Post on 06-Apr-2016
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Foreword
Social enterprise is emerging as a key area of growth in the UK; there are approximately 70,000 social
enterprises in the UK contributing £18.5 billion to the UK economy, employing almost a million
people. Change Agents UK’s work in supporting social and green enterprise – and those who start
them - evolved from our continued vision to support young people and graduates to make a positive
environment for people and planet through their careers. By engaging our network of 10,000 young
people with more sustainable business models and encouraging positive solutions to social and
environmental issues, Change Agents UK aims to foster skills that make young people employable and
provide them with the opportunity and support to enact meaningful change in their communities
through enterprise.
Winning funding through RBS Inspiring Women in Enterprise in September 2013, our Women in Social
and Environmental Enterprise project specifically targeted female social and green entrepreneurs.
The WiSEE project was born as a positive response to the barriers faced particularly by female social
and green entrepreneurs, alongside the philosophy that business should tackle social issues, improve
communities and create positive environmental outcomes. The WiSEE Network now has just under
400 members nationwide and has supported more than 10 businesses being launched by women it’s
engaged with. The RBS-funded phase of the project officially came to a close in August 2014.
This report was compiled to share the outcomes of the WiSEE project, alongside showcasing the
fantastic women involved in the project.
Jasmine Kubski Michaela Skodova
WiSEE Project Manager WiSEE Project Officer
September 2014
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Introduction
The RBS Inspiring Women in Enterprise
programme was designed to encourage more
women to explore enterprise and build their
skills to start up and succeed in business. RBS
made £3 million available between 2012 and
2015 to provide grant funding to not-for-
profit organisation that run programmes to
support more young people and women into
enterprise. As part of this, RBS committed to
inspire and enable 20,000 women to explore
and unlock their enterprise potential by the
end of 2015,
Change Agents UK (CAUK) aims to foster the
learning, skills development and employability
of young people and graduates passionate
about sustainability, supporting them in
making a positive impact through their
careers. CAUK have over 10,000 young people
– ‘change agents’ - registered to our network.
We believe anyone has the potential to be a
change agent for sustainability in their
community. This is accomplished in a variety
of ways, primarily through the provision of
quality paid work experience in the
sustainability sector, alongside programming
that supports change agents who aspire to
launch a social or green enterprise.
WiSEE: The Vision
In September 2013, CAUK partnered up with
Inntropy and NETpositive Futures to launch
the Women in Social and Environmental
Enterprise project (WiSEE). WiSEE was born as
a positive response to the barriers faced
particularly by female entrepreneurs wanting
to ‘make a job’ (or many!), alongside the
philosophy that business should tackle social
problems, improve communities and create
positive environmental outcomes
What difference is WiSEE trying to
make?
The WISEE project aspired to inspire and
support women to take their green or social
venture ideas from concept to reality, with
the goal of creating more job opportunities
that make a positive impact for sustainability
in our communities.
WiSEE was geared to address common
barriers faced by women launching social and
green enterprises, such as low self-
confidence, lack of business expertise and
relatable role models and few effective
support networks.
When we launched, our goal was to directly
support over 200 women and foster the
launch of 10 businesses. Now the WiSEE
project now has 360 members and over 10
businesses launched to its name.
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"I think this is a fantastic project and thanks for the support already given to me
via email. It is encouraging/surprising to know people are ready and passionate
to go out their way to help you!" (Sophie, WiSEE Member, January 2014)
How WiSEE works
WiSEE is a UK-wide programme that inspires
and facilitates new green and social
enterprises run by women. The format of the
project involved launching a free national
network, hosted primarily through online
resources, including: webinars, signposting,
discussions and inspirational stories and role
models.
The WiSEE network is open to all women -
from those who have never even considered
starting their own green business; to those
who already have a plan for their enterprise
carved out and just need some extra guidance
and support to launch it successfully.
Who are our WiSEE women?
The majority of women in the network were
‘seriously considering’ starting their own
green venture in the foreseeable future (69%
of network members), while 12% of women in
network were already running their business
or experienced entrepreneurs.
WiSEE Finalists Programme
The WiSEE project launched a national
contest, inviting members of the network to
pitch their entrepreneurial idea for the chance
to become a Finalist on the intensive
Bootcamp Programme. WiSEE recruited an
expert panel of Judges to select the top 15
pitches, including leaders in the sustainability
and social enterprise sector such as Tim Smit
from the Eden Project and Sue Riddleston
from Bioregional. 30 women applied and 14
Finalists were selected to undertake:
A 3 day residential Bootcamp
6 months of mentoring
A boost grant of up to £600
On-going support and advice from
the WiSEE Team, experienced
professionals & entrepreneurs.
