COURSE INTRODUCTION
Combining innovative mind-sets with the application of entrepreneurial principles, mission- driven ventures can bring social, environmental as well as economic benefits to society. Social entrepreneurship requires visionary entrepreneurs to think out of the box and create new business opportunities. Venture philanthropy and impact investing provide not only the resources to support such efforts, but also impact-driven accountability and results-orientated approaches. This course will teach essential knowledge and tools as well as hands-on skills, so that students can facilitate a real-life social venture partner to address challenges, capture potential opportunities and obtain support from the eco-system to ensure sustainability of the business. Featuring industry leaders as guest speakers during the lectures, the students will learn from both academic and outstanding practitioners of the fields. Students will form teams to work with a chosen social venture partner (“SVP”) in a consulting capacity, and deliver a business presentation on behalf of their social venture partner.
Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to:
• Understand the current landscape of the social enterprise and venture philanthropy Industries; gained an understanding on a broader eco-system of the social enterprise sector, including key players such as businesses, venture philanthropists, NGOs and government agencies.
•Have learned the ability to conduct analysis of critical business issues of a social enterprise and conduct due diligence.
• Understand how design thinking can help develop new business opportunities and offerings with positive social or environmental impact.
• Be able to write and present a professional business analysis proposal. This includes a credible proposal for fund raising, and an articulate presentation to practitioners.
• Have acquired hands-on knowledge and practical skills in the areas of Management consulting, impact investing and social innovation through their project work.
This course shall benefit particularly students interested to become a social entrepreneur, or work for social enterprises and impact investing organizations, including impact funds, private banks, and family offices. It shall inform students to innovatively pursue new opportunities and make impact in the social, environment, and poverty relief arenas.
CLASSES
