School for Social Entrepreneurs – Ontario

The School for Social Entrepreneurs – Ontario (SSE-O) is an innovative educational and entrepreneurial program that provides action-based and practitioner-led learning for entrepreneurs attempting to launch their own social venture.

 

SSE-O will offer a unique approach to learning that enables people to use their creative and entrepreneurial abilities more fully for social benefit. By nurturing community-based social entrepreneurs, the SSE-O will support the exploration of new ideas and innovative approaches to the evolving and complex challenges faced by Ontario communities.

 

When it opens its door in Spring 2012, SSE-O will join an international network of schools located across the UK and Australia.

 

 

How it Works

The SSE-O runs practical learning programs aimed at helping develop the individual social entrepreneur and their organization simultaneously; its approach, and belief, is that social change is people-powered, and that entrepreneurship is a ‘doing’ word.

 

The SSE-O program is directed toward individuals with a diversity of economic, social, education and employment backgrounds, with a broad range of experiences, perspectives and endeavours. The program recognizes that some of the most complex and deeply rooted social challenges must be addressed by the people within those communities. By successfully leveraging their skills and passions the SSE-O is providing local solutions for social entrepreneurs and is committed to accessible, inclusive enrollment regardless of economic ability.

 

SSE’s approach to learning is based on the following ideas:

 

• People learn best about entrepreneurship by taking entrepreneurial action themselves.
• Practitioners and organizations with a track record in innovation, entrepreneurship and achievement provide valuable material.
• Expert knowledge is of most value when it is directly relevant to current need to know.
• Students can learn much from one another.
• Self-awareness enables students to make greater use of their talents, to make choices compatible with their values and to find ways round personal difficulties.
• Individuals have different learning needs and learn in different ways.
• Values are significant for social entrepreneurs.

 

This person-centred approach has been independently proven to create sustainable, thriving enterprises that provide significant, lasting social and economic impact.
 
“Joining with partners in the UK and Australia, the school will offer support to high-minded and hard-headed individuals who have ideas which will transform their communities! I can’t wait to meet the remarkable people who will form the first cohort of the SSE in Ontario.” – Alastair Wilson, CEO, School for Social Entrepreneurs

 

 

Who’s Involved

SSE-O is a collaborative initiative led by Housing Services Corporation (HSC), Social Innovation Generation at MaRS (SiG@MaRS), ACCESS Community Capital Fund (ACCESS), and Social and Economic Development Innovations (SEDI).

 

The SSE-O is generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

 

Want to learn more about SSE-O? Contact us