Diversity of WiSEE Network
White
Black Caribbeanand Black AfricanSouth Asian
East Asian
Other
Prefer not to say
Age Breakdown of WiSEE Network
17 - 30 years
30 - 50 years
50 years +
Other
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"Looks pretty awesome, inspiring stuff! I've just graduated and am
applying for numerous uninspiring jobs. This might be the way out of the
jobcentre and the chance to create something genuinely useful!"
(Louise, WiSEE Member, January 2014)
Key activities & statistics
Key Outcomes
WiSEE has directly engaged with over
360 women signed up to the WiSEE
Network.
WiSEE has supported the launch of 10
businesses since October 2013. The
founding women stated WiSEE played
an important role in preparing them
to launch their business.
Impact
78% of the WiSEE participants now feel more confident about starting their own business
76% women signed up to our network now view working for themselves as realistic option
100% of women who attended our free webinars said: “Yes, I feel more confident about the
idea of starting my own enterprise.”
Reach
Organised 3 webinars, directly engaging with 100 registered participants in total
The WiSEE project was featured in The
Guardian 4 times
WiSEE provided over 100 free resources
and participatory opportunities on social
media and via 15 issues of the WiSEE
Newsletter
WiSEE ran 5 contests and challenges
launched in partnership with women
from the network and sponsors, offering
prizes and expertise such as professional
coaching.
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WiSEE Network Resources
The purpose of the WiSEE Project was to provide accessible online content and support for women across the country – fostering an active network with discussion and participation: creating a hub of information and resources for women entrepreneurs to share. Women were invited to register with the Network to gain access to Newsletter, dedicated Facebook and LinkedIn page with online discussion, information, online tools/webinars and Dropbox folder. The Newsletter was one of our primary mechanisms of communicating with the Network. By signposting relevant information, tools and resources the WiSEE Network were provided with a ‘hub’ of relevant and easily accessible information on a monthly basis. The Newsletter was a popular and highly rated resource amongst the Network.
The Monthly ‘WiSEE Startrepreneur’ feature was introduced to provide women with inspiring and relatable role models who have started social enterprises themselves. We provided a particular focus on their personal stories, struggles and successes.
Live and recorded webinars, accessible 24/7, provide an interactive platform to ask questions directly to experts on key topics such as Financing, Digital Marketing and the ‘Mindset’ of a successful entrepreneur. Experts were female social entrepreneurs who offered their time voluntarily. 100% of attendees said “Yes, I feel more confident about the idea of starting my own enterprise.”
The WiSEE Dropbox folder was made public to the Network and comprises a large collection of resources on wide range of topics such as Business & Planning, Finance & Money, Guides for Social Enterprises, Marketing, etc. Resources included were created by leading social enterprise support orgnaisations
The WISEE Project Officer provided direct support to participants over the lifetime of the project. The Project Officer provided over 64 direct one-to-one support over the phone to the wider WiSEE Network and Finalists. Sessions lasted approximately 30 minutes and were conducted over the phone, providing advice and tailored support. 100% of requests for support were delivered.
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"We are excited to have talented women from across the country coming to
Nottingham to kick-start their social and green entrepreneurial careers."
(Nick Gostick, Managing Director of Managing Director of Inntropy and Nottingham CleanTech Centre)
The WiSEE Finalist Programme
The Bootcamp
The 3-day residential Bootcamp for 14 Finalists
was successfully delivered in early December
2013 at the Nottingham CleanTech Centre. The
WiSEE Finalists joined us from across the
country to sharpen their skills and hone their
business idea, with the goal to launch and grow
their business successfully over a 10 month
period.
The Bootcamp content and format was
adapted to address the specific barriers and
needs outlined by Finalists in their
applications. Key areas of focus included:
Funding
Marketing
Business planning
Finances
‘where to start’
Mentoring & Boost Grants
Following the Bootcamp, WiSEE Finalists
submitted a personal profile and ‘needs
analysis’ to facilitate matching with mentors.
Dedicated Mentors were recruited by our
partners at NETpositive Futures. Mentors were
experienced social and environmental
entrepreneurs assigned to Finalists, to provide
guidance and support as our Finalists brought
their enterprise to market during the 6 month
period following the Bootcamp.
Our WiSEE Finalists also received a cash
injection through our £600 Boost grant.
Finalists were required to submit a Boost
Grant Proposal, outlining their personal plan,
where the money would be invested and how
it fit into their business plan. Finalist invested
their grants into equipment, websites, market
research, qualifications, branding and logo
development.
Finalist Ventures
FOREST NURSERIES AQUAPONICS
URBAN WORM COMPOSTING FOOD WASTE
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
UP-CYCLED CRAFTS ETHICAL FASHION
GREEN FILM PRODUCTION
HEALTH AND WELLBEING WASTE CONSULTANCY
GREEN CITY TOURS FOOD AND HOSPITALITY
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"This project is very exciting and inspiring! Thank-you for the wonderful
opportunity and gift you are sharing with the world."
