BT and School for Social Entrepreneurs launch Social Entrepreneur Incubator

Brad Cooper

BT and the School for Social Entrepreneurs have  launched a new program to support Australia’s emerging social entrepreneurs.

The SSE & BT Social Entrepreneur Incubator is an annual learning program for up to 25 students who have an idea for a start-up venture with a lasting community benefit.

BT, one of Australia’s most respected and innovative financial institutions, will provide financial support to the Incubator as well as business expertise and mentoring from employees to students on the program.

School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia chief executive, Celia Hodson, said: “The Incubator program will prepare our students for the best start to their entrepreneurial journey by tapping into the business expertise of BT as well as giving them the confidence and networks to make a real difference in their communities.”

BT Financial Group chief executive, Brad Cooper, said: “We are very excited to provide support directly to entrepreneurs – to prepare them to launch social initiatives that deliver positive social change. It aligns perfectly with our vision to help people prepare for their best financial future. “Our funding will provide the opportunity for 25 students to participate in this program.”

Previous School for Social Entrepreneurs students have included Jamie Moore, the creator of Hello Sunday Morning, which tackles binge drinking culture in young people, and Michael Combs, founder of Career Trackers which works with private sector companies and Indigenous university students to create career pathways through internship programs across Australia.

Applications open on 7 April 2014 for interested students and mentors. Application information can be found at: www.sse.org.au