The Academies for Social Entrepreneurship and UCLA’s Department of Economics, in the Division of Social Sciences, are pleased to announce the second-annual UCLA Social Enterprise Academy, featuring the talents of UCLA’s students, faculty and alumni. The Academy will mentor not-for-profit organizations in developing earned income opportunities that expand their impact and income.
Ten local not-for-profit organizations were accepted for this year’s program. They are Concerned Capital, Disability Rights Center, Environmental Charter Schools, iHopeOC Inc, Jubilee Consortium, LaCAUSA Youth Build, Public Interest Pictures, reDiscover Center, Santa Monica YWCA and YouthSpeak Collective.
Each has a team comprised of staff, volunteers and UCLA economics students. An eight-session workshop series will help participants select the best enterprise idea, conduct market research, and create a business plan. Work sessions will be led by UCLA faculty and alumni with extensive business experience.
Each organization will also be matched with experienced private sector entrepreneurs drawn from UCLA’s alumni network to coach them in preparing for a business plan competition. The competition “Showcase” will take place in late May with cash and pro bono prizes of over $30,000.
This Social Enterprise Academy is a six month program. It combines teamwork, expert training and individualized coaching in a comprehensive approach proven to be effective in building successful new businesses. Since 2008, ASE’s Social Enterprise Academies have helped over 200 not-for-profits develop social enterprises. Each Academy:
- Enables nonprofit organizations to generate income and social impact--achieving what is referred to as a "double bottom line"; - Builds a stronger community by providing social entrepreneurs with the training and support needed to build businesses that address community needs; - Stimulates economic activity through job creation/retention.