The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre's Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp: Nurturing Innovators and Changemakers for a Sustainable Future

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) is proud to announce the successful completion of its first Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp, an empowering and transformative program designed to foster the next generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs and changemakers. This socially engaged learning initiative took place over the 21^st and 22^nd of June, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds to explore how to bring innovative solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges.

The Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp brought together students from across each Faculty at the University of Manchester, demonstrating MEC's unwavering commitment to driving positive social impact through entrepreneurship. This year's program witnessed a remarkable influx of talent and creativity, further solidifying the centre's position as a leader in promoting sustainable business practices and fostering a culture of responsible innovation.

Throughout the intensive 1.5-day programme, participants engaged in a series of hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions, and team-based activities, which challenged them to think beyond traditional business models. The bootcamp encouraged a broader perspective, encouraging participants to explore the intersection of profit and purpose, aiming to create businesses that can make a genuine difference in the world.

Key highlights of the Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp included:

·       Inspirational Speakers: attendees heard from Peter Ptashko FRSA, social business coach, and MEC Social Enterprise Ambassador Dr Leigh Wharton, Social Entrepreneur and visiting lecturer at Alliance Manchester Business School. Further insights were provided by Dr Nicola Banks, who recently co-founded the ground-breaking new charitable funding platform One World Together.

·       Collaborative Learning: Participants collaborated in interdisciplinary teams, fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives merged to generate new ideas and solutions.

·       Sustainable Business Models: The bootcamp emphasised the importance of incorporating sustainable practices, inspiring participants to create businesses that have a positive impact on both people and the planet.

·       Mentorship and Guidance: all attendees have benefitted from ongoing personalised guidance to nurture their entrepreneurial aspirations.

As participants immersed themselves in the challenges faced by real-life social enterprises, they were tasked with devising viable business plans to address pressing social and environmental issues. Anika Dubey, programme attendee and MSc International Development student, shared her feedback: “From business planning and the Social Business Model Canvas to perfecting pitches and writing compelling proposals, we honed our skills and received valuable feedback from peers. I'm grateful for the supportive environment fostered by the bootcamp.”

Meanwhile, fellow attendee Kexin Zhang, MA English Literature & American Studies student, reflects: “The bootcamp has ignited my passion for social entrepreneurship and equipped me with valuable tools and knowledge to create positive change.”

MEC’s Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp has proven to be a steppingstone for visionary entrepreneurs who aspire to redefine the landscape of business for a brighter and more sustainable future. The centre's dedication to fostering innovation and empowering individuals to create meaningful social impact remains unwavering.

"We are immensely proud of the remarkable talent and dedication demonstrated by all the participants in this year's Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp," said Lucy Hutchinson, Community Development Manager at MEC. "The ideas and solutions they've generated showcase the potential of entrepreneurship to drive positive change in our society. As a centre, we remain committed to supporting these aspiring changemakers as they continue on their journey to create businesses that make a lasting difference."

About the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC): MEC is a leading hub for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of profit and purpose. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs, the centre welcomes all students, staff, and graduates from the University of Manchester.