Module 1 – Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
It is widely accepted that Social Enterprises (SEs) are drivers of social innovation and social value creation and have become the focus of increased policy attention both internationally and at EU level, since they contribute to the job creation, social inclusion, sustainability, and civic participation.
The nature of the SE activity directly affects the way these entities are governed and managed. Social enterprises must take actions accounting for the interests of different stakeholders and the society at large and balancing social impact and profit returns. Therefore, SE need to employ good governance practices and policies to ensure efficient controls and regulate behaviors and interests.
This module’s four Learning Units cover
- History and evolution of SE in Europe
- Reshape business value chain into social value chain
- Introduction to Social Innovation
- Good Governance of Social Enterprise
The module aims to give a coherent view of the social enterprises and related concepts such as social innovation, the third sector and its shared value. Themes underpinning the social economy sector of the partner countries are also dealt with, with specific focus on recent reforms and changes. The module also presents the key concepts of good governance, and board dynamics in the context of social enterprises and along with measures and mechanisms for enhancing accountability, transparency, and democratic processes.
Learners will develop good understanding of key concepts and practical actions in each of the topics which they can then apply to their social enterprise. When they have completed a Learning Unit they then achieve a Digital Badge which they can collect as evidence of completing the individual Learning Units.
Module 2 – Project Design and Management
The module aims to offer a comprehensive knowledge on the available European funds for social enterprises, with the aim of providing students with tools to identify suitable funding programmes to finance specific projects and ideas. It provides the instruments to address characteristics of a project and its specific features with respect to the ordinary activities of the interested organisation. Themes such as the correct management of a project, including time, costing and resource management of a project, is outlined. Furthermore, students learn how they can write a proposal and participate successfully in a procurement process.
This module’s four Learning Units cover
- EU projects – EU opportunities for the development and funding of social enterprises
- Procurements processes, funding applications and proposals writing
- Project Management
- Soft Skills
The module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to tailor a project idea for a proposal call and choose the most appropriate funding opportunity. It will also provide students with the competences and knowledge to Illustrate good practices of project management (e.g., budgeting, cost estimation, scheduling, scope and risk management tools etc.) whilst enhancing them to think out of the box when trying to provide solutions to social problems.
Learners will understand key concepts and practical actions in each of the topics which they can then apply to their social enterprise. When they have completed a Learning Unit they then achieve a Digital Badge which they can collect as evidence of completing the individual Learning Units.
Module 3 – Human Resources
Human resources have a pivotal role in the smooth operation of social enterprises. Having an interesting yet challenging mix of people and stakeholders active in their business, such as Members of the board, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders, Social Enterprises need to explore opportunities on how to retain balance among these target groups without bringing at risk the achievement of their social mission and vision. In this module social enterprises have the opportunity to identify the role of human resources in their smooth operation by delving into practices regarding managing effectively and efficiently employees and volunteers, applying practices for recruiting and selecting the most suitable candidates, providing motives for maximizing their performance and developing leadership skills appropriate to the SE context.
This module’s four Learning Units cover
- The role of Human Resource Management
- Recruitment and selection of employees and volunteers
- Managing Employees’ performance
- Leadership and communication for maximum impact
The module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to orient themselves in the world of human resources, knowledge of the practices and strategies available from the human resource manager’s point of view. It will also provide students with the competences and knowledge to develop practices for enhancing employees’ personal development and volunteers’ retention and to apply successful leadership by managing the difficulties that derive from the inherently contradicting nature of the SEs
Learners will understand key concepts and practical actions in each of the topics which they can then apply to their social enterprise. When they have completed a Learning Unit they then achieve a Digital Badge which they can collect as evidence of completing the individual Learning Units.
Module 4 – Social impact assessment
The purpose of the module is to provide adequate insights into the social impact assessment of both social enterprise organisations and projects. Students will be enabled to develop a social impact assessment and select the best methodology on the basis of the organisation’s and/or project/service’s context. Finally, the module provides the tools to collect, analyse and communicate data through digital visualisations and specific attention to the importance of the social accountability phase.
Module 5 – Financial and Economic Sustainability of Social Enterprise
A key challenge with social enterprises is to recognise that they share the attributes of a mainstream enterprise and should act as an enterprise in all aspects of their operations. In this module social enterprises have the opportunity to recognise the importance of an enterprise approach by applying economic principles to social enterprises in planning strategies, actions, resources and funding to ensure profitable sustainability while achieving their social objectives.
This module’s four Learning Units cover
- Strategic Planning and the Life cycle of Social Enterprises
- How to build a Business Plan
- Financial Planning and Cash Flow Constraints
- Credit access and opportunities for social enterprises: Social Finance and Social Impact Finance
The module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to orient themselves in the world of impact finance, knowledge of the tools available from the financial operators’ point of view. It will also provide students with the competences and knowledge to start/develop their own social enterprise from the creation of a business plan to accessing funding/credit opportunities.
Learners will understand key concepts and practical actions in each of the topics which they can then apply to their social enterprise. When they have completed a Learning Unit they then achieve a Digital Badge which they can collect as evidence of completing the individual Learning Units.
Module 6 – Growth Strategies, Marketing and Fundraising for SE
Social enterprises, if they would like to survive in the market, must adopt a strategy that leads to an expansion of social impact and long-term profitability. In doing so, it is important that they recognise the needs and desires of consumers and beneficiaries. This module shows how social enterprises conduct market research and competitive analysis and develop a marketing strategy based on the results. It is important to understand the role of marketing, sales and networking as important tools of customer engagement in social enterprises. The module defines different tools and methods of fundraising, focusing on different types of crowdfunding to ensure profitable sustainability while achieving their social goals.
This module’s four Learning Units cover
- Growth strategies and long-term profitability of Social Enterprise
- Market evaluation and assessing competitiveness
- Fundraising and Funding models for SEs
- Marketing, Sales and Networking skills
The module aims at equipping students with theory and practical skills relevant to growth strategies and market positioning of social enterprises. It also focuses on marketing strategies and fundraising tools with different approaches to scale up the business size.
Learners will understand key concepts and practical actions in each of the topics which they can then apply to their social enterprise. When they have completed a Learning Unit they then achieve a Digital Badge which they can collect as evidence of completing the individual Learning Units.
