Merging business and advocacy for social good

Change is not only coming but also faster and more disruptive from unexpected directions. Consumers are becoming more concerned with ethical, social and environmental issues in their purchasing decisions. This leads to businesses looking for sustainable and socially responsible ways to operate.

Also, wealthy investors or business people are looking for more creative and impactful ways to be philanthropic.

Charities are now pressured and exploring for ways to move away from dependence on grant funding. Governments want more public services to be delivered economically at the community level. All these factors and situations are taking the worlds of business, public and other sectors into uncharted territory.

Social entrepreneurs are perfectly adapted in this climate of change and uncertainty. They thrive on this converged ecosystem of charity, business, reliability, enthusiasm and innovation.

What is a social entrepreneur?

Social entrepreneurs find innovative ways to achieve a social mission whether they are working in a local firm, charity/non-profit, a company, a social enterprise or community group.

In communities all over the world, business people realize they can do so much for society if they use their business skills as well as their money. Young people that are turned-off by politics are attracted to the grassroots and Do-it-yourself style of social entrepreneurship.

The SUGOD program

According to World Economic Forum, one of the defining reasons why social enterprises fail is the lack of commitment from founders. This lack of commitment stems from the lack of understanding of real-life challenges and struggles that come with starting a business. And Sugod aims to address this problem.

The Global Shapers Cebu Hub has recently launched this project that equips aspiring social entrepreneurs in Cebu with the fundamentals of starting or sustaining a business with social impact. Here are the topics covered by the Sugod Sessions:

•Reviewing social impact at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall (April 27)

•Legal requirements and obligations at the DTI Negosyo Center, UP Cebu (May 4)

•Operations Management: Business Process and Value Chain at the DTI Negosyo Center (May 18)

•Financial Management at the DTI Negosyo Center (May 25)

•Human Capital, also at the DTI Negosyo Center (June 8)

•Branding and Communications (June 15)

•Business Leadership at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall (June 22)

•SUGOD Expo - Culminating Activity (June 29)

SUGOD 2019 is supported by the Cebu Provincial Capitol, the Department of Trade and Industry Negosyo Center and Co-working Space, Cebu Landmasters, Inc., Steel Art Billboards, and The Company. For more updates/inquiries regarding Sugod, go to ‘Global Shapers Cebu’ Facebook page.

The organizing body of Sugod, the Global Shapers Community Cebu, is part of a worldwide network of hubs committed to create local positive impact in their cities. As part of the youth-arm of the World Economic Forum, it is composed of young leaders ages 20-33 years old with the common desire to help improve the state of the world.

On a personal level, I believe that social entrepreneurship is one of the most exciting work experiences out there. Also, the opportunities for innovation and creating a meaningful impact to society is boundless. You, together with like-minded individuals are creating something that’s never been done before.

You will not be remembered by how much money you make, but through the difference you make in people’s lives. So, do consider investing in these social entrepreneurship skills available out there!

'Soon, all entrepreneurs will be social entrepreneurs.' - Pamela Hartigan

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Vernon Joseph Go is a Real Estate Broker | Author of ‘A Lazy Investor’s Way’ | Online Content Creator