat in future years as we learn how this kind of smart investment can spark the growth of new social businesses, and have positive impact on their missions at the same time.”
Applicant charities submitted their proposals in the Spring and were invited to present their social enterprise at a Dragon’s Den style pitch night to an independent selection panel that scrutinized potential social impact, sustainability, ability to scale, and leadership.
All four selected will receive a year of mentorship through Purppl’s Scale Up social enterprise acceleration program.
The program enables recipients to work with Purppl who will team these social enterprises with experienced “Entrepreneurs in Residence” to help them refine and scale their business model.
Entrepreneurs in Residence are an increasingly beneficial resource in the Okanagan where a wealth of skilled professionals with diverse business and organizational backgrounds bring a balance of experience and coaching, while also helping to hold each social enterprise accountable to moving forward.
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