(Anita, WiSEE Member, September 2013)
WiSEE Finalists Programme Results
“THE EXPERIENCE WAS INSTRUMENTAL TO HELPING ME IDENTIFY THE SKILLS I NEED
TO DEVELOP FURTHER”
“THE BOOTCAMP HELPED OPEN MY EYES TO DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES”
“IT HELPED CLARIFY MY IDEA AND GET MY BUSINESS GOING”
“DEMYSTIFIED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP”
“HELPED BUILD MY SELF BELIEF” “I NOW SEE MYSELF AS A BUSINESS WOMAN”
“MEETING THE OTHER WOMEN WAS INSPIRATIONAL”
“PROVIDED A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL TO LEARN WITH AND
FROM OTHER WOMEN”
OF PARTICIPANTS STATED THAT THE BOOTCAMP MADE
THEM MORE ABLE AND CONFIDENT TO START THEIR
BUSINESS.
93%
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WiSEE inspiration: Finalists Case Studies
Here are few bits and pieces from WiSEE Finalists case studies writing up their journey:
Anna Sowa: Chouette Films’ green journey
“…When Chouette Films ‘hatched from an egg’ we started with the aim of producing high-quality,
powerful but affordable films for social change. We immediately found a market for our films but
more importantly were making a genuine difference. Yet, something felt missing, incomplete, not
fully satisfying in our work. The lack of environmentally sound practices in the industry really
concerned us. We wanted to challenge this, take Chouette Films one step further and become a
green film production company. We also had no doubt film is a perfect medium to set a new trend in
this regard which other industries should follow. It was pure quirk of fate that we’ve heard about
WiSEE at that time. Being selected as a WiSEE finalist has been the very beginning of our green
journey.“
Kate Griffiths: Project Grow
“…Seems somewhat grandioise/arrogent now I have worked with several schools, and have a better
understanding of their chaos and complexity. Yes, I have a clearer idea about the schools market, it
is a challenging one. I think the pilot pilot phase was about developing our “product”, finding the
form within which I wanted to work (I’m not sure I have this bit right) and from this the Family Wild
Club has been born (DOB April 2014). The bootcamp and Mentor gave me the tools to move forward
as a business women – and most importantly - the confidence to see myself as someone with skills
and services that people might actually – SHOCK HORROR – pay money for. So…to be continued. All I
know is that being part of WISSE was a great start for me, and my Mentor has helped me so much
along this bumpy, wonderful, scary, exhausting journey.”
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Our inspiration: WiSEE Finalists Case Studies
Anna de la Vega: The Urban worm – Urban Composting Solutions
“The Urban Worm was founded last year as a solution for managing organic waste onsite whilst
providing a superior alternative to artificial agrochemicals by utilising the composting worm.
Managing organic waste onsite reduces the need for dependence on fossil fuel driven machinery for
diverting the valuable waste resource to landfill and promotes a circular use of resources. Although I
am still in the early stages of my enterprise it would not have been possible without WISEE. WISEE
has equipped me with the firm belief that if it was business that got us into our current situation it is
(good) business that can get us out. Female entrepreneurs who value societal values over profits will
play a significant role in shaping the future of the economy and it is organisations such as Change
Agents who are helping make this happen, thank you.”
Sally Darbyshire: Barter Me This
“I became increasingly interested in food waste and food sustainability during autumn 2013 when
my Dad had a huge surplus of fruit in his garden. Much of this surplus fruit went to waste because he
didn’t have adequate storage and couldn’t give away enough to family and friends. I thought at the
time that it would be great to swap these surpluses for more useful food products that he wasn’t
growing, effectively getting something for free and reducing all this food waste, a kind of food swap.
….I used the boost grant from WiSEE to set up an initial meeting with local people to work out how
they could imagine a food swap event working. The event was great! Eight local people, most of
whom didn’t know each other, coming together to swap food, recipes and even skills with no money
exchanging hands! Since then I’ve hosted another event which attracted more food swappers and
have already planned next month’s swap. My next steps are to continue building momentum for the
food swap events, plan for a harvest festival in September and developing ways to make the food
swaps sustainable.”
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Vicky Shearn: Cycled Crafts
“I am excited to be selling at my first festival and am hoping that it is a great success and that it will
be the first of many. I am aspiring to be a carbon neutral craft business, upcycling products to extend
their life cycle, all sourcing and transporting of
goods is done by bicycle to keep the footprint
low and where possible had tools are used.
