Jane Watts

SSE Australia & BT kicked off their first joint incubator program to transform Australia’s next group of change-making social enterprises.

The program, also supported by the Westpac Foundation and ideated earlier this year, has recruited 23 entrepreneurs who have an idea for or an existing socially conscious start-up with a high propensity for lasting positive community change.

From encouraging impact investing, gourmet popsicles with a social conscious, addressing gender inequalities through mentoring to providing access for disadvantaged youth to sporting facilities, the 2014 cohort is set to drive social change across Australia.

One of the 23 students, Kate Row, is the founder of DiffAbilities Education – a venture aimed at empowering the understanding of disabilities in school-aged children across Queensland.

“This exclusion too often happens, not because people intend to offend, but due to a lack of understanding of people’s differing abilities. There’s a need for people to interact without invisibility or awkwardness” said Row.

Another student of the 2014 Program, Sheree Rubenstein was inspired step away from her career at one of Australia’s top tier commercial law firms to start a community-based movement for Gen Y women called Think BIG and has joined the Incubator Program to help drive her venture forward.

“Think BIG creates a space where like-minded women can establish meaningfulconnections and inspire one another. It encourages women to own their careers, lovewhat they do and get involved in projects that drive social change” said Rubenstein.

At the program launch last night Celia Hodson CEO, School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia outlined that the unique value the program brings to participants such as Kate and Sheree is the learning experience coupled with the collective networks of BT Financial Group, the Westpac Foundation, and SSE Australia.

“We’re delighted to be working with BT Financial and the Westpac Foundation on this exciting program. The key to creative innovation is bringing together people and processes that are traditionally perceived to be on opposite sides of the spectrum – such as social enterprise education and financial services. I’m excited to showcase through our Program that we have achieved this to foster and mentor this amazing group of social entrepreneurs,” said Ms Hodson.

Jane Watts General Manager Private Wealth, BT Financial Group said BT’s fundamental purpose is to help to prepare people for their best possible financial future – and the SSE & BT incubator initiative is a great example of working in partnership to help a group of social entrepreneurs to prepare for and create an exciting future.

“BT is committed to forging an enduring and productive partnership with SSE where we help the next generation of talented social entrepreneurs in this country to survive and thrive,” Ms Watts said.

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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

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