The Business of Social Enterprise

You may have Social Enterprise components in your business, like hiring an underprivileged workforce, and not realize you qualify for specialized grants and resources! Common characteristics of a social enterprise are:

• One or more social or envi­ron­men­tal objectives
• A focus on gen­er­at­ing rev­enue from goods and ser­vices, not just grants or dona­tions
• Incor­po­ra­tion of non­prof­it and for-prof­it busi­ness structures
  If you're curious about starting or converting your business into a social enterprise or need support for your current social enterprise business, join us for a comprehensive and engaging, day-long workshop designed to empower current and aspiring social enterprise businesses with valuable insights and practical tools. Active participation is encouraged so we can collaborate and brainstorm in a supportive environment to help each other refine our business plans.

A light breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided.

Agenda:

1. Building Your Business Model: Learn the key components of a robust business model, including value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structure.

• Create a detailed business model canvas.
• Define your unique value proposition and target customer segments.
• Establish clear revenue streams and understand cost structure.

2. Storytelling for Social Enterprises; Master the art of storytelling to craft narratives that inspire potential customers and funders.

• Develop a clear and compelling mission statement.
• Create a structured narrative that highlights your enterprise’s impact.
• Gain confidence in using storytelling techniques to engage and inspire audiences.

3. Accessing Capital for Social Enterprise: Explore various sources of funding, including Kiva, grants, and other capital access opportunities.

• Identify suitable funding sources.
• Understand the application processes for different types of funding.
• Develop a comprehensive capital access plan tailored to your needs.

4. Operations and Systems Setup: Establish effective systems and processes to ensure operational success and scalability.

• Design efficient workflows and process maps for key operations.
• Develop strategies for effective team building and onboarding.
• Create a scalable operations plan that maintains quality and consistency.

Register today to invest in your social enterprise to make a real impact in your community!

Diego Hodge is a seasoned professional known for his ability to transform businesses and real estate ventures into successes.

Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of FLŌH Spirits and the President of Blabberworks Management, his expertise has led to numerous thriving enterprises. As a dedicated advisor at the Women’s Business Center Professional Advisory Network, he fosters business growth and community development. In addition to his impactful career, Diego finds balance in his personal life, sharing his time between Cleveland and Atlanta with his wife, Julia. Together, they nurture a loving family comprising six adult children and eleven grandchildren, ensuring Diego’s legacy of wisdom, excellence, integrity, and wealth shapes the future for generations to come.

The Economic & Community Development Institute's Women's Business Centers of Ohio guide individuals at any stage of the business process. Through one-on-one counseling sessions with WBC staff and volunteers, you can get the direction and resources to meet your goals. Business advisers want to help you successfully start a business, or grow and expand your existing business -- increasing revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.

The WBC services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, and disability. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. To make a request or obtain more information, please contact the WBC in your area or call 1-888-210-3039.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

ECDI, 1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, United States