One woman and her bike on a mission to
change the world of crafts, making earth
friendly good quality home wares (mostly). My
main focus after the festival is to gain an online
presence so that customers can be engaged
after the festival and also so that if people
would like to be in touch or buy from me they
can. I hope that by the end of the summer I will be up and running online and continuing to develop
my range. The support of WiSEE has allowed me to continue to grow and enabled me to remain
focused on the idea when I felt disheartened.”
Sinead Fortune: Urban Catch
I’d be lying if I said that things have been a breeze since then – this is a long journey I’ve embarked
upon. It involves constant trial and error,
sticking my neck out a lot, long nights
and work-filled weekends. But I’m
getting there one, often intimidating,
step at a time. I’m now one of the young
social entrepreneurs forming part of the
Commonwealth Legacy here in Glasgow,
I’m working with several partner
organisations, and have developed a
classroom-based aquaponics
programme. I have big ideas for the next year, though there
are a lot of unknowns. In times of uncertainty, it’s always comforting to look back and see how far
I’ve come, and my experience with WISEE and the other Finalists has been a fortifying and vital part
of this journey.
Laura Marano: Merkato
WiSEE was the perfect opportunity to test my business idea on creating fairly traded home ware and
fashion accessories by having to present it to a
totally new audience and receive feedback. I’ve
gained so much more confidence in my ideas,
business plan and skills. It’s still very challenging
to manage working full-time whilst setting up my
business – but I’ve learned to be less of a
perfectionist in order to just get going. All in all
WiSEE was a great springboard to galvanise me
into action and really invest time and effort in
establishing an effective social enterprise.
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Thank you!
Thank you to all who supported us in the RBS Women Inspiring Enterprise public vote.
A special thanks goes to our WiSEE partners:
Inntropy, especially Nick Gostick,
Managing Director of Inntropy and
NCTC
NETpositive Futures (formerly
known as ESD Solutions),
especially Sheri-Leigh Miles,
Managing Director of NETpositive
Futures
And big thanks also goes to everyone who helped delivery training and activities at the Bootcamp.
And of course, even bigger thank you goes to our Finalists who worked so hard over the course of
the programme.
We thank our Panel of Expert Judges, formed by experts from social enterprise sector. In no
particular order: Tim Smit - Founder of the Eden Project, Servane Mouazan - Founder of Ogunte, Sue
Riddlestone - Founder and CEO of BioRegional, Sophie Antonelli - Founder of the Green Backyard
and The Land Girl, Meghan Sapp - Founder of PANGEA and Planet Energy, Anna Simpson - Editor of
Green Futures Magazine
Phase 3 would not be possible without our WiSEE Mentors: Alanna Ford, Heather Luna, Martina De
Luca, Penney Poyzer, Rod Boyes, Emma Hill, Shona Munroe, Yasmin Haq, Jill Evenden, Meghan Sapp,
Caron Johnson, Ayesha Bell, Ali Ward, Matt Adams & Hanna Plant
We would also like to thank our various supporters: Rhian Sherrington from Choose2Flourish and
WinS (Women in Sustainability Network), Natalie Fee - Bristol Happiness Champion, presenter,
producer and author, Marie Milligan from Wild Women Do Network, Kathryn Tyler & Nikki Cochran
from Hackney Social, Sandra Green from Green Revolutions, Green Futures Magazine, Mum Plus
Business, DigVentures, WISE, Champions TV, Chocolate Memories, Ecover UK, Naked Wines & Who
made your pants? & many more.
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- - -
Positive words about WiSEE…
"An engaging, productive experience with like-minded women
who are trying to make a difference" (Lisa, WiSEE Member, June 2014)
"WiSEE was a great starting point when thinking about setting up my own
business, in terms of resources and support, but ultimately I think that I need
to develop my skills and experience as an employee before I can seriously
consider starting an enterprise."
(Kirsty, WiSEE Member, June 2014)
"WiSEE - a wonderful opportunity that came along at the right time" (Kate, WiSEE Member, June 2014)
"This was such an incredibly valuable experience for me - exactly
what I needed to support and help me with launching my
business." (Tali, WiSEE Finalist and Bootcamp participant, December 2013)
"It surpassed all my expectations, it stayed true to its values throughout &
totally inspired me to reflect on my own personal values, "inner drive" & use
that to develop, drive my personal & (hopefully) business development. "
(Elaine, WiSEE Finalist and a Bootcamp participant, December 2013)
www.changeagents.org.uk E: jasminekubski@changeagents.org.uk T: 01572 723 419 Twitter: @changeagentsuk
"It seems that the well-known saying 'When you educate a woman
you educate a nation' has proved true to WiSEE.”
(Anna S, WiSEE Finalist, June 2014)
"Amazing to be with such inspiring, motivated women who want to
make a positive change in the world."
(Anna V, WiSEE Finalist and a Bootcamp participant, December 